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Student(s): Marti Colasurdo, Matthew Giovetsis
Project: Turbidity and E.coli Removal with Novel Portable Paper Water Filters for Developing Countries | View Poster (PDF)
Major(s): Environmental Engineering
Advisor(s): Gabrielle String
Abstract
Access to clean drinking water remains a critical global challenge, especially in low-income and developing communities that rely on cost-effective filtration methods. Metallic ion-coated paper filters designed to treat 20L of water are available for local households to purchase, and improving the efficacy of these filters is important. This research project aims to evaluate a proprietary metallic ion-coated paper filters’ ability to improve drinking water quality through turbidity, bacterial reduction, and structural integrity assessments. Dr. String’s research group is collaborating with the Manufacturer to answer key questions: Is the filter more efficacious when glued or folded into a cone? What is the maximum volume of water that can be treated before replacement is necessary? Do the metal ions significantly reduce bacterial concentrations to appropriate levels? The study utilizes Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) as a model bacterium and Phi6 as a surrogate bacteriophage to measure log reduction in colony-forming units (CFU). Using a set of parallel filter appariti, influent and effluent water quality data was collected for turbidity reduction tests, bacterial removal assessments, and filter alteration studies. The results will provide valuable insights into the practical use and longevity of metallic-ion-coated paper filters, offering guidance for communities that rely on them for safe drinking water. Ultimately, this study contributes to the broader effort of developing affordable and effective water purification solutions that promote public health and environmental sustainability, reinforcing the belief that every community deserves a safe and reliable drinking water source.
About Marti Colasurdo
Marti Colasurdo is a senior Environmental Engineering major at Lehigh who is currently conducting research under Dr. Gabrielle String. During her time at Lehigh she has had hands-on internship experience with three different companies with focuses in environmental remediation, wastewater engineering, and climate change resilience. One of Marti’s internships was through the Lehigh Iacocca International Internship Program where she was able to spend six weeks fully funded in Montenegro working for the University of Donja Gorcia’s Center for Climate Change, Natural Resources & Energy. During her time as an Iacocca Intern, Marti was given the opportunity to write a speech that was delivered by the former President of Montenegro at a climate conference. Her professional experiences have cemented her hard skills in Civil 3D, AutoCAD, MATLAB, and ArcGIS. She is thankful and thrilled to be a part of the Undergraduate Research Symposium this year!
About Matthew Giovetsis
Matthew Giovetsis is a senior at Lehigh University majoring in Environmental Engineering, with a strong passion for sustainability, water quality, and environmental remediation. He is involved in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) research under Dr. Gabrielle String, focusing on improving access to clean water in underserved communities. As the project lead for Lehigh’s Engineers Without Borders Water Quality Sampling Group, he oversees field sampling efforts and data analysis for Lehigh Valley waterways.
He has hands-on experience in environmental compliance and permitting through his internship with the Federal Aviation Administration's Superfund team, where he analyzed remediation techniques, conducted fieldwork, and collaborated with governmental agencies on sustainability initiatives. He also worked with the Lehigh Office of Sustainability, leading the Campus Tree Inventory project and helping the university earn the Tree Inventory USA certification. With expertise in ArcGIS, MATLAB, and AutoCAD, he is eager to apply his skills to solving complex environmental challenges.
About Ellen Henry
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