Have you ever heard of hydrogels? If not, here is its use in the world and how it can help people without access to fresh water
Even with scientific and technical advancements, many people still need access to clean water (and sometimes just to the water). Arid regions worldwide include Egypt, Libya, Namibia, Peru, Sudan, Chile, and small oceanic islands. In order to collect water vapour from porous nanoparticles, physicists have been developing solar light concentrators for more than a decade. However, what if water could be extracted from the air using a small and simple device? One of the most recent of these human creations is a hydrogel, which, when used on a solar panel, can draw water from dry air. Cell Reports Physical Science published the work of its authors, who were employed by the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Tuwal(Saudi Arabia).
“Hydrogel will allow you to extract water from the air, using waste heat energy for this,” says Professor Wang Pen.
The hydrogel can actively absorb air vapour because it has several gaps that are partially filled with liquid. As a result, it can protect excellent solar panels and promote water.
The hydrogel underwent practical testing. The water that accumulated overnight chilled the solar battery’s applied surface by 17 degrees, boosting the battery’s efficiency by almost 10%. Furthermore, researchers still took around three litres of water every month from a single panel.
A person may survive without fresh water for, on average, 10 to 14 days. Additionally, if he is not and is, the time limit may be extended to 60 days. However, if we are referring to a person who was left without water in the sweltering sun, these numbers can be multiplied by a significant number. Therefore, experts think the hydrogel they created is essential for the planet as a means of rescuing visitors who become lost in the steppes and deserts.
Today, however, even individuals who appear to live close to lakes and rivers need access to fresh water. There are several causes. As a result of an increase in water temperature brought on by global climate change, algae started to bloom more aggressively in water bodies. Second, urbanization and industry cause water pollution from pesticides and fertilizers, untreated sewage, and industrial waste.
Thirdly, most of the water consumed by farmers is wasted because of agriculture, mainly because of leaky irrigation systems. Fourthly, the population is growing, which has an impact on freshwater usage.
As a result, getting water from the air may soon become more than simply a fascinating finding. Scientists are aware of this and always coming up with new techniques to transform one into another.
References:
https://www.snexplores.org/article/innovation-2022-solar-powered-system-energy
This is a fascinating topic. This new idea of water collection from the air using solar panels is fantastic!
It is important to note that this type of water generation is not replacing traditional water sources like wells, reservoirs, and rivers. However, it can be a valuable supplement in certain circumstances, such as in areas where water is scarce or emergency situations where access to traditional water sources is limited.
Wow I didn’t even know about this method of collecting water, it’s cool that people are developing and coming up with all the many ways to get water given global warming and the lack of fresh water because of this. I hope people come up with even more ways to get fresh water considering global warming it will help a lot.