Lead contamination in drinking water poses serious health risks, particularly for children and pregnant women. Traditional methods of lead removal can be costly, inefficient, and sometimes inaccessible to households relying on borehole water. In a ground-breaking study, scientists have demonstrated an effective and innovative solution using EDTA-modified SpheriTide®, a product developed by SpheriTech.
SpheriTide® is a patented technology by SpheriTech, a company known for its advanced polymer-based solutions. This technology utilizes spherical beads made from a robust polymer matrix, designed to be easily modified for specific applications. For this study, SpheriTide® was chemically modified with EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), a powerful chelating agent known for its ability to bind with heavy metals like lead.
The study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of EDTA-modified SpheriTide® in removing lead from borehole water. The modified SpheriTide® beads were packed into a column, designed to be easily installed under a household sink. Borehole water, typically used in residential areas, was then flowed through the column at a constant rate akin to the flow through a household tap.
The experiment was conducted under controlled conditions to simulate real-world household water filtration. The borehole water was passed through the EDTA-modified SpheriTide® column at a consistent flow rate. Samples were collected every 500 cm³ of water processed, continuing until a total of 63 dm³ of water had passed through the column.
These samples were then analysed for lead content to determine the effectiveness of the modified SpheriTide® in removing lead from the water.
The results of the study were remarkable. The lead concentration in the water was reduced to near undetectable levels. The highest recorded lead concentration after treatment was a mere 0.5 µg/dm³, significantly below the recommended safety thresholds set by global health organizations.
This dramatic reduction in lead concentration highlights the effectiveness of the EDTA-modified SpheriTide® in purifying borehole water, making it safe for household consumption.
This study provides strong evidence that EDTA-modified SpheriTide® is a powerful tool in the fight against lead contamination in drinking water. Its ability to reduce lead levels to almost undetectable amounts offers a practical and affordable solution for households, particularly those relying on borehole water.
The successful application of this technology in a column format that can be easily installed under a kitchen sink makes it a viable option for homeowners looking to protect their families from the dangers of lead exposure