College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Biomedical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Biomedical Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Engineering
Department - Author 2
Biomedical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in Biomedical Engineering
College - Author 3
College of Engineering
Department - Author 3
Biomedical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 3
BS in Biomedical Engineering
Date
3-2025
Primary Advisor
Michael Whitt, College of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
This project, conducted in collaboration with Cal Poly seniors and Da Vinci High School students, aims to develop a solar-powered groundwater purification system. This system is designed to provide clean water for agricultural use and individual consumption, addressing the growing concerns of groundwater contamination and accessibility needs. The final prototype integrates a gravity filtration system combined with chemical purification, utilizing aluminum sulfate and chlorine to remove particulates, bacteria, and organic compounds.
The research phase involved an extensive review of groundwater contamination issues, existing filtration technologies, and market analysis. Key design constraints included cost-effectiveness, ease of maintenance, and minimal energy consumption, leading to the selection of solar energy as the primary power source. A Pugh matrix evaluation was conducted to compare multiple design alternatives, ultimately selecting a gravity filtration system as the most viable solution.
Testing of the prototype demonstrated significant improvements in water quality. The system effectively reduced turbidity from 240 NTU to 14 NTU, removed 50% of organic contaminants, and decreased bacterial contamination. However, challenges were observed in the removal of dissolved metals, necessitating further refinement in filter material selection and testing accuracy.
With a projected production cost of under $300, this system offers an affordable and sustainable solution for farmers and individuals needing access to clean water. The next steps involve refining metal removal techniques, optimizing filtration efficiency, and exploring methods to enhance the system's scalability for broader implementation.
Notes
This project was completed in partnership with Da Vinci Science High School.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/bmedsp/223
Included in
Agriculture Commons, Biology Commons, Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering Commons, Engineering Mechanics Commons, Other Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering Commons, Other Mechanical Engineering Commons, Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons, Research Methods in Life Sciences Commons