Abhith Kasala

Innovator•United States

Climate•Seed

A Novel Sustainable, Low-Cost, and Scalabale water filtration system for a global scale that utilizes a natural plant extract as a coagulant. The plant which is drough-resistant and native to the southern hemisphere of the world expresses microplastic, heavy metal, and bacteria removing properties. Global Water Pollution Statistics: ❖More than 40% of bodies of water are severely polluted ❖This puts over 3 billion people at risk of disease due to unknown water quality (UNEP) ❖More than 80% of sewage generated by human activities is discharged into rivers and oceans without any treatment, which results in environmental pollution and more than 50 diseases ❖80% of diseases and 50% of child deaths worldwide are related to poor water quality. Industrial production is the largest polluter Microplastic Pollution Statistics: Global plastic pollution is leading to the widespread presence of microplastics (MPs), harming the environment, water quality, aquatic life, and human health. ❖400 million tons of plastic, including polyethylene (PET) and polystyrene (PS), are produced annually, much of which ends up in landfills and oceans. ❖Microplastics are formed by the breakdown of plastics into pieces ≤5 mm in size and pose serious environmental and health risks. ❖They carry toxic chemicals which bioaccumulate in organisms, and biomagnify up the food chain, affecting humans. These MPs are highly absorbable and pose significant health threats. There is a major need for a low-cost, environmentally friendly, accessible, and effective water purification system for developing nations and communities in need around the world.