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Prickly pear cactus might provide purified water to millions

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Eco Factor: Cactus gum used to purify water.

Yesterday we published a list of some of the most amazing water purifiers that can provide safe drinking water to people in the developing nations. While there is no dearth of water filters on the market, scientists from the University of South Florida have taken a more natural approach to provide potable water.

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These scientists have realized the ability of prickly pear cactus to remove sediment and bacteria from contaminated water. The thick gum in the cactus that stores water is responsible for purification, which when added to contaminated water combines with sediment and bacteria and settles at the bottom, filtering 98 percent of the bacteria from the water.

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Since the prickly pear cactus is found all over the world, these scientists opine that the natural process could provide cheap, clean water to millions who are currently without it.

Via: EcoGeek/New Scientist

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