Hope College Engineering Department
Research Experiences for Undergraduates
Summer 2008
Project Summary

 

Project Title: Community-Based Bio-Sand Filter Project Implementation
Student Name: Andy Zendler
Student's Home Institution: Hope College
Research Advisor: Dr. Jefff Brown and Professor Susan Cherup
Source of Support: This material is based upon work supported by the Hope College Dean for the Natural and Applied Sciences Office, Hope College Engineering Department, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance, and Engineers Without Borders-USA.

The objective of this project was to design a training methodology that will aid in the implementation of a community based bio-sand filter project in developing communities. The bio-sand filter is a simple and affordable technology that uses slow sand filtration to remove biological contaminates from water. Sustainability and adaptability are the basis of an effective filter project. By assessing the resources available in a community, training local technicians to construct filters, and ultimately engaging the entire community, this approach can be modified to suit the specific needs of a variety of environments. To make this model more adaptable, filter construction and maintenance is taught through hands-on training and the overlapping of key concepts. This model was developed through experience gained by the Hope College student chapter of Engineers Without Borders-USA.

 

 

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