For this project we had to find and research a problem that is affecting the world. For our project we decided to focus on water shortages. Currently, only 3% of the Earth’s water is drinkable, and only 1% of that water is not frozen. The best way to solve this problem is by desalinating the Earth’s ocean water. The ocean water takes up 97% of the Earth’s water. We have always had the same amount of salt water because the water evaporates, then through precipitation the oceans are refilled. So, to figure out the best way to solve the water shortage problem, we had to go through a detailed research project, where we came up with many solutions including genetically modifying plants to not need water and new irrigation systems. But, we decided that a reverse osmosis water filter was the best way to solve this problem.
The water filter included a semi-permeable membrane, to separate the salt from the water. Our model of the water filter we were going to create was first an input where the salt water went in, then the water was pulled through by a pump. Then the water was sent through the semi-permeable membrane and finally poured into a bucket. We believe that if this was created on a big enough scale then, this could be implemented at San Marin and in third world countries that are having a water crisis.
The water filter included a semi-permeable membrane, to separate the salt from the water. Our model of the water filter we were going to create was first an input where the salt water went in, then the water was pulled through by a pump. Then the water was sent through the semi-permeable membrane and finally poured into a bucket. We believe that if this was created on a big enough scale then, this could be implemented at San Marin and in third world countries that are having a water crisis.
content
- desalination- a process that extracts mineral components from saline water. More generally, desalination refers to the removal of salts and minerals from a target substance. We used this because it seemed like the most effective way to deal with the shortage of water that is taking place today, and our model is based on the desalination process.
- semipermeable membrane- a type of biological or synthetic, polymeric membrane that will allow certain molecules or ions to pass through it by diffusion—or occasionally by more specialized processes of facilitated diffusion, passive transport or active transport. We used this as a way for salt water to be pumped through, desalinating the water.
- potable water- water that is safe to consume. This was important to our project because there is a shortage of potable water currently, so we wanted to find a solution to this problem. Our machine's output is potable water.
- osmosis- a process by which molecules of a solvent tend to pass through a semipermeable membrane from a less concentrated solution into a more concentrated one, thus equalizing the concentrations on each side of the membrane. We used this because it is the opposite of what we needed to desalinate water. In reverse osmosis, the water passes through a semipermeable membrane and minerals like salt are separated from the water.
- reverse osmosis- a water purification technology that uses a semipermeable membrane to remove ions, molecules and larger particles from drinking water. We used this as our solution to remove salt and other minerals from saltwater to make it potable.
Reflection
During this project, I believe that my team worked well together to create a well research solution to a pressing problem in our world. For this project I did well in cooperation because I worked well with my group mates and ultimately were successful. I was willing to work with my group members on whatever part of the project we were doing. Though because of this I did not do so well in my leadership, I took more of a back-seat role in the project and did whatever was asked of me. For next year, I can improve this by voicing my opinion and not just doing what someone else says to do but take charge. Another thing I could improve on is my work ethic and productivity. I could do this by not getting off task and focusing on the project before going off and doing other work. My entire team got off task a lot, but I believe that if we worked on staying on task, our project would be even better.