MIT invents $4 solar desalination device (freethink.com)

Article summary

Researchers from MIT and China have developed a solar desalination device that can provide a family of four with drinking water, made from $4 worth of materials. The device uses gravity-driven convection to move water and has worked for a week straight with no signs of salt accumulation. However, its long-term durability is still unknown. The device could be a relatively cheap way to get freshwater to people in need, particularly in the developing world.

Main themes

• solar desalination
• water scarcity
• developing world
• disaster relief
• sustainability
• economic viability

What commenters say

• The device's short-term effectiveness may outweigh its potential lack of longevity, making it a viable option for emergency situations.
• The cost of replacing the device every few weeks or months could be prohibitively expensive for individuals in poverty-stricken areas.
• The device could be a useful tool for disaster relief and providing clean water in areas where access is limited.
• Relying on foreign aid to provide devices like this may not be a sustainable solution and could create dependencies.
• The economics of the device may not work well for everybody, particularly in areas where the cost of replacement is high compared to average income.
• The device's potential to save lives in emergency situations outweighs concerns about its long-term sustainability.
• The focus on providing aid rather than addressing the root causes of poverty and lack of access to clean water may be misguided.
• The device could be a stepping stone towards more permanent and sustainable solutions for providing clean water in developing areas.