Three solutions to the water problem: A cooperative program by UTEC – Harvard

“This is an example of what we are capable of doing. Our students propose solutions to real world problems next to the students of one of the best universities in the world.  In this way they understand engineering as a global career path of great significance for society”, in the words of Professor Juan Carlos Rodríguez, this is the spirit of the Cooperative Program between UTEC and Harvard: A Partnership in Education, Innovation and Research. This is the second time that students from Harvard University arrive at UTEC, following a selection process carried out in Boston. Together with UTEC students, who also underwent a rigorous selection and orientation process, they took on the challenge of water security and water treatment for safe consumption, something which is particularly important in Lima, the second largest city in the world growing in a desert zone. The project included the analysis and quantification of water pollution in its natural forms (in the Huaycoloro and Lima Rivers), as well as in peripheral urban areas, more specifically, in Manchay.The working group was highly multi-disciplinary, including students from Harvard (in mechanical, chemical, environmental, electronic and biomedical engineering programs) and UTEC students pursing studies in industrial, chemical, energy and electronic engineering.  The group of professors heading up the project also came from different specialties. What was the joint proposal for reaching a practical solution?Based on and inspired by a quote from Theodore Roosevelt: Do what you can with what you have, where you are, the three best solutions to this major problem were presented: 1. Water purification system using ozone2. Chlorine content detector in water, and 3. Environmental inertial pumping system to prevent the contamination of reservoirs Water purification system using ozoneWhy an ozone generator? Because it kills bacteria, does not cause damage to products subjected to this procedure, it does not require chlorine, it leaves no traces of ozone. This ozone generator purifies water and is a solution that can be replicated.  Here is a video. Technical Explanation: Ozone can be produced by means of an electrical discharge in the presence of oxygen (it can be industrial oxygen or even oxygen from the air). The generated ozone is bubbled in the water to be purified and because it is such a strong oxidizing agent, it kills bacteria.Chlorine content detector in waterThis detector was a proposal to improve upon detection methods used to discover the levels of chlorine in disinfected water, in such a way that users do not expose themselves to the risk of a lack of chlorine or an excess of same. Currently questions arise such as: What is the correct measure for its use? How does one determine if the “purified” water is acceptable and safe?  Here we will show you a meter that solves this problem. Technical Explanation:  In water, chlorine reacts with an indicator, a substance that gives color to the water. This color can be measured with a photo detector which is programmed to emit the colors red, yellow and green in the event that the water contains too much chlorine, or lacks chlorine, or is within the precise range for safe consumption.   Inertial pumping system used to prevent the contamination of water reservoirsThis system seeks to protect water containers from the presence of mosquitos and impurities which pollute the water, by using a protector and an ingenious way to extract water without opening the container. Technical Explanation: The inertial pump is a system that enables extraction of water in a container through mechanical methods, as shown in the diagram or video.  By being coupled to an adjustable lid, you ensure that people are prevented from introducing contaminated containers to draw water.