ADA Technologies' Arsenic Removal Technology Selected As Competition Finalist
ADA's arsenic removal technology is one of 15 technologies (out of more than 70 entries) selected to compete in the final/testing stage of the competition, which will begin in early July. The winners will be announced in early 2007. First, second and third place prizes are $1 million, $200,000 and $100,000. The winners will use the prize money to implement the technologies in areas of the world where it is most needed such as Bangladesh, Nepal and India.
"Arsenic-contaminated water poses a serious health risk in many developing countries," said ADA's project manager, Craig Turchi, Ph.D. "In the U.S. and other developed countries large water treatment facilities can choose from several effective methods of removing arsenic and other contaminants. However in parts of the world where arsenic poisoning is rampant, there's a need for a simple, inexpensive one-bucket-at-a-time treatment method. ADA's arsenic adsorbent's unique physical properties provide a very affordable and reliable method of removing arsenic that's simple to use."
According to the National Academy of Engineering, administrator of the Grainger Challenge Prize, arsenic-contaminated drinking water affects tens of millions of people, especially in developing countries where existing treatment technologies are too expensive for widespread use. In Bangladesh up to a quarter of the total population drinks well water containing 10 to 50 times the amount of arsenic considered safe.
ADA is currently working with Engineers Without Borders, a non-profit, non-governmental humanitarian organization, to introduce its technology in several communities in Nepal. ADA also is working to test its technology in India in conjunction with Water For People, an international non-profit organization.
SOURCE: ADA Technologies, Inc.