MIT’s high-tech ‘bubble wrap’ turns air into safe drinking water — even in Death Valley – Live Science

MIT’s high-tech ‘bubble wrap’ turns air into safe drinking water — even in Death Valley – Live Science

MIT Develops Innovative “Bubble Wrap” Technology to Harvest Safe Drinking Water from Air

Introduction

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have engineered a cutting-edge water harvesting device, resembling “bubble wrap,” capable of extracting safe drinking water directly from atmospheric moisture—even in extreme environments such as Death Valley, the driest desert in North America. This breakthrough aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, aiming to ensure availability and sustainable management of water for all.

Technology Overview

  1. Design and Materials
    • The water harvester consists of a hydrogel—a highly water-absorbent material—sandwiched between two glass layers, functioning similarly to a window.
    • At night, the hydrogel absorbs water vapor from the atmosphere.
    • During the day, a specialized cooling coating on the glass induces condensation, allowing liquid water to drip down and be collected via a tube system.
    • The hydrogel is shaped into domes, increasing surface area and enhancing water absorption efficiency.
  2. Water Quality Assurance
    • Lithium salts are added to the hydrogel to boost absorption but typically risk contaminating collected water.
    • The new design incorporates glycerol as a salt stabilizer, reducing lithium leakage to below 0.06 ppm, meeting US Geological Survey safety standards.

Field Testing and Performance

  • Tested for one week in Death Valley, an extreme environment characterized by high temperatures and minimal humidity.
  • Produced between 57 to 161.5 milliliters (approximately a quarter to two-thirds of a cup) of water daily under these harsh conditions.
  • Expected to yield higher volumes in more humid regions.
  • Operates without electricity, enhancing sustainability and accessibility in resource-limited settings.

Potential Impact and Applications

This technology offers promising solutions to global water scarcity challenges, supporting several SDGs:

  • SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Provides a sustainable method to access safe drinking water in areas lacking infrastructure.
  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Ensures availability of potable water, reducing waterborne diseases.
  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Demonstrates innovative engineering solutions for critical resource challenges.
  • SDG 13: Climate Action – Offers adaptive technology to mitigate impacts of climate-induced water scarcity.

Scalability and Economic Considerations

  1. Individual panels produce limited water but have a small physical footprint, allowing multiple units to be installed per household.
  2. Estimated that eight panels measuring 1 m by 2 m each could supply sufficient water for a household in water-scarce regions.
  3. Cost-effective compared to bottled water, with potential to recover investment within one month and operational lifespan of at least one year.

Expert Commentary and Future Directions

Xuanhe Zhao, professor in MIT’s mechanical and civil and environmental engineering departments, emphasized the potential for large-scale deployment: “The vertical design allows for compact arrays that can supply drinking water efficiently, enabling real-world impact.”

The research team plans to conduct further testing in diverse, resource-limited environments to evaluate performance across varying climatic conditions.

Conclusion

MIT’s hydrogel-based water harvesting technology represents a significant advancement toward achieving universal access to safe drinking water. By harnessing atmospheric moisture sustainably and efficiently, this innovation supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals and offers a scalable solution to global water scarcity challenges.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

  1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
    • The article discusses a new technology for harvesting safe drinking water directly from the air, addressing global water accessibility and safety.
  2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
    • The development of the high-tech “bubble wrap” water harvester represents innovation in technology and infrastructure to solve water scarcity.
  3. SDG 13: Climate Action
    • The technology offers a sustainable solution to water scarcity exacerbated by climate change and shifting rainfall patterns.
  4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
    • Providing safe drinking water improves health outcomes by reducing waterborne diseases.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

  1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
    • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
    • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals.
  2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
    • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including water technology innovations.
  3. SDG 13: Climate Action
    • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
  4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
    • Target 3.9: Reduce illnesses and deaths from hazardous chemicals and pollution, including unsafe water.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

  1. Indicators related to SDG 6:
    • Volume of safe drinking water produced per day by the device (e.g., 57-161.5 milliliters per panel daily).
    • Concentration of lithium salts in collected water, measured in parts per million (ppm), with the article noting leakage below 0.06 ppm, indicating water safety.
    • Number of households supplied with safe drinking water using the technology (e.g., estimated eight panels per household).
  2. Indicators related to SDG 9:
    • Number of innovative water harvesting devices developed and deployed.
    • Cost-effectiveness and durability of the technology (e.g., device pays for itself in less than a month and lasts at least one year).
  3. Indicators related to SDG 13:
    • Performance of the device in resource-limited and climate-affected environments (e.g., tested in Death Valley and plans for further testing).
  4. Indicators related to SDG 3:
    • Reduction in exposure to unsafe drinking water contaminants (e.g., lithium salt levels below safety thresholds).
    • Improvement in health outcomes related to access to safe drinking water.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
  • 6.1: Universal access to safe and affordable drinking water
  • 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution
  • Daily volume of safe drinking water produced (57-161.5 ml per panel)
  • Lithium salt concentration in water (
  • Number of households supplied by the technology
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • 9.5: Enhance scientific research and technological capabilities
  • Number of devices developed and deployed
  • Cost-effectiveness and durability (payback period and lifespan)
SDG 13: Climate Action
  • 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate hazards
  • Device performance in extreme and resource-limited environments (e.g., Death Valley testing)
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • 3.9: Reduce illnesses and deaths from hazardous chemicals and pollution
  • Reduction in unsafe contaminants in drinking water (e.g., lithium salt levels)
  • Improvement in health outcomes linked to safe water access

Source: livescience.com