By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
Programme

Water filtration using MOFs

Affordable, efficient, and sustainable water filtration system to remove toxic contaminants

The project aims to create a water filtration system using Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), which are highly effective at removing harmful contaminants from water. MOFs are materials made from metal ions linked by organic molecules, forming a porous structure that can trap specific pollutants, such as arsenic, in the water.

Arsenic contamination in groundwater is a major global issue, especially in areas like Bangladesh and parts of India, where it can lead to serious health problems like cancer. Traditional water treatment methods can be expensive, energy-consuming, and often not efficient enough for widespread use, especially in developing countries.

This MOF-based filtration system stands out because it's:

  • Affordable: It doesn't require expensive chemicals or complicated machinery.
  • Efficient: It can effectively remove contaminants like arsenic.
  • Sustainable: MOFs are recyclable, and the system can be reused multiple times.

The goal is to develop a prototype of this filtration system and demonstrate its effectiveness in treating contaminated water. The project will start with arsenic, but the technology can later be adapted to other pollutants like lead, fluoride, or mercury. After successful testing, the solution will be shared with organizations for industrial application, especially in regions with severe water contamination problems. A non-profit version will be created to make it affordable for developing countries, while a commercial version will be offered for wealthier regions.

The project is designed to be scalable, meaning it could be used in hospitals, local water treatment plants, and even in rural areas where clean water is scarce. This solution has the potential to drastically improve public health by providing safe drinking water to those in need.

Credits Main Image: ICRC

Projects
No items found.
Gallery
No items found.
Projects managers
Nathalie Morandini Siegrist
Head of Sustainable Development

Nathalie Morandini Siegrist

Head of Sustainable Development

Nathalie holds an M.A. in Social Sciences. She has a rich background in humanitarian work and social impact projects, working with NGOs and international organizations. She has led diverse teams across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Balkans, Central America, and Switzerland, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and building cross-cultural partnerships to develop impactful solutions that advance societal progress. Her core areas of expertise include post-crisis recovery, gender-based violence, and forced migration.In her previous roles, Nathalie worked with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Geneva on anti-human trafficking interventions and served as an independent consultant specialising in strategic planning for humanitarian initiatives. She also contributed to socio-economic integration programs for refugees in Switzerland. Nathalie joined EssentialTech in 2021 as Head of Stakeholder relations and Fundraising before taking the Head of the Sustainable Development Division in 2023, Nathalie leads interdisciplinary innovation projects that strategically leverage technology to develop sustainable solutions for vulnerable communities. Her work focuses notably on improving access to essential health services, including neonatal care, oxygen therapy,and assistive devices, while empowering healthcare professionals and institutions in low-resource settings.

 

 

Publication & Media
More projects

SmartCervix

A smartphone-based AI solution for the detection of cervical cancer
Sustainable Development
Ongoing
Cervical cancer, screening, SmartCervix, AI, image analysis, healthcare, telemedicine, lesions, prevention, diagnosis
Topics

BmAi

AI for Malnutrition awareness
Sustainable Development
Ongoing
health, children, newborn
Topics

GlobalViewAid

Enhance the autonomy and safety of blind people in urban environments
Sustainable Development
Ongoing
handicap, blind, health, AI, disability
Topics