Water remediation before NANOGAP, a story more than 5.000 years old

Access to clean, potable water has been one of mankind’s greatest concerns throughout history. Although today we have advanced technologies for water remediation, such as Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP) that we have optimized with our Metal Molecules, it all started thousands of years ago, when the most rudimentary methods laid the foundations for water purification. 

THE FIRST STEPS 

Early civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Mesopotamians, already understood the importance of treating water to make it fit for consumption. Therefore, they used simple, but very effective methods for the time, such as sand and charcoal filtration, a rudimentary process to remove visible impurities from water. In addition, these civilizations also tended to let the water stand under sunlight to heat it, probably without knowing that this method also helped to eliminate microorganisms thanks to ultraviolet radiation.  

THE ROMAN ERA 

Almost 2.500 years later, around 500 BC, the Romans marked a turning point in water management. With the construction of aqueducts, they not only guaranteed access to clean water in their cities but also established a highly efficient distribution system.

Roman Aqueduct
The Romans constructed numerous aqueducts to bring water from distant sources into their cities and towns.

In addition, this civilization managed to perfect filtration methods by using sands and stones to remove sediments. On the other hand, they also had storage systems in cisterns, which allowed the particles to settle before using the water, guaranteeing better conditions for its potability. 

THE BIRTH OF MODERN TREATMENT 

With the Industrial Revolution, already in the 19th century, cities began to grow exponentially, increasing pollution problems and the number of cases of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever. In this context, with the aim of improving the quality of life and health of the population, the first modern treatment methods were developed.  

The most prominent was chlorination, at the end of the century. The introduction of chlorine as a disinfectant agent marked a breakthrough in the elimination of pathogens, drastically reducing contagions. In addition, slow sand filtration also became a standard for removing sediment and larger organisms. 

Photograph of Widnes in the late 19th century showing the effects of industrial pollution
Photograph of Widnes in the late 19th century showing the effects of industrial pollution. Source: Hardie, D. W. F., A History of the Chemical Industry in Widnes, Imperial Chemical Industries Limited, 1950.

TECHNOLOGIES AND GLOBALIZATION IN THE XX CENTURY 

The arrival of the 20th century brought multiple advances and research in a field that had never been explored before: technology. This revolution did not take long to jump from sector to sector, reaching the field of water remediation. For example, reverse osmosis processes and filtration membranes allowed the removal of extremely small particles, including salts and metals.  

On the other hand, the advent of advanced chemical processes, such as flocculation and coagulation, improved the removal of complex contaminants. In addition, much safer disinfection technologies emerged, such as ultraviolet light and ozone, which avoided the use of more hazardous chemicals. 

THE CURRENT AGE 

Today, some of these processes have become insufficient: persistent pollutants, such as pharmaceutical residues, endocrine disruptors and microplastics, require much more advanced technologies. Here, Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) have become a key answer. By using hydroxyl radicals, AOPs can break down complex and resistant molecules, transforming them into harmless by-products.  

Small local waste water treatment facility plant.
Small local waste water treatment facility plant. Source:
Construcciones Ojembarrena

At NANOGAP, we take this technology further with our Metal Molecules. Their adhesion to standard photocatalysts improves the efficiency of traditional AOPs, facilitates the separation of the active charges and integrates simply into existing water remediation systems, making the transition to advanced technologies more accessible and cost-effective.  

In this way, NANOGAP is developing solutions that not only eliminate pollutants, but also contribute to a cleaner and healthier planet.