On Drive with Adam Shirley
A team of Canberra scientists has discovered a new process for heating bubbles that can sterilise and desalinate water and remove arsenic and lead. The technology developed by retired professors Barry Ninham and Richard Pashley is being patented and could be used to provide clean drinking water to people in natural disasters and developing countries.
This discussion explores a new approach to water sterilisation that has the potential to significantly improve access to clean drinking water in some of the world’s most water-scarce regions. The focus is on an innovative scientific method that aims to eliminate harmful microorganisms more efficiently than traditional water treatment techniques.
The core idea presented in the research is to use advanced physical and chemical processes to enhance the sterilisation of water without relying heavily on expensive or complex filtration systems. This makes the method particularly relevant for developing regions where access to large-scale water treatment infrastructure is limited.
The audio explains how this approach could be applied in real-world conditions, especially in areas facing severe water shortages. By improving sterilisation efficiency, the technology could help reduce waterborne diseases and improve public health outcomes in vulnerable communities.
Another important aspect discussed is scalability. The method is designed to be adaptable for both small-scale rural use and large municipal systems. This flexibility makes it a promising solution for global water security challenges in the coming years.
Overall, the research highlights a shift towards more sustainable, cost-effective, and accessible water treatment technologies that could play a key role in addressing global water scarcity issues.
This audio interview discusses research on low-cost and efficient water sterilisation technologies developed in Canberra. It explores scientific approaches to improving water safety using physical chemistry and interfacial processes.
This interview discusses low-cost and efficient water sterilisation technology developed in Canberra. The conversation focuses on physical chemistry principles, interfacial processes, and their applications in improving water safety and public health.
Originally published on ABC – On Drive with Adam Shirley –
Duration: 9min 26sec
Broadcast: Wed 28 Sep 2016, 3:00pm
Image: Ian Waldie / Getty Images
