DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF PLANT XYLEM WATER FILTER

Clean and safe drinking water is essential, yet many rural and low-income communities face challenges accessing it due to costly or unavailable treatment systems. This project explored a simple, affordable solution by designing a water filter using cassava plant xylem as a natural filtration material. The water filter was designed using locally sourced materials, with cassava stems carefully prepared to expose the xylem tissue. The stems were peeled, cleaned, and cut into sections to fit into a simple filter housing. These sections were then secured in place, creating a flow-through system where water could pass through the xylem tissue for filtration. Water samples from muddy water, river/pond water, and groundwater were tested for Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and pH before and after filtration. The filtration device was constructed using an 18.9liter water dispenser bottle made from PVC material, with a bottle neck diameter of 20mm and a height of 185mm. A hose was attached to the bottle neck to channel water flow through the cassava xylem, which served as the primary filtration medium. Results showed the cassava xylem filter improved water quality by 67% to 80%, significantly reducing TDS and EC levels while adjusting pH closer to World Health Organization (W.H.O.) standards. This low-cost, sustainable solution demonstrates the potential of cassava xylem to address water purification challenges. While promising, further refinement and field testing are needed to enhance its efficiency and scalability, offering hope for communities lacking reliable clean water options.