Development of electroless, potable water sterilisation device based on nanophase modified concrete pebbles

The present research provides an exciting new strategy for surface modification of concrete pebbles using nanomaterials. Cement nanocomposite modified concrete pebbles were used for the treatment of contaminated water. The cement nanobased composite coated concrete pebbles were prepared step by step, mixing and spinning cement with nanomaterials to make a cement nanocomposite paste, coating the cement nanocomposite paste onto the concrete pebbles and drying the coated pebbles in air for device fabrication. This system provides >99% removal of microbial load with only 4 min total contact time. The composite produces a high surface area system for the active and high throughput inactivation of bacteria in water and can be reusable. This not only decontaminates the biological contaminants, but also provides a rigid cement base, which does not allow the nanomaterials to come out into treated water. Moreover, the device does not require any source of energy/voltage or UV light for its functioning. It is very economical and reusable and allows effective bacterial decontamination along with providing a way out for preventing nanomaterial toxicity.