Virtual Booth

Access to clean and safe drinking water is a common challenge faced by campers and outdoor enthusiasts, particularly in remote areas where water sources may be contaminated which can lead to waterborne illnesses such as cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery (South East Asia and Africa) and hepatitis A (Latin America) and other various symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain. As such, using activated charcoal for purifying water while camping can be a practical way to address immediate water filtration needs. This project, named as AQUA-ASH, explores the use of activated charcoal as a portable and efficient solution for water purification during camping trips. Activated charcoal is a natural substance, known for its high porosity and excellent absorption properties, effectively removes impurities such as bacteria, organic pollutants, and chlorine from water. By designing lightweight, making it easy to carry in camping gear without adding bulk and compact filtration systems incorporating activated charcoal. This solution offers a reliable way to purify water on the go. The system can be adapted for individual or group use and is compatible with untreated sources like rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and streams. It is cost effective-relatively inexpensive option for water filtration compared to more advanced filtration systems or purchasing bottled water. Aqua-Ash is helpful for campers on budget who still want to ensure safe drinking water during their trip. Its ease of maintenance makes it an ideal choice for outdoor applications. Auqa-Ash directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, whereby the activated charcoal offers a method to purify water in situations where access to safe and clean water may be limited or in challenging environments. It can significantly improve the quality of water by removing impurities that may cause illness. For campers, it can serve as an affordable, portable, and effective way to make water safer to drink. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, by reducing dependency on single-use plastic water bottles. Activated charcoal, especially when made from renewable resources like coconut shells or wood, offers an eco-friendly and sustainable water filtration option. It is biodegradable and reusable, helping to reduce waste and environmental impact compared to single-use plastic filters. SDG 13: Climate Action, by encouraging ecofriendly practices in outdoor activities. By choosing natural and sustainable charcoal products for water filtration, campers can reduce their reliance on disposable plastic water bottles, contributing to SDG 13 (Climate Action). The reduction of plastic waste through more sustainable alternatives can help in mitigating the environmental impact of pollution, particularly plastic that ends up in oceans and landfills. Lastly, by using activated charcoal for water filtration, campers reduce the risk of contaminating natural water sources. This aligns with SDG 15 (Life on Land), which aims to halt the degradation of natural habitats and protect biodiversity by preventing pollutants from entering ecosystems.