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NAGANO: Shinshu University and global organization Community Jameel collaborated on a new water purification trial that could enhance access to safe drinking water for rural communities. 

Researchers at Shinshu University’s Endo Special Laboratory developed a reverse osmosis technology that delivers ultra-low pressure operation and high water permeability to help communities that suffer from water contamination and unreliable power. The trial lasted six months and was tested among rural communities in West Bengal and Rajasthan, India.

The results, which were announced at Shinshu University campus in Nagano and published in Elsevier’s Results in Engineering journal, highlighted that the pump doubles water permeability in comparison to other pumps using the same technology and reduces manual operating energy by around 50%. Additionally, it can work without electricity, batteries or solar panels. 

Community members in West Bengal and Rajasthan who used the technology had positive feedback, sharing that the water’s taste and appearance have improved, thus improving their health conditions. The feedback was incorporated into the study’s evaluation to reflect the importance of community trials alongside laboratory performance.

Beyond rural areas, the technology could also be used to support emergency water purification during disasters.

The team who worked on the trial is now considering commercialization and scaling the technology. 

The project was catalyzed by Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel, founder and chairman of Community Jameel, after his meeting with Professor Morinobu Edo at Shinshu University in 2023.

“Access to clean water remains one of the most urgent challenges faced by populations across the world,” Jameel said. “We are pleased to support the team at Shinshu University with this pilot program, which has the potential to enhance the accessibility of clean water for millions of people and improve health and quality of life within these communities.”