Development of thermochromic strips as a water pasteurization indicator

Area of Science:

• Water treatment technologies
• Food safety and preservation
• Public health interventions

Background:

• Boiling is a common but problematic water purification method.
• Traditional boiling leads to scalding risks, mineral loss, and bland taste.
• Existing methods lack efficiency and user-friendliness for safe drinking water access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a safer and more energy-efficient water pasteurization technique.
• To introduce a novel color-indicating strip for precise temperature monitoring.
• To overcome the drawbacks associated with conventional water boiling.

Main Methods:

• Developing a color-indicating strip that changes from red to purple at 67°C.
• Heating water to 65°C for a duration of 6 minutes for pasteurization.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of the method in making water safe for consumption.

Main Results:

• The developed strip accurately indicates when the target temperature of 65°C is reached.
• Pasteurization at 65°C for 6 minutes effectively makes water safe for drinking.
• Significant energy savings were observed compared to traditional boiling.

Conclusions:

• The color-indicating strip facilitates safe and efficient water pasteurization.
• This method provides safe drinking water without mineral loss or taste alteration.
• The technique offers a practical and energy-saving solution for water purification.