Innovative Solution to Water Scarcity: A Solar Still Made from Discarded Tires
Researchers at Dalhousie University have introduced a groundbreaking solution to address water scarcity: a solar still constructed from discarded tires. This eco-friendly device can purify water at an extremely low cost—less than one cent per liter.
How It Works: Harnessing Sunlight to Purify Water
The solar still operates by capturing sunlight to evaporate impure water. Water is poured into a container inside a tire, covered with a transparent plastic sheet, with a small basin created at the center. As the sun heats the water, it evaporates, condenses on the plastic sheet, and drips into a collection container, resulting in clean, drinkable water. Designed for portability and ease of use, it’s ideally suited for remote and underserved communities.
Real-World Testing Proves High Water Yield
In a test conducted at Halifax Harbour, the device produced an impressive 3.67 liters of fresh water daily. “Maximizing sunlight allows our plasmonic solar still to produce large quantities of water with a straightforward design,” said Matthew Margeson, one of the developers.
Impactful and Sustainable: A Device That Helps Both People and the Planet
“It’s thrilling to demonstrate the still’s effectiveness in real-world conditions, showing its potential to provide freshwater to areas in urgent need,” Margeson added. This solar still promotes environmental sustainability by repurposing waste tires. It offers an affordable and impactful solution for communities facing water scarcity and pollution.
