In 2011, a large earthquake hit Japan and created a huge nuclear disaster. The water in Japan was soon contaminated with radioactive iodide, which is a major health concern. The US found a way they believe can help remove this contaminant, as well as others, easily from the water. Dr. Joel Pawlaw, a NC State physicist, came up with a solution that may work: biodegradable foam. Contaminants in this water include salt, heavy metals, and radioactive material and a gooey sponge like tea bag can be used to remove these. It is also supposed to work for other ions that are in the water. The biodegrable foam is made from hemicellulose, a by-product of the wood pulp industry, and chitosan. It can be as simple as placing the tea bag in water to take out dissolved ions inside. One liter of the foam could potentially turn about 100 liters of contaminated water into clean drinking water. Scientists hope to later use this to potentially turn salt water into safe drinking water as well.
http://www.ivanhoe.com/science/story/2011/08/896a.html
Submitted by Becky Kleina
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