Conducting hands-on experiments plays a crucial role in students’ understanding of scientific principles. However, the lack of laboratories and appropriate equipment in secondary schools limits this opportunity. This project aims to respond to this problem by focusing on a concrete application: the improvement of the coagulation – decantation process of MES in the treatment of wastewater. Using local plants (okra and aloe vera) as natural. This research explores environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions for water treatment, while providing students with an opportunity for hands-on learning and technical skills development.

We conducted a diagnosis of the community issues in Teotitlán del Valle, focusing primarily on the scarcity of water for productive activities. The principal economic activity, rug production, utilizes clean water for dyeing with both natural and synthetic dyes, leading to the disposal of untreated inked water. Employing the Logical Framework approach, we proposed the development of a home filter to facilitate the reuse of inked water in vegetable cultivation. This project entails the evaluation of filtered water samples from homemade filters designed specifically for natural and synthetic dyes. Through experimental and observational assessments, we measured pH levels and coloration before and after filtration, noting variations with pH values ranging from 7 to 8. The filtered water was subsequently used for the germination of spinach and radish seeds, with further experimentation planned for other appropriate vegetables. The objective of this project is to establish a sustainable system that enhances family economies and nutrition, contributes to environmental conservation, and provides a viable water reuse strategy for the community.

My project aimed to develop a water test that identifies fecal contamination in under 10 hours, part of UNICEF’s 2021 global innovation challenge. Unlike existing 24-hour tests requiring labs and only detecting indicators (often inaccurately), my test works in the field and detects all bacteria within 9 hours. This ensures accurate assessment of drinking water safety. In rural African communities, it allows immediate water quality reassessment after extreme weather events and can determine the safer of two water sources within the same day. By testing directly for bacterial pathogens, I provide a more reliable method to ensure safe drinking water globally, particularly in vulnerable regions.

Phosphorus is a vital nutrient for plant growth, playing a crucial role in various physiological processes, including energy transfer, nucleic acid synthesis, and root development. As an essential component of DNA, RNA, and ATP, phosphorus is indispensable for the overall health and productivity of plants. Despite its significance, phosphorus is considered a non-renewable resource with limited global reserves. The primary source of phosphorus is phosphate rock, and the extraction and production processes are energy-intensive. The finite nature of phosphorus resources raises concerns about future availability and sustainability, emphasizing the need for efficient phosphorus
management. Thus, the present study, aims at benefit from the phosphorus present in eutrophic water through two aquatic plants (i.e., Pistia stratiotes and duckweed). This study investigates the feasibility of growing these aquatic plants on different water types. The focus is on observing the growth patterns, leaf protein production, and the generation of brown juice as potential by-products containing high phosphorus content and a possible plant growth biostimulant. The study aims to provide insights into sustainable phosphorus utilization and recovery from eutrophic water within the context of a circular economy.

The project develops a low-cost aquatic rover: an autonomous vehicle for water to measure physical-chemical parameters in freshwater ecosystems, such as turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature, to identify environmental impacts. With two models available, the sensors collect water quality data and send it to a server, which is analyzed on a computer or cell phone. The main objective is to facilitate water monitoring, reduce the need for technicians, reduce exposure to contaminated areas, and increase efficiency in detecting contamination. After testing, the equipment proved to be effective in measuring data.

Since the beginning of the Russian aggression, the issue of surface water quality in Ukraine, which is potentially used to meet the drinking, household and other needs of the population, has become of vital importance. The project purpose is to set of studies for ecological assessment of the river water by the school chemical laboratory. The relevance of the project lies in the sharing of this experience for students’ scientific research activities or for use in STEM education. The proposed set of studies is very important in the context of martial law, as it allows for operational monitoring of surface water quality.

The mentioned project is primarily related to water purification. It is an innovative, cost-effective method using high-voltage plasma from a low-voltage DC battery. Here are the key points:

Individual Use

Functionality: This small device can eliminate all microorganisms present in the water.

Impact: It will significantly reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases in flood-affected areas worldwide.

Accessibility: Equipped with a solar panel for charging, it is easily accessible in areas without electricity and does not require power generated from fossil fuels.

Cost: The device costs only $5.

Sustainability: Made entirely from electronic waste, it not only purifies water but also helps in preventing environmental pollution.

Industrial Application:

Functionality: When used on a larger scale in industrial wastewater treatment plants, it can effectively purify chemically contaminated and dye-laden water from factories.

Testing: This application has already been tested and proven effective.

This project investigates the use of immobilized Chlorella vulgaris, encapsulated in agar-agar spheres, to bioremediate freshwater contaminated by industrial discharges. Utilizing a 2-liter bioreactor, significant results were achieved over six days, including a 96% reduction in chromium and a 90% reduction in copper concentrations. The process also showed substantial decreases in total nitrogen, ammoniacal nitrogen, and phosphorus levels, proving its high effectiveness.

This technology offers practical advantages, including high contaminant removal efficiency, low cost, and ease of use in various environments. The research emphasizes supporting vulnerable communities dependent on water. In regions with limited access to advanced technologies, this cost-effective solution enables self-sufficiency and sustainability in water management. By leveraging locally available materials and accessible methodologies, it provides sustainable water treatment, fostering resilience and long-term environmental stewardship.

Though water-soluble cutting oil is an essential material for metal-cutting processes, its release into the water system prompts significant contaminations. Since the emulsion of water and oil cannot be completely separated, it is difficult to recycle and often designated as waste for incineration.

To solve this problem, I developed a more effective demulsifier using pine powder with a lignin content of more than 50%.

When pine powder and sulfuric acid were added to 5% water-soluble cutting oil, the emulsion removal effect was confirmed. At first, the process took 3 weeks at room temperature, but it was later reduced to 1 hour at 80℃. To identify the demulsifying component of pine powder, I conducted an experiment using pine extract, confirming that lignin is a demulsifying component.

Then, by comparing calcium lignosulfonate to sodium lignosulfonate, I confirmed that both substances had a high demulsifying effect, yet calcium lignosulfonate showed a greater demulsification performance. As such, I confirmed that treating 200 ml of water-soluble cutting oil emulsion with 0.016 g of calcium lignosulfonate and sulfuric acid (0.048 M) removes emulsion by nearly 100%.

Also, I used the activated carbons to completely eliminate the yellow colorings from the separated water layer. Lastly, I applied this demulsification method to the waste cutting fluids, and the separation of emulsion was successful, highlighting its potential application to real-life settings.

Moreover, I performed a bottle test using calcium lignosulfonate on the artificial emulsion made by combining crude oil and surfactant (Tween 20). The lignosulfonate showed a superior demulsifying effect compared to the control group, signifying that my demulsification method can be used not only for purifying water-soluble cutting oil but also as a demulsifier in various fields, including the crude oil industry.