Source - Technology Update
Household treatment: expanding network gaining recognition
06 Sep 05
The International Network to Promote Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage (HWTS) has expanded from 20 to more than 70 participating institutions, many from developing countries.
Mobile phones: boon for plumbers and small businesses in Kenya
22 Aug 05
The mobile phone has become the most essential work item for Theuri, a plumber, electrician and small businessman who, like many Kenyans, makes a living from various different jobs at the same time.
Groundwater detection: radar finds water for Sudan refugees
27 Jul 05
A new technique has been developed by Alain Gachet, using satellites orbiting 800 km above the earth to search for water.
Arsenic removal: Kanchan Arsenic Filter removes pathogens and impurities
27 Jul 05
A new household arsenic filter has been developed under the Nepal Water Project. It is simple and effective: field research shows arsenic removal is in the range of 85-95 per cent, but it's also relatively costly: US$ 20 (EUR 16.65).
Rainwater harvesting: mapping potential in Southern and Eastern Africa
13 Jul 05
UNEP and the Southern and Eastern Africa Rainwater Network (SEARNET) are developing maps in GIS format to illustrate the suitability for rainwater harvesting in the region.
Natural coagulants: simple method to extract protein from Moringa oleifera seeds
13 Jul 05
Researchers from Sweden have developed a simple method to extract and purify coagulating proteins from Moringa oleifera seeds. The proteins are a low-cost locally available alternative to expensive commercial coagulants used in large-scale water treatment plants in developing countries.
Settled sewerage: pilot project in rural Ireland
28 Jun 05
A EUR 11.8 million pilot project has been launched by the Irish government that will introduce Septic Tank Effluent Drainage Systems (STEDS) (settled sewerage) in seven villages in County Tipperary.
Desalination: India opens world’s first low temperature thermal desalination plant
31 May 05
The world’s first ever low temperature thermal desalination plant (LTTD) was opened in Kavaratti, one of the Indian Lakshadweep islands. The plant cost about INR 50 million and will produce 100,000 litres/day of potable water from sea water.
Cloud seeding: royal reign breaks drought, Thailand
28 Apr 05
Planes use a technique patented by the King of Thailand to seed clouds and persuade rain to fall during one of the country’s toughest droughts.
Nanotechnology: potential water applications in developing countries
19 Apr 05
Water treatment was ranked third among the top ten applications of nanotechnology most likely to benefit developing countries.
