Khulna: A new water filter utilizing natural cotton has been developed to purify water, particularly benefiting saline-prone regions and aiding in reducing water scarcity during natural disasters. This development is led by a research team from the Bangladesh Army University of Science and Technology (BAUST) in Khulna, spearheaded by Professor Nadim Reza Khandaker.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the innovative filter, which purifies dirty and saline water by utilizing natural cotton, significantly reduces bacteria in muddy, dirty, and saline water, ensuring a supply of safe drinking water. As Professor Nadim explained, the filter is crucial for Bangladesh, a disaster-prone country where access to clean water is vital, especially in coastal areas during severe disasters like cyclones and floods.
The ongoing water crisis in Bangladesh is exacerbated by surface water pollution and inadequate management, jeopardizing water security even in major cities. The increasing cases of waterborne diseases over the years highlight the urgent need for solutions like this filter, which addresses these challenges, as Professor Nadim communicated to BSS.
The project was conducted under Professor Nadim's supervision by his thesis students-Ifaz Kabir Ribab, Ariful Islam Arif, and Nafsadi Ridwan Sakib-with logistical support from BAUST. Professor Abdul Kadir, Executive Director of Sundarbans Academy, emphasized the importance of such innovations, noting that coastal populations, particularly children and women, struggle to access safe drinking water during natural disasters and often suffer from diseases like diarrhea, cholera, jaundice, typhoid, and skin ailments.
Khulna Civil Surgeon Dr. Mahfuza Khatun commended the team's efforts, acknowledging the filter's potential to bring relief to coastal communities facing severe water scarcity. "Coastal people who are susceptible to safe water scarcity will get relief if they use this filter," she remarked.