A Texas teenager has developed an invention that could help fight water contamination. According toThe Guardian, Perry Alagappan has developed a new filtering device which could provide a cheap and easy way to way to purify water.
The invention, which costs only $20 to make, costs five times less than existing reverse osmosis technology. The filter removes 99% of heavy metals from water that passes through it. And it can be rinsed with a vinegar concentrate and reused.
For his work, Alagappan was given an award in Stockholm last week. The invention is important as consumer electronics are leaving a legacy of toxic waste in countries including China and India. The 18-year-old Texan said he became interested in water purification while visiting his grandparents in India.