Researchers Harness Power of Osmosis for Water Purification

January 30th, 2009 by Ariel Schwartz

As the world approaches peak water, technology to harvest freshwater from non-potable sources becomes increasingly important. Researchers at Yale University have recently developed such desalination technology using the power of osmosis.

While desalination systems have been around for years, Yale doctoral student Robert McGinnis and his advisor Menachem Elimelech have taken a novel approach that requires only one-tenth the electric energy used in traditional systems.

The researchers use “forward osmosis” (natural water diffusion) to draw pure water from contaminants to a concentrated salt solution. The desalinated water can easily be removed with a low heat treatment that requires minimal energy input.

Yale University will market the innovative technology through a new company called Oasys. We’ll post more information as it becomes available.

Photo Credit: Yale University









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