Water from the Sun
Numerous developing countries have faced dire issues in treating water to meet the everyday needs of their communities. The EU-funded project 'Emerging technologies to address water treatment in developing countries' (Solarsafewater) disseminated cutting-edge research on photocatalytic systems that disinfect water in rural areas. Focusing especially on developing countries, it encouraged regional networking and training initiatives that involved European experts to encourage the adoption of solar water treatment. The project also successfully organised a course and lectures on available technologies aimed at young scientists and engineers. In parallel, Solarsafewater hosted a conference on advanced oxidation technologies (AOTs) for water purification and on photocatalysis, disseminating key knowledge among potential users, policymakers and SMEs. In addition, the project outlined future research and development needs with the aim of launching pilot initiatives that would help realise previous European projects in the field. Its dissemination activities and events, including the project website, publications and conferences, are bound to spread knowledge on exploiting this important solution to managing water. Thanks to these efforts, communities in many developing countries will finally be able to use and drink safer water.
