Photo : BSS

KHULNA, April 07, 2025 (BSS) - Water filter using natural cotton has been developed for purifying water, particularly in saline-prone regions, which will significantly contribute to reducing water crisis during natural disasters. 

A research team led by Prof Nadim Reza Khandaker from the Bangladesh Army University of Science and Technology (BAUST) in Khulna, has developed the simple yet effective water filter.

This innovative filter, capable of purifying dirty and saline water, uses natural cotton during filtering process, helping reduce bacteria from muddy, dirty and saline water, and eventually ensuring supply of safe drinking water, Professor Nadim told BSS. 

As Bangladesh is a disaster-prone country, access to the safe water, especially for the people in coastal area, is crucial during severe disaster events including cyclone and flood, according to health experts. 

The crisis deepens further as surface water pollution and poor management jeopardizes water security even in major cities of the country. The cases of waterborne diseases are significantly increasing throughout the years. The filter will address this problem, Professor Nadim told BSS. 

He supervised this innovation, which was carried out by his thesis students - Ifaz Kabir Ribab, Ariful Islam Arif, and Nafsadi Ridwan Sakib - with logistics support from the BAUST. 

When contacted, Professor Abdul Kadir, Executive Director of Sundarbans Academy, told BSS that coastal people, especially children and women, face challenges in accessing safe drinking water during natural disasters including cyclones, floods, and drought, suffer from diseases like Diarrhea, Cholera, Jaundice, Typhoid and skin diseases. 

"The filter may ensure safe drinking water for the people of the saline-prone coastal belt," he said. 

Khulna Civil Surgeon Dr Mahfuza Khatun appreciated the team's efforts for the valuable innovation. 

"Coastal people who are susceptible to safe water scarcity, will get relief if they use this filter," she added.