Offre de stage
Microbial assessment of water quality – Swoxid prototype
Microbial assessment of water quality – Swoxid prototype
Sections : SV, CGC, SIE…
Place : Stellenbosch – South Africa
Duration : 2-6 months
Hosting structure :
Stellenbosch University Water Institute – South Africa, in collaboration with Swoxid.
Swoxid is a pre-launched EPFL startup.
Project description :
The project consists on a gravitational solar-thermal water purifier which filters and sterilizes contaminated water with sunlight. It does not require electricity, nor dosage of chemical agents to provide the sterilization effect. The technology is based on an innovative nanoporous aerogel composite membrane which – upon solar irradiation – is able to render contaminated water safe by removing and inactivating infectious disease-causing biological agents such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa and worms. Unlike the conventional water purification technologies this system does not require the use of electricity or chemical compounds to provide disinfection and solve the unwanted “breeding ground” problem (bacterial regrowth) of many ordinary filters.
The short-term project outcome will be a successful microbiological validation of this technology under real conditions. The gathered data about functionality and operation will be the basis of certifying or approving the future product (e.g. a Swoxid Water Kiosk) to indicate that it meets regulatory standards and specifications, such as safety and technical requirements.
Required skills :
- BSc or MSc student: Biologist, Bioengineering, Chemist, Environmental scientist etc.
- Required tasks would be related to microbiology. Water sampling, Gel plating, Photochemistry.
- Theoretical and practical knowledge of water analysis, microbiological, organic and inorganic components would be a plus.
Accommodation : No
Meals: No
Contact : Dr. Endre Horvath – EPFL : endre.horvath@epfl.ch