While watching the US open golf tournament this past weekend some might have seen as interview with PGA president. His interview center around golf course sustainability, and highlighted the scarcity of water. In an effort to conserve water several prominent golf courses now are using reclaimed waste water for course irrigation systems. This change in golf course maintenance highlights the emphasis we all should start examining about water conservation and green alterative for use of fresh water. Below are a few examples recent examples of new technology and using nature to obtain and filter water.
Fresh Drinking Water from Air?
Water out of the tap, though convenient and a modern marvel, just isn't good enough. We can do better. And we certainly try to: from filtered water pitchers to UV water systems, our options for home-based drinking water has never been more abundant. And that's not even considering bottled water--either in little single serving sizes, or those gigantic bottles that are hard to lift. There are pros and cons for each of these water delivery methods, which would imply that the concept could be improved upon.
Taking water directly from the air, the EcoloBlue 30 Atmospheric Water Generator combines a water cooler and a filter pitcher, and it requires no indoor plumbing to work. Utilizing a 12-stage filtration system, the water cooler starts by dehumidifying the air and sending the resulting water through a series of filters.
Air first enters the machine by passing through an electrostatic air filter, removing airborne micro-particles and dust. Water is extracted using food-grade condensing coils and from that point on is subject to a series of filters and UV-C sterilization lamps. After passing through charcoal filters, carbon filters, a mineral filter, and a reverse osmosis membrane (along with three UV-C baths), the water is ready to drink.
Needing only about 35 percent humidity to work effectively, the water condenser is an elegant solution for home or office water needs. It's capable of producing up to 8 gallons of water per day and is a viable alternative to the traditional methods of getting water into your drinking glass. For those who wish to completely sever the line and go off the grid, a solar option is available, creating the opportunity for owners to harvest water directly from the air, with no pipes or electrical outlets needed. Source Cnet.com http://www.cnet.com/8301-13553_1-20008431-32.html
Oysters natures Water Filter
A South Bronx community group plans to reseed the waterway with oysters and mussels and, in the process, revive the polluted waterway, which separates the Bronx from Randalls Island.The group - Friends of Brook Park - is waiting for word on a $50,000 grant from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. "This would expose more people to the wonder of our waterways," said Harry Bubbins, who runs the Mott Haven group.
The oysters won't be fit for human consumption, but could help clean the narrow Bronx Kill, which has been devastated by dumping, sewage and landfill.Because the crusty bivalves are filter feeders - sucking in water and slurping algae and plankton from it - a square foot of oysters can filter 2,000 gallons of water per day.They also form reefs, which shelter fish, crabs and shrimp - more than 70 animal species all together, said Paul Mankiewicz of the Gaia Institute on City Island.
A century ago, oysters were so common that street stands sold them on the half-shell. But overharvesting, toxic waste and disease hit the mollusks hard. Bubbins said his group was inspired by a Bronx River restoration project.
Six years ago, the Bronx River Alliance and the city Parks Department set out to help a small colony of Bronx River oysters near Soundview Park. Like the Bronx Kill, the Bronx River had been ravaged by dumping and neglect.
In 2007 and 2008, volunteers used Long Island clamshells to build a reef for the oysters and gathered baby oysters from the water to boost the colony. In the Bronx Kill, Mankiewicz and Friends of Brook Park will install reef-like ropes made from recycled plastic, then reseed it with baby oysters.
Friends of Brook Park chose the Bronx Kill not only because it borders Mott Haven but also because the waterway is tranquil and too small for motorboat traffic. It would take an enormous oyster colony to rid the larger Bronx River of gunk, but a mollusk-powered Bronx Kill cleanup is doable, said Mankiewicz. Friends of Brook Park plans to work in the Bronx Kill near Lincoln Ave., but could also plant oysters near Mill Pond Park in the Harlem River.
Source NY Daily News:http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/bronx/2010/06/22/2010-06-22_bronx_kills_oyster_cult_eying_bivalves_to_clean_water.html#ixzz0rmuRMXxT
