Overview

• Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have developed a portable water filtration system that can make water from nearby streams and rivers drinkable.
• The system uses a syringe to collect dirty water and injects it into a hydrogel filter that removes nearly all tiny particles.
• The filter is made of low-cost, sustainable, readily available materials and can be used up to 30 times before needing to be replaced.
• The system has been tested with various water sources, including muddy water, river water, and water contaminated with microplastics.
• The researchers aim to further develop the technology for larger scale use to address global drinking water needs.