IIT scientists develop material that can harvest water from fog
What's the story
Taking a leaf from nature's book, a team from IIT Mandi, Himachal Pradesh has developed a material that can harvest water from fog. Researchers worldwide are working towards developing techniques that can harvest water from unexpected sources, such as fog and mist, to meet the burgeoning demand for water. The study in this regard was published in the journal ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering.
Water harvesting
Plants in arid, semi-arid regions can harvest water from fog
"There are several plants in arid and semi-arid regions of the world whose leaves can harvest water from dew and fog. If they can do it, so can we," said Venkata Krishnan, an Associate Professor at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi. The researchers studied the intricate structures on the leaves of an ornamental plant called the Dragon's lily head (Gladiolus Dalenii).
Study
Leaf's surface patterns evaluated in relation to water harvesting properties
The surface patterns on the leaf in micrometer and nanometer scales were evaluated in relation to water harvesting properties; the patterns were replicated onto a polymer material. The team found a 230% enhancement on the fog-harvesting performance of patterned samples, compared to an un-patterned control sample. Solutions to provide drinking water to India's growing population will incorporate scientific innovations inspired by nature, researchers said.