Executive Summary

Water-borne diseases are the leading cause of death around the world, with millions of children dying of
diarrhea each year [11]. It is time to put an end to this tragedy by providing an affordable, environmentally
friendly, and durable water filter. Existing clay filters will be enhanced by adding a paper-like nanocellulose
membrane layered on the outside of the ceramic, removing impurities and pathogens from water. Capable
of providing up to 40-50 liters of clean drinking water per day [11], this filter will save hundreds of
thousands of innocent lives with your support.

Technology Need_
The National Academy of Sciences determined that one of the 14 engineering challenges that have to be
solved in order to sustain civilizations continuing advancement is clean water accessibility. It is estimated
that if no impactful changes are made to solve this challenge, 135 million people will die by 2020 [11].
Consequently, there is an urging need for an easily implementable and cost-effective solution that can
provide clean water to hundreds of thousands of families. Many existing water purification technologies
are resource-heavy and are costly to maintain. Desalination plants can cost up to $1 billion [12], which is
an unthinkable investment for poor countries like Chad or Yemen. Our proposed water purification system
costs less than $50 and is composed of clay and Cladophora algae nanocellulose, two abundant and
sustainable materials. The clay/nanocellulose filter is capable of removing 99% of viruses, bacteria and
parasites while also filtering 70-92% iron, 36-68% calcium, 42-82% arsenic, 39-98% magnesium and 39%-
95% fluorides [4]. If cleaned regularly, the system can purify water at a rate of 2 liters per hour [5], enough
to water to meet the most basic needs of two adults [13].

Technical Goals
Primary goal: Produce clay-nanocellulose filter coated with
colloidal silver that is capable of reliably removing
bacteria, viruses, parasites and other impurities from
contaminated water.
1. Design ceramic filter using the most economical and
effective clay mixture
2. Optimize processing and production parameters for the
nanocellulose membrane
3. Determine effectiveness and longevity of prototype filter

Figure 1 CerCell filter system

Technical Approach

Task 1: Develop efficient 1-5 m pore size ceramic filter integrated with colloidal silver

The first step will involve the construction of the ceramic component of the CerCell system. This
component will be a clay filter integrated with colloidal silver, capable of removing large pathogens like
bacteria, parasites, and other toxic chemicals. In order to do this the ceramic filter must be optimized to
create an ideal rate/filtering ratio. The ceramic used for these systems is simple terracotta clay, which is
abundant and can be found all over the world. Clay filters have been used extensively for thousands of years
to purify water with a combination of size-exclusion filtration and ion exchange mechanisms [1]. The small
interconnected pores in the ceramic structure serve to filter out particles that are larger than the pore size in
the ceramic. Ion exchange happens as ions in the aqueous solution are exposed to the massive surface area
of the nanoscale pores, and toxic metals such as lead or arsenic preferentially replace low valence cations
such as sodium or potassium in the clay [2]. Existing clay filters have been shown to successfully remove
70-92% iron, 36-68% calcium, 42-82% arsenic, 39-98% magnesium and 39%-95% fluorides [3].
While the clay filters are capable of effectively removing particulates for longer, the ion exchange
capabilities begin to fail after about 3 years of continuous cycling, with previously filtered water being used
periodically to cleanse debris from the filter [4].
The pores in ceramic component of the CerCell system should be approximately 1-5 m in size,an
ideal size to remove the majority of the contaminants while still providing an acceptable filtration rate. In
order to do this, precursors in the form of clay and organic matter such as rice hulls or coffee grounds are
homogeneously mixed, formed, and pyrolyzed. The pyrolyzation occurs at 600C, a temperature easily
attainable in a simple furnace, during this process the clay is vitrified and hardened [5]. By experimenting
with various materials and volume fractions of organic components, an effective pore structure can be
obtained. An additional consideration is having diverse combinations of clay in order to maximize the
ability of the filter to undergo ion exchange reactions in order to eliminate potential contaminates such as
arsenic or lead, due to the properties [6]. In order to optimize the microbial cleansing properties of the filter,
a biocide will be added in the form of a deposition of silver particles from a colloidal silver suspension. The
colloidal silver solution will be formed from an aqueous silver nitrate solution, and can be deposited into
the filter simply by filtering the solution.

Task 2: Create a 15-20 nm pore size nanocellulose membrane from Cladophora algae

Task 2 will involve the processing of highly

crystalline cladophora algae into a nanocellulose membrane.
The algae used for this project will be supplied by FMC
Biopolymer (G-3095-10 batch: USA). The nanocellulose
membrane will be manufactured using a process similar to the
production of paper. The cladophora algae will be subjected
to large shear forces by an ultrasonic homogenizer, which will
rip the algae fibers into smaller nanofibers. The effect of the
time and the amplitude of the ultrasonication will be Figure 2 Cladophora Algae
investigated in order to find the optimal processing
parameters.
 Next, sulfuric acid will be employed in an
acid hydrolysis process to coax the nanofibers into
highly crystalline cellulose nanowhiskers which
can be retrieved by centrifugation, the dimensions
of which are determined by the hydrolysis time and
temperature. The sample will then be drained using
on a nylon filter and the collected cellulose mass
will be dried until slightly damp, thus allowing
hydrogen bonds to form a coherent layer. Lastly,
the sample has to be dried under load using a heat-
press at 105 C to produce a flat paper-like
nanocellulose membrane. It is worth noting that
the processing of cladophora algae into
nanocellulose membranes consumes drastically
less energy than the processing of the best current
alternative synthetic polymer systems (100-500 Figure 3 - BarettJoynerHalenda (BJH) pore size
kWh/ton as opposed to 30,000 kWh/ton) [7]. distribution of the nanocellulose membrane.
The average pore size distribution of the
nanocellulose membrane has to be found, so that its filtration capabilities can be predicted. The membrane
will be characterized using scanning electron microscopy and helium pycnometry. In addition, Barett-
Joyner-Halenda gas absorption analysis using N2 gas was conducted to find the pore sizes. Experiments
conducted by Dr. Albert Mihranyan and colleagues at Uppsala University found that the average pore size
distribution of cladophora algae nanocellulose was about 19 nm [8], as seen in figure 3. This means that
theoretically, the nanocellulose should remove all viruses from water, since their size ranges from 30 - 300
nm [9]. Furthermore, the dimensions of the membrane can be found using a digital 10-3 mm caliper.

Task 3: Determine filtration capabilities of the clay and nanocellulose filter components

The filtration capabilities of the CerCell system will be tested using fluorospectrophotometry. The
two components of the system, (the clay filter and the nanocellulose membrane) will be tested
independently, since they serve different purposes. These experiments will be conducted by passing
polystyrene latex beads tagged with fluorophore of varying sizes through each component, to test the size
exclusion filtration in each. Fluorescence intensity measurements of the filtrate before and after the filtration
will dictate the effectiveness of the components. The beads, in this case, are employed as microbial
analogues. Additionally, the clogging effect of the beads can be tested by running multiple
fluorospectrophotometry experiments on the same samples. This will reveal whether the beads caught in
the pores of the ceramic or the nanocellulose will hinder their filtration capabilities.
The clay filter will be tested using 750 nm, 1 m, 5 m and 10 m beads to simulate smaller bacteria
and larger parasites. Existing clay pot filter designs have been proven to remove 99% of parasites and
bacteria in contaminated water, so it is expected that the clay component of the CerCell system will
successfully filter the beads the 1 m, 5 m and 10 m beads [10]. The 750 nm beads might present the
limit of the clay filtration capabilities and might even pass through it; however, it is important to know what
the limits of the clays size exclusion filtration are.
 The nanocellulose filter will also be
subjected to fluorospectrophotometric testing
using 10 nm, 20 nm and 30 nm fluorophore
tagged latex beads to determine if the ideal pore
size was achieved. Dr. Albert Mihranyan and
colleagues at Uppsala University found that the
cladophora nanocellulose membrane was
capable of removing 30 nm, 100 nm and 500
nm beads with 99% efficiency as evidenced in
Figure 4 [8]. However, their team did not test
the limits of the size exclusion filtration of the
nanocellulose. This is why it is necessary to test
smaller bead sizes. Filtration estimates predict
that one 25 cm radius sheet of cladophora
nanocellulose will maintain this pathogen
removal effectiveness for up to 5 years of near-
continuous use, provided occasional washing
procedures are implemented.

Figure 4 - Fluorospectrophotometric profiles of the

starting latex bead dispersions and the filtrate: a) 500
nm beads; b) 100 nm beads; and c) 30 nm beads.

Task 4: Expose the CerCell system to real-world contaminated water found in the target areas

After successful testing of individual components, the filtering system will be assembled by
layering the nanocellulose outside of the clay filter, all housed within a perforated container, allowing
contaminated water to filter through to an external collection device. The final step entails testing the filter
with water contaminated with specific pathogens, as well as water with real world conditions. In addition
to testing the filtering capabilities, the filter must be tested to determine how well the filter is able to cleanse
water of varying turbidites.
There are several potential issues that have been identified with the CerCell system. Firstly, the
integrity of the nanocellulose membrane under the weight of water that it is filtering. If the membrane
becomes too heavy it could rip under its own weight. However, this is highly unlikely because the
nanocellulose has a very large surface area, leading to high Van der Waals forces and tangling of the
polymeric strands. Secondly the filter could become clogged quickly depending on the quality of the water
being filtered. As the pores become clogged the filter rate and quality would decrease quickly. To remedy
this, the filter could be rinsed with cleaner water to help dislodge and dissolve the offending particles.
Lastly, the filter could be damaged by UV radiation from the sun in high temperature climates. It is
recommended to use the filter in a shady area to prevent its degradation.

Economical Impact
Our water filtration system aims to tackle an issue that continues to undermine the economy of
many underdeveloped nations. In Sub-Saharan Africa alone, 5% of the GDP (roughly 28.4 billion dollars)
is lost due to costs associated with water related diseases [11]. In addition, water-borne diseases have killed
millions of people, resulting in loss of economic productivity. In addition, family incomes are decreased,
while official and unofficial health care costs rise [11]. Therefore, the Dual-Pure system will fill the need
for a widely accessible, economical filter that can remove pathogens and other contaminants from water
[11]. Through its implementation, countries can spend less on water sanitation and keep more of the
workforce healthy, ensuring health, productivity and economic growth. The money no longer being spent
on healthcare can be redirected towards improving education, healthcare and other social services.
Furthermore, multinational corporations have been known to privatize water resources in some
underdeveloped countries. The issue is that many companies buy up water rights and increase cost for their
own profit, forcing the people that are less financially capable to rely on unhygienic water. Nestle and Suez,
two of the biggest multinational companies in the world, earn around 2 billion dollars annually in this way,
while providing water sanitation to a mere 7% of the worlds population [12]. Therefore, by designing an
inexpensive water filtration system, we hope to reduce the effects that these big multinational corporations
have on the water accessibility crisis in some of the rural areas in the world, and provide people who are
less financially capable with clean water.

Social Impact
Due to the large financial rift in the world today, access to clean water has become a major issue
that must be addressed. Currently, only 2.5% of the planet's fresh water supply is suitable for drinking, and
of that 2.5%, less than 1% is accessible to humans and animals [13]. However, access to this already
extremely limited amount of clean water, is not evenly distributed among the global population. Only 12%
of the worlds population has access to drinkable water, with 1.2 billion people in the developing world
unable to access adequate amounts of clean water. This results in up to 10 million deaths annually [13].
Therefore, a financially accessible water filtration system will help decrease sickness and disease by
providing people in developing countries with access to clean water.
According to the world health organization, simple access to clean water could annually prevent
1.4 million child deaths from diarrhea, 860,000 deaths from malnutrition, as well as 500,000 deaths from
malaria. [4] If any more motivation to address this issue other than prevention of unnecessary human deaths
is needed, one may consider that every US dollar invested into improving water resource management leads
to around 8 dollars of yield down the road. [14]
Our hybrid clay-pot nanocellulose ultrafiltration device will make tackling the challenge of
providing clean water globally affordable and practical. No electricity or extensive scientific process or
background is required to operate the technology, making it an accessible means of water filtration in all
parts of the world. Also, due to the small scale and portable system design, water filtration needs can be
met at the source rather than at remote locations still requiring transport to water scarce areas, which will
bolster the distribution and effectiveness of this water filtration system.

Resources
The required funds for the completion of this project are allocated in the following way:

Unit (Person for Personnel) Year 1 Year 3

Year 2 (US $) Total (US $)
(US$) (US$)
Salaries
Principle Investigator (1) $8,333.00 $8,333.00 $8,333.00 $24,999.00
Graduate Assistants (2) $40,320.00 $40,320.00 $40,320.00 $120,960.00
Graduate Researcher (1) $7,650.00 $7,650.00 $7,650.00 $22,950.00
Laboratory Supplies
Testing/Fabrication
$29,776.67 $29,776.67 $29,776.67 $89,330.00
Equipment
Lab space rental $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $1,500.00
Materials $6,453.33 $6,453.33 $6,453.33 $19,360.00
 Other
Testing in target area - $20,000.00 $20,000.00 $40,000.00
Travel - $2,000.00 $4,000.00 $6,000.00
Tuition Remission $33,032.00 $34,354.00 $35,728.00 $103,114.00
Total Fringe $9,743.21 $9,743.21 $9,743.21 $29,229.63
F&A Rate: $58,787.99 $71,371.99 $72,515.99 $202,675.98
Total Cost $102,776.21 $124,776.21 $126,776.21 $354,328.63

Personnel: One principal investigator will be needed to oversee the project and to make sure that the
technical goals get accomplished. Two materials science graduate assistants (100% effort) and a graduate
researcher (50% effort) will be needed to carry out the experiments.
Materials: Terra cotta clay, organic material (rice hulls/sawdust/coffee grounds), Cladophora cellulose,
500/100/30/20 nm polystyrene latex beads tagged with fluorophore, nylon filter (100 nm pore size).
Equipment: Hand operated hydraulic press, metal pot mold, firing kiln, scanning electron microscope,
surface area and porosimetry system, heat press, ultrasonicator, fluorospectrophotometer, digital 10-3 mm
caliper.
Required investment: An investment totaling $354,328.63 will be required for the completion of the
project, assuming that all of the milestones are met and the timeline is followed.

Timeline, Milestones and Deliverables

Timeline
The entire project will consist of four key stages, each with certain milestones that have to be completed in
order to move on to the next stage. The research project cannot progress unto another milestone unless the
previous one has been successfully accomplished. Shown below, is a Gantt chart depicting the timeline of
the entire project, each stage having two deliverables. Below the Gantt chart is a table containing the
milestones associated with each yearly quarter. If one of the milestones cannot be achieved, the research
project will come to an end.
Milestones

References
1. "Ceramic Filtration | The Safe Water System | CDC". Cdc.gov. N.p., 2017. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.
2. "How Simple Clay Pots Can Provide Clean Water Where There Is None". Fast Company. N.p.,
2017. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.
3. Plappally, A. K. et al. "Physical Properties Of Porous Clay Ceramic-Ware". N.p., 2017. Print.
4. "Ceramic Water Filter Project | Potters For Peace". Pottersforpeace.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 16
Apr. 2017.
5. Carroll, Dorothy. "Ion Exchange In Clays And Other Minerals". Geological Society of America
Bulletin 70.6 (1959): 749. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.
6. Gaines Jr, George L., and Henry C. Thomas. "Adsorption studies on clay minerals. II. A
formulation of the thermodynamics of exchange adsorption." The Journal of Chemical Physics
21.4 (1953): 714-718.
7. Asper, M., T. Hanrieder, A. Quellmalz, and A. Mihranyan. "Removal of Xenotropic Murine
Leukemia Virus by Nanocellulose Based Filter Paper." Biologicals : Journal of the International
Association of Biological Standardization. U.S. National Library of Medicine, Nov. 2015. Web.
02 Apr. 2017.
8. Metreveli, Giorgi, Linus Wgberg, Eva Emmoth, Sndor Belk, Maria Strmme, and Albert
Mihranyan. "A SizeExclusion Nanocellulose Filter Paper for Virus Removal." Advanced
Healthcare Materials. N.p., 31 Mar. 2014. Web. 01 Apr. 2017.
 9. Mihranyan, Albert. "Cellulose from Cladophorales Green Algae: From Environmental Problem to
Hightech Composite Materials." Journal of Applied Polymer Science. Wiley Subscription
Services, Inc., A Wiley Company, 01 Sept. 2010. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.
10. Mahlangu, Oranso, Bhekie Mamba, and Maggie Momba. "Efficiency of Silver Impregnated
Porous Pot (SIPP) Filters for Production of Clean Potable Water." International Journal of
Environmental Research and Public Health. MDPI, Sept. 2012. Web. 01 Apr. 2017.
11. "Water And Development Global Issues". Globalissues.org. N.p., 2017. Web. 16 Apr. 2017
12. "Water Usage & Privatization | Food Empowerment Project". Foodispower.org. N.p., 2017. Web.
16 Apr. 2017
13. "Water Fact Sheet". Pacinst. N.p., 2017. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.
14. "How Does Safe Water Impact Global Health?" WHO. World Health Organization, 25 June 2008.
Web. 19 Mar. 2017.

Appendix I Full Budget

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Total
Principle Investigator (Category I)
Principal Investigator - To Be Named $8,333.00 $8,333.00 $8,333.00 $24,999.00
Full time
Total Principle Investigators (Category I) $8,333.00 $8,333.00 $8,333.00 $24,999.00

Graduate Assistants (Category II)

(2) Graduate Assistant - To Be Named $40,320.00 $40,320.00 $40,320.00 $120,960.00
Full time
Total Graduate Assistants (Category II) $40,320.00 $40,320.00 $40,320.00 $120,960.00

Graduate Researcher (Category III)

(1) Graduate Researcher - To Be Named $7,650.00 $7,650.00 $7,650.00 $22,950.00
Full Time
Total Graduate Researcher (Category III) $7,650.00 $7,650.00 $7,650.00 $22,950.00

Total Salaries and Wages $56,303.00 $56,303.00 $56,303.00 $168,909.00

Fringe
Category I @ 37.00% 37.00% $3,083.21 $3,083.21 $3,083.21 $9,249.63
Category II @ 15.00% 15.00% $6,048.00 $6,048.00 $6,048.00 $18,144.00
Category III @ 8.00% 8% $612.00 $612.00 $612.00 $1,836.00

Total Fringe $9,743.21 $9,743.21 $9,743.21 $29,229.63

Total Salaries, Wages and Fringe $66,046.21 $66,046.21 $66,046.21 $198,138.63

Modified Total Direct Costs

Testing/Fabrication Equipment $29,776.67 $29,776.67 $29,776.67 $89,330.01
Lab space rental $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $1,500.00
Materials $6,453.33 $6,453.33 $6,453.33 $19,359.99
Testing in Target Area $0.00 $20,000.00 $20,000.00 $40,000.00
Travel $0.00 $2,000.00 $4,000.00 $6,000.00

Total Modified Total Direct Costs $36,730.00 $58,730.00 $60,730.00 $156,190.00

Other Direct Costs

Tuition Remission $33,032.00 $34,354.33 $35,728.00 $103,114.33

Total Other Direct Costs $33,032.00 $34,354.33 $35,728.00 $103,114.33

Total Direct Costs $69,762.00 $93,084.33 $96,458.00 $259,304.33

F&A Costs
F&A Rate: 57.00% 57.00% $20,936.10 $33,476.10 $34,616.10 $89,028.30

Total Requested from Sponsor $90,698.10 $126,560.43 $131,074.10 $348,332.63