Bringing Safe Water to the Masses

摘要

Globalisation is driving rapid urbanisation worldwide. New townships in developing countries draw large numbers of people looking for economic opportunity. The huge influx strains infrastructure and poses challenges to the availability and sustainability of such necessities as safe water. Nanotechnology can help alleviate the water situation, especially in locations lacking proper supply or treatment systems, a US expert in environmental technology believes. Pedro Alvarez, chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, says: "1 think nanotechnologists in the future will design surfaces more resistant to corrosion or microbial colonisation and less subject to friction. In some countries, energy makes up 50-60% the cost of water - for pumping, pressure to drive molecules through membranes, and other activities."