Traditionally, the source of drinking water is lakes, rivers, underground springs or ocean water after purification and desalination. But the innovation proposed by Professor Tham’s team University of Waterloooffers an alternative method that can significantly affect water-scarce areas. Economically efficient technology is borrowed from the natural world and has the potential to revolutionize the water supply industry.

How does it work

Explaining the basic concept, Professor Tam noted:

The web is an engineering marvel. Water is retained in the threads. The spider does not need to go down to the river to get drunk; collects moisture in the air.

The idea is inspired by the water harvesting methods used by insects in the arid lands of the Namib Desert in South Africa. These insects use their intricately patterned shells to trap atmospheric moisture and direct it into their mouths through special grooves.

Canadian scientists to reproduce the characteristic features of the surface of the insect’s shell Paraffin emulsion stabilized with cellulose. They also worked on nanotechnology and surface physics to develop methods for capturing and repelling water droplets. The result was a paper with superhydrophobic and water-repellent properties, complete with tiny channels designed to absorb atmospheric moisture with minimal energy consumption.

Moisture collection installation / Photo University of Waterloo

The developed structure demonstrated an impressive ability to attract the smallest water droplets, quickly combine them into larger formations, and then direct them to the accumulator. It is noteworthy that the entire device is made of plant-derived materials that meet sustainable development goals and reduce the impact on the environment.

As this innovation promises to solve the problem of water scarcity, scientists are now focusing their attention on developing a mechanism for large-scale production of such surfaces. Successful application of mass production technology could lead to widespread adoption of this unconventional but potentially transformative approach to water supply and offer a glimmer of hope to regions struggling with limited access to freshwater resources.