The development of low-cost, sustainable water filtration methods is crucial for addressing global water quality issues, particularly in resource-limited settings. This presentation focuses on the remarkable efficacy of wood dust as a natural filtration medium for removing common water contaminants, specifically bacteria and organic dyes.

We investigated the impact of particle size on filtration capacity by utilizing wood dust generated with varying grit sizes during sanding. Adjusting the grit size is a simple, scalable method used to increase the overall surface area of the wood particles. Our results show a direct correlation between reduced particle size (increased surface area) and enhanced removal efficiency for both bacterial load and dye concentration.

To demonstrate a practical, adaptable filtration system, we designed a proof-of-concept device utilizing common K-Cup style pods as an effective, easily deployable cartridge for the wood dust medium. This K-Pod filtration system provides a standardized, low-resource method for water decontamination. This study establishes a compelling foundation for adapting simple, abundant biomaterials like wood dust into highly efficient and scalable water treatment technologies.

Misael Romero-Reyes

Assistant Professor, Georgia Gwinnett College

Appearances