From Corn to Clean Water: Biochar Water Filters in Malawi

80% of Malawi’s workforce is dedicated to maize cultivation.

Maize cob can be turned into biochar, a substance which can be used for water filtration.

I launched this project and led the research, ideation, prototyping, and testing efforts.

Ideation: conducting existing research and brainstorming ideas with locally available Malawian materials.

Prototyping: constructing and evaluating candidate designs

Testing: functionality of the prototype and efficacy of filtration using water formulated to represent contaminated groundwater in Malawi.

Results: filters showed very promising results in filtering lead, nitrate, and fluorine. The results are shown in the figure with the World Health Organization standard as a benchmark.

Key learnings:

  • Developing rigorous research, prototyping, and testing plans

  • Working directly with community partners and stakeholders

  • Team leadership and project management