Toilet-To-Tap In 150 Seconds

Wastewater and seawater can be made drinkable in a mere 150 seconds using new technology, according to the company that developed the system.

Mexican firm Jhostoblak Corporate is targeting its invention at households and industrial facilities. The system, known as PQUA, separates and removes contaminants from wastewater and seawater.

As always with so-called "toilet-to-tap" technology, the catch is this: It is unclear if the public can get onboard. As Good magazine put it, "Would you be down to drink purified human wastewater?" Jhostoblak Corporate "hopes that unclean water, regardless of the content of pollutants and microorganisms, can be taken from households, hotels, hospitals, commercial and industrial facilities and recycled back for safe human consumption," Good explained.

According to Investigación y Desarrollo, a publication of the Mexican media company Consultoría en Prensa y Comunicación, the technology also recovers valuable materials in the wastewater. "The methodology is founded on molecularly dissociating water pollutants to recover the minerals necessary...for the human body to function properly nourished," engineers at the firm said, per the report.

Along with time, the technology aims to save energy, relying on gravity to move materials when it's feasible. The system uses a combination of eight elements to break down other materials. "During the purification process, neither gases, odors, nor toxic elements that may damage or alter the environment, human health or quality of life are generated," the firm said in a statement.

The process clears out both organic and inorganic solids that collect into sludge at the bottom of the container. "The sludge is removed and examined to determine if it can have any application as fertilizer or manufactured construction materials. The remaining liquid goes on to many more steps of purification, such as removing dissolved elements, turbidity, odors, colors, and flavors. At the end of the line, the finished product is treated with ozone to ensure purity," Good reported.

The company has a pilot plant at its offices, where it tested the technology, according to Engineering & Technology Magazine. "Once the water treatment is complete, the liquid should be clear and with a neutral taste," E&T reported.

The company says it has run various types of wastewater and seawater through 50 different tests, which have been validated by a private, non-profit Mexican accreditation agency.