Powdered water, the invention of a Mexican to face the drought

As the soil faces an unstoppable drought, human beings are forced to reduce water exploitation and create alternative methods. As a way to deal with water scarcity in Mexico, a Mexican researcher created powdered water; a project that would save the territories in drought.

The engineer of the National Polytechnic Institute, Jesus Rico Velasco, developed a chemical substance capable of absorbing rainwater and solidifying. When it transforms into a solid material with a gelatinous appearance, it can be saved and then distributed again on the ground.

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How is the powdered water or solid water?

This material is a non-toxic and biodegradable potassium-based polymer, which helps to trap rainwater for later use. Its presentation is powder and must be placed in the ground at the height of the roots so that it can absorb more liquid.

Once the grains release the water in the plant, they turn back into dust. The result of this creation is a constant supply of water for farmers. After all it is a better use of natural resources.

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The overexploitation of water in cultivation

According to the FAO, 70% of the planet’s water is used for agricultural irrigation and to avoid the overexploitation of this resource it is necessary to improve the current cultivation methods. If powdered water is put into practice, the water used in irrigation could be reduced by up to 90%.

In addition, powdered water prevents water pollution and can remain in the earth for 10 years. For these reasons and the urgency to reduce the consumption of natural resources, the creation of Jesús Rico Velasco is one of the most important innovations of the decade.. Unfortunately, the project was rejected by the Mexican government and this implies much more work in the cultivation of this country.

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