Blog @ NanoVic - Nanotechnology Blog

Researchers from Rice University’s Centre for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology have found an inexpensive method for removing hazardous levels of arsenic from drinking water, down to within international safety limits. The method uses magnetite nanocrystals as small as 12 nanometres (magnetite, also known as iron oxide is a rust-like material). When mixed with contaminated water these crystals become coated with arsenic. The coated particles can then be removed with a simple magnet. The nanocrystals have been found to be up to 100 times more effective than larger particles currently used in filters. Because the method used by the researchers is simple and inexpensive, people living in third world countries where arsenic poisoning is a problem could potentially use it to decontaminate their water.