Materials:
- Two clean plastic containers (one larger and one smaller)
- A semipermeable membrane (such as a cellulose acetate or thin-film composite membrane)
- A hose or tubing
- A hand pump or pressure source
- Clamps or seals
- A container to collect the purified water
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Containers:
- Take the larger plastic container and make two holes in the lid, one on each side.
- In the smaller container, make a hole in the bottom.
Step 2: Attach the Membrane:
- Place the semipermeable membrane over the hole in the bottom of the smaller container, making sure that it is securely fastened.
Step 3: Assemble the System:
- Connect the hose or tubing to the hand pump or pressure source.
- Attach one end of the hose to the hole on the side of the larger container.
- Attach the other end of the hose to the hole in the bottom of the smaller container.
- Seal or clamp all connections to ensure a watertight system.
Step 4: Purify the Water:
- Fill the larger container with sea water.
- Use the hand pump or pressure source to apply pressure to the sea water, forcing it through the semipermeable membrane.
- The purified water will collect in the smaller container, while the impurities and salt will remain in the larger container.
Step 5: Collect the Purified Water:
- Once the purification process is complete, you can collect the purified water from the smaller container.
By using this reverse osmosis method, you can create a simple water purifier to desalinate sea water and produce clean, drinkable water. However, it's important to note that this homemade water purifier may not be as efficient or effective as commercial water purification systems, and it's always best to boil or further disinfect the purified water before consumption to ensure its safety.