Dr Martin Pritchard, Reader School Of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing
Transforming Access to clean water

Our research has discovered a solution that could reduce water-related diseases and save lives throughout the developing world.

TRANSFORMING | ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER

Thirst for knowledge

Clean drinking water is taken for granted by many of us. But a new and natural method of water purification developed by Leeds Beckett researchers could change the lives of thousands. The research team, led by Dr Martin Pritchard, from the School of Built Environment & Engineering, have identified a plant that grows naturally in Africa and can purify water, making it safe to drink and reducing the risk of disease from water contamination.

"The team from Leeds Beckett, which includes PhD students, have been undertaking research in Malawi for over 10 years with our partners there. Our research found that 80% of wells in Malawi contained water which was unsafe to drink. This led us to look for solutions, and we discovered a locally available plant extract that grows wild throughout Malawi and can be used to improve water quality by 80%. The use of this technology could significantly help to reduce water-related diseases and save lives throughout the developing world."

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School of Built Environment, Engineering & Computing

The School of Built Environment, Engineering & Computing is a community of committed staff and students who are passionate about their subject areas. We want to make a difference to the way we plan, design, construct, protect and maintain the world around us.

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