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Water Filter:

Juliana Massiel Castañeda Torres

Montpellier International School

8th grade

2024-2025

Summary (100 - 150 words )

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My project consists of designing a water filter using inexpensive, and repurposed

materials. In Ecuador, a significant population consumes water directly from rivers and

springs, and unfortunately, this source is extremely unsafe. It can produce diseases such

as cholera, hepatitis A, or typhoid. For this reason, I thought that it’s urgently important

to construct a filter that can purify water at an efficiency of 80 to 90%. First, I got the

materials: cotton, rocks, and activated carbon. Then, I built the filter and tested it with

dirty water. Following the use of the filter, the water appeared cleaner and clearer than

before. This is a significant point because the filter has the potential to assist people who

do not have access to clean water. Moving forward, I want to enhance it by adding a

feature that checks for bacteria.

Introduction and Initial Reflection:

In Ecuador, many people consume water from natural sources such as springs

and rivers to save money. However, this water is often not potable, leading to serious

health risks. Contaminated water can cause diseases such as cholera, dysentery, hepatitis

A, and typhoid fever, which pose significant threats to public health (World Health

Organization, 2023).

A practical solution to this issue is the use of water filters. These devices are

designed to remove contaminants and harmful bacteria, ensuring access to clean and safe

drinking water (Water Technologies of Mexico, 2023).

Some of the most common waterborne diseases include cholera, which can be

mitigated by maintaining proper hydration; diarrheal diseases like dysentery, treatable

with antidiarrheal medications; hepatitis A, for which no specific treatment exists but
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can be managed by the body's immune system; and typhoid fever, which can be

effectively treated with antibiotics such as chloramphenicol, ampicillin, or ciprofloxacin

(World Health Organization, 2023).

Using a water filter offers several benefits. It not only improves the taste of water

but also reduces the presence of heavy metals and insecticides. Additionally, it plays a

crucial role in disease prevention and is particularly recommended for vulnerable

populations, such as pregnant women (Fundación Aquae, 2022).

My water filter can also be used when a person is lost in the middle of a forest.

You can find the materials and create it to be able to drink clean water.

Illnesses caused by drinking contaminated water.

Can a water filter be created to reduce diseases?

I became interested in this topic because I saw on social media that people were

getting sick from drinking contaminated river water, so I want to create a water filter to

prevent disease. With this project, I hope to learn how to build with recycled materials.

Objectives:

General Objective

● Design and test a cost-effective water filtration system using readily available

materials.
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Specific Objective

● Identify the most effective materials for water filtration.

● Evaluate the filter's ability to remove 80-90% of contaminants.

Hypothesis:

A home water filter with activated carbon, cotton and stones will effectively

remove at least 90% of contaminants and improve water safety, providing a solution for

communities in Ecuador.

Materials, Methods and Learning Process:

Table 1. List of materials

The bottle is used for the initial structure of the filter; the rocks, to

prevent large debris from filtering through; the cotton, to filter the water; and the
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coal, to absorb gases, chemicals, debris, metals and heavy metals; finally scissors

are used to cut the filter.

Methods:

1. Gather all the materials from the table above.

2. Cut the plastic bottle at the bottom to create an opening through which to

insert the materials.

3. Wash the rocks and activated charcoal thoroughly to remove impurities.

4. Put the layers into the bottle in the following order:

5. Place absorbent cotton in the nozzle to block fine debris.

6. Next, add a layer of rocks to trap large particles.

7. Next, add a layer of activated carbon to absorb contaminants and

chemicals.

8. Pour the contaminated water into the filter and collect the filtered water

in a separate container.

9. Check the clarity and contamination level of the filtered water.

Figure 1. Design of the protype

Materials: Sand will not be used.

Experimental design:
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Figure 2. Image of a water filter using AI Canva to design the prototype.

I created this image with Chat GPT for academic purposes.

Experimentation scheme

Day 1 of experimentation (16/12/24)

Objective: Obtain materials.

What do you expect to observe? The materials are of good quality.

What skills I did better ? : Get the materials not at the last minute.

What surprised you the most ? : The materials cost nothing.

Day 2 of experimentation (18/12/24)

Objective: Construct the filter base and place the materials in order.

What do you expect to observe ? : The filter base is not damaged, and the material is in

good condition.

What skills I did better ? : The speed to build the filter.

What surprised you the most ? : By removing the sand, the water flowed faster and

achieved its objective of filtering the water correctly.

Day 3 of experimentation (20/12/24)

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Objective: Check that the filter is working.

What do you expect to observe ? : The filter is capable of filtering the water for

consumption.

What skills I did better ? : Observation to check that the water is clean.

What surprised you the most ? : That the boat where the water was stored was a little

unstable and almost spilled.

Day 4 of experimentation

Objective: Ask family, friends, etc. if the water tastes like the water they drink daily.

What do you expect to observe ? : People's opinions in a positive way.

What skills I did better ? : He speaks to convince them to taste my water

What surprised you the most ? : That most of the people who tasted the water thought

it tasted like normal water.

Results of the Prototype

Content:

Table 2. Prototype observations

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Table of variables for educational purposes made with Chat GPT

Analysis of results:

The filter successfully reduced visible sediment and improved water clarity.

However, further testing is needed to measure its effectiveness in removing specific

contaminants. When I assembled the filter, I added sand, but found that the sand did not

perform its function of filtering the water properly. When I ran the filter a second time,

the filtered water came out clear, so the objective was achieved.

Observations:

● Sand was initially included, but it made the water appear dirtier. Its removal

improved the filtration results.

● The filter base was unstable and required additional support.

Discussion of the prototype:

The filter successfully reduced visible sediment and improved water clarity.

However, further testing is needed to measure its effectiveness in removing specific

contaminants. Comparisons with basic water quality standards suggest moderate

effectiveness, which is consistent with the hypothesis. When setting up the filter, I added

sand, but noticed that the sand failed to do its job of filtering the water properly. When

you made the filter a second time, the filtered water came out clear, thus achieving its

objective.

Standardization
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1. Process Name: Water quality and pH determination (ISO, 2012)

2. Objective: This international standard specifies a method for the determination

of pH in rainwater, mineral drinking water, etc., whose pH is in the range

between 2 pH and 12 pH. Whose pH is in the range between 2 pH and 12 pH so

that when taken it does not cause damage to health.

3. Selected regulation: ISO 10523:2008- Water quality and pH determination

(ISO, 2012).

4. Key Requirements from the regulations:

● The pH of the water should be in the range between 2ph and 12ph.

(Eurolab, sf).

● The water temperature should be in the temperature range of 0°C and

50°C (Blokker & Pieterse‐Quirijns, 2013).

5. Process standardization details:

I have to add these steps:

● Measure the pH of the water with a ph-meter past one day.

● Measure the water temperature with the thermometer past one day.

6. Required documentation: ISO 5667-3 Water quality. Sampling. Part 3:

Guidance on the preservation and handling of water samples.

7. Limitations and consideration:

Allowed:

● I can use a pH-meter

● I can measure the temperature with a thermometer

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Not allowed :

● The pH of the water must not be below 2 pH and above 12pH.

8. Additional information needed:

For future research I will investigate the proper steps to measure pH, according

to the Orozco Lab page there are different ways to measure pH:

● Indicator paper
● Glass electrodes
● Liquid indicators
● Combined electrodes
● Photometry
● Fiber optic sensors

SECTION 1: REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

1.1 Regulation Overview

● Regulation Name:Water quality and pH determination

● Institution (e.g., INEN, SENADI): International Organization for

Standardization

● Type (Standard / Patent / Health / Safety / Copyright / Other): Quality

standard

● Direct Link or Code: UNE-EN ISO 10523

1.2 Regulation Application Checklist (per regulation)

Requirement Description Can Apply? Evidence or Explanation

(✔/✖/Simulat
ed)

Affected To determine the pH in I will meet the requirements

Processes rainwater, drinking only up to a specific part as I
water, mineral water, will be measuring the pH of
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bathing water, ✔/✔ potassium waters only.

groundwater and
surface water with a pH
in the range from pH 2
to pH 12.

Required Tests To determine the pH of To meet the requirements, a

water, the pH of be is thermometer and a pH-meter
in the range between ✔ are needed.
pH 2 and pH 12.
The water temperature
should be in the ✔
temperature range of
0°C and 50°C

Mandatory ISO 3696 Water for use It is going to be done in a

Documents in laboratory analysis. ✖ simulated way because the
Specification and test process is very long.
methods.
It is going to be done in a
ISO 4796-2 Laboratory ✖ simulated way because the
glassware. Flasks. Part process is very long.
2: Flasks with conical
neck. I am going to get non-
potable water and measure
ISO 5667-3 Water its pH when it is unfiltered
quality. Sampling. Part ✔ and when it is filtered, I am
3: Guidance on the also going to check how
preservation and many bacteria each water
handling of water has.
samples.

Legal Limitations No legal limitations are ✖ It is going to be done in a

shown in the standard simulated way because the
process is very long.

Certifications No certificates are ✖ It is going to be done in a

shown in the standard simulated way because the
process is very long.
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Educational checklist generated with AI and own ideas.

1.3 Step-by-Step Application or Simulation

1. Define the Scope of the Study
Objective: To measure pH in potassium waters, both filtered and
unfiltered.
Expected pH range: 2 to 12
Water temperature range: 0°C to 50°C.
✔ Clarification: Only potassic waters will be measured,
not all types of water mentioned in the general
standard.

2. Prepare the Necessary Equipment

✔ Thermometer (to verify that the water is between 0°C
and 50°C).
✔ Calibrated pH meter (for accurate pH measurement).

3. Review of Normative Documents (ISO)

✖ISO 3696: Water for use in laboratory analysis.
✔ ISO 5667-3: Water quality - Sampling - Storage and
handling.
✖ ISO 4796-2: Flasks with conical necks shall not be
used (not applicable in this case).

4. Sample Collection and Preparation

Obtain non-potable water (potassium water source).
Two samples will be taken:
Unfiltered sample.
Filtered sample.
5. pH measurement
Check the water temperature (should be between 0°C and 50°C).
Measure the pH of each sample (filtered and unfiltered) with the pH
meter.
Carefully record the values.

6. Microbiological Analysis
Evaluates the amount of bacteria present in each sample to compare
the effect of the filtrate.

7. Legal and Certification Review

✖ No legal limitations are identified in the standard.
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✖ No certifications are required to perform this specific

test according to the standards reviewed.

8. Documentation and Conclusion

Record the pH results and any microbiological observations.
Compare the effects of filtration on pH and the presence of bacteria.

📊 SECTION 2: EXPERIMENTAL AND STATISTICAL RESULTS

2.1 Quantitative Data

● Variables measured: pH

● Number of trials (min. 3): I will repeat 3 times

● Tools/Instruments used:
● The materials I will use are a pH meter/PH strips, Thermometer, Measuring
beakers, Microscope, Slide and coverslip.

● Descriptive Statistics (mean, %...):

Table of statistics for educational purposes made with Chat GPT

● Graphs/Tables included:

Bar chart for educational purposes made with Chat GPT

2.2 Qualitative Data

● Observations:

Filtered water shows a slightly higher pH.

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Unfiltered samples show more turbidity and odor.

No foam or abnormal coloration was detected.

The procedure was in accordance with ISO 10523 for pH measurement by

electrode.

● Reactions/Feedback:

The filter was observed to slightly improve the apparent water quality.

The procedure was simple with the use of a pH meter and thermometer.

It is considered useful to apply a complementary bacteriological evaluation.

● Before vs. After Standardization (if applicable):

Before: There was no temperature check before measurement.

After: Temperature was normalized to between 22.5 and 22.7 °C before

measuring pH (according to ISO 10523, it is recommended to measure at room
and constant temperature for accuracy).

The pH meter was calibrated with pH 4, 7 and 10 buffer solutions before each
session (as indicated in the standard).

SECTION 3: DISCUSSION
In this experiment, the pH of filtered and unfiltered water samples was
measured, repeating the procedure three times to ensure consistency. Instruments such as
pH meter, thermometer and microscope were used. It was observed that the filtered
water had a slightly higher pH, while the unfiltered water showed greater turbidity and
odor. The measurement was performed following, standardizing the temperature
between 22.5 and 22.7 °C and calibrating the pH meter with buffer solutions. It was
concluded that filtering improves the visual quality of the water, and a complementary
bacteriological evaluation was recommended (ISO, 2018).

The results indicated that the filtered water had a slightly higher pH, while the
unfiltered water had higher turbidity and a stronger odor, suggesting lower visual and
sensory quality. Measurements were performed following the guidelines of ISO 10523,
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which states that pH measurement should be carried out under stable, temperature-
controlled conditions

🧾 SECTION 4: CONCLUSIONS

Write 3–5 evidence-based conclusions:

● Was the general objective achieved?

Yes, a functional filter has been designed and tested with affordable materials.
● What did you learn (scientific + legal)?
Scientifically, I learned how to filter water with carbon, cotton and stones.
Legally, I learned about ISO standards for measuring pH and water temperature.
● How did regulation impact your prototype?
He forced me to measure pH and temperature to ensure that the water is safe,
following ISO standards.
● What improvements are needed?
To make the filter more stable and to do chemical tests to protect human health,
and bacteriological tests to ensure its safety and quality for human consumption.

How does your project support the SDGs or Ecuador’s development?

Supports SDG 6 by providing clean and accessible water, helping to prevent
disease.

SECTION 5: FINAL SUBMISSION CHECKLIST

Item Description Status

✅ Regulation Checklists One per regulation [✔️ ]

🔍 Applicability Analysis Full / Partial / Simulated [✔️ ]

🛠 Regulatory Application Step-by-step [✔️ ]

📊 Data & Graphs Quantitative & Qualitative [✔️]

🧠 Discussion Evidence-based & Comparative [✔️]

🧾 Conclusions Goal-based & Reflective [✔️ ]

📚 APA Bibliography 5+ academic sources [ ✔️]

🔐 IP Simulation SENADI Patent or IP Form [ ✔️]

🗃 Upload All Files Virtual Folder Submission [✔️]

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Bibliography and Citation Practices:

● Blokker, E. M., & Pieterse‐Quirijns, E. J. (2013). Modeling temperature in the

drinking water distribution system.

[Link]

262728472_Modeling_Temperature_in_the_Drinking_Water_Distribution_Syste

● Eurolab. (s.f). In ISO 10523 Standard test for the determination of the quality of

water,pH. [Link]

10523-su-kalitesi-ph-tayini-icin-standart-test/

● Fundación Aquae. (2022). Benefits of water filtration. Retrieved from

[Link]

● ISO. (2012).Water quality and pH determination (10523) .

[Link]

● ISO. (2018). ISO 5667-3:2018. Water quality — Sampling — Part 3: Guidance

on the preservation and handling of water samples. International Organization

for Standardization.

: [Link]

● Orozco Lab. (2023). What is pH, how is it measured and what is its importance?

[Link]

importancia#:~:text=La%20escala%20de%20pH%20se,7%20y%20se

%20considera%20neutra
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● World Health Organization (WHO). (2017). Guidelines for drinking-water

quality: Fourth edition incorporating the first addendum.

[Link]

● World Health Organization. (2023). Waterborne diseases. Retrieved from

[Link]

● World Health Organization (2023). Informe anual de acceso al agua potable en

Ecuador. Quito, Ecuador.

● Water Technologies de Mexico. (2023). Filtración de agua y sus beneficios.

Declaration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage in Project:

IA Canva:

I used canva's ia to create an image that approximates how my water filter would look.

Chat GPT:

I used chat GPT in the introduction to enlarge the text with the information I provided,

in the abstract to correct with the rubric rules, in the methods to have a more formal

language, in the discussion to add information besides the information that was already

provided, in the Step-by-Step Application or Simulation to simulate the steps for

academic purposes, in the other discussion to add the missing information, in the

conclusions to add the information from the simulated part.

Annexes:
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Figure 3 . Water filter prototype

Concepto del Empaque STEAM

1. Conceptualización del Empaque

¿Cuál es el propósito de tu empaque?

Para que las personas se informen de las funciones del filtro, de qué material
está hecho, cómo funciona,etc.

¿Cuál es el mensaje principal que quieres transmitir con el diseño?

Transmitir a las personas que es importante tomar agua totalmente limpia

y filtrada.

2. Definición de los Elementos Visuales

¿Qué colores utilizarás y por qué?

Usaría una gama de colores azules como azul tiffany,maya y celeste,

también grises que atraería un público joven porque son fuertes.

¿Qué tipo de letra usarás para los textos y por qué?

Usaría una tipografía que se a un poco cuadrado para que sea cuadrante con
el filtro y para tener un balance visual ya que este tipo de tipografía relaja la vista
porque no es normal y atrae a un público joven.
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¿Qué tipo de imágenes, ilustraciones o patrones incluidos?

Una imagen del agua y del filtro.

3. Composición Visual

Frontal: logo, nombre del producto, imagen principal junto con imagen de agua

Laterales: información, elementos gráficos decorativos

Posterior: instrucciones de uso

Superficie superior/inferior: Elementos decorativos o de refuerzo del mensaje

4. Justificación del Diseño

¿Cómo ayudan estos elementos a que tu empaque sea atractivo y funcional?

Ayudan porque atraen a las personas y aunque no la necesiten por la atractividad

del producto lo compran

Pacdora:
[Link]