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News | Three of partnership’s water research projects
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Three of partnership’s water research projects

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BY JONATHON BERLIN and PHIL GEIB/TRIBUNE GRAPHICS

Through its expertise in water technology, Israel has been able to surmount a water crisis that had endured for decades. That expertise helps explain why the University of Chicago is now looking to Ben-Gurion University in Israel to collaborate on tackling one of the world’s most pressing problems: water scarcity.

ANALYZING GROUNDWATER

Challenge

Find new sources of groundwater and use existing sources in better ways.

Objective

By dating groundwater from aquifers, scientists can study the source, along with sink and flow patterns. To do this, scientists extract and analyze naturally occurring radioactive isotopes from the atmosphere thousands of years ago when the water was last at the surface.

How it’s done

A water sample from the well is pumped into an apparatus (below) which extracts gas containing the isotopes. The gas is sent to Argonne National Laboratory, where it is analyzed.

Results

An understanding of underground water flow in the Negev desert.

KEEPING DESALINATION FILTERS CLEAN

Challenge

Prevent costly buildup of microbes on desalination filters that turn salt water into drinking water.

1: Printable filter membrane (below)

Objective

Develop a polymer surface membrane that increases water flow to prevent buildup of bacteria. When the water flows faster over the filter, it reduces bacteria buildup.

How it’s done

An inkjet printer produces a polymer pattern that redirects water over the filter.

Results

Testing revealed improved flow patterns.

2. Tiny nanoscale brushes

Objective

Develop a coating of positive and negative electrically charged nanoscale whiskers that adhere to the filter and repel bacteria.

How it’s done

The coating is made chemically and applied to the filter.

Results

Formation of the membrane was analyzed showing positive antibacterial results.

TRIBUNE AND UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO IMAGES

Sources: The Institute for Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory

@ChiTribGraphics

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