FURI | Spring 2018

The Utilization of Cross-linked Polymer Mesh in Water Filtration to Increase Efficiency

Water filtration is a primary concern in developing countries with limited clean water access. The maintenance on these processes is also costly due to the short lifespan of filters. The addition of a polymer mesh to the filter is theorized to increase the lifespan of a filter exponentially due to the lack of fouling from biological material. Tests will be conducted utilizing Polyethylene glycol cross-linked Polyvinyl Alcohol mats to determine their effectiveness in stopping this fouling in filters. Success in these trials will lead to increased cost-to-efficiency in these filtration systems, thus allowing more prolific use in the developing world.