Water Sample: Testing for Bacteria

Water test- Lake Anza, Berkeley, California

Testing for bacteria: As a potential fresh water source, we found a local lake with many swimmers. We suspected this source would likely contain bacteria due to the water being fairly stagnant and high amount of human interaction.

Water test kit

Process: Using the WaterSafe test kit shown above, we were able to test for the bacteria. Bacterial growth is determined by changing of color from purple to yellow.

1) Added a small sample of lake water into a test tube that was filled with powdery substance that turned purple.
2) Waited 48 hours.
3) Resulting tube changed to yellow, indicating positive for bacteria.

Next steps: To decontaminate the water, we will proceed to do a UV pasteurization procedure and then retest the sample for bacterial growth. Stay tuned for continuation of the water test!

Tool Kit Components

Basic Kit Components

Description: These are basic kit components that will be used for a variety of construction and experimentation purposes. This will be an evolving set of components as the kit develops.

Hexayurt 

What is a  Hexayurt: A simple structure made out of pre-fabricated materials that is space and material efficient, able to withstand relatively harsh weather conditions, and maintain a consistent temperature in extreme climates.

Process: The following describes how we created the hexayurt pictured above. 

1. Designed a prototype on computer

2. Laser cut pieces

3. Pasted reflective film on one side

4. Cut out pieces using an exacto-knife

5. Assembled pieces together using tape/velcro 

Solar Components 

Solar: Solar power will potentially be used for 3 systems in the kit, described below.
1) Light- automatically turns on when it is dark outside using a control circuit through the solar cell.
2) Evaporative cooling system- solar energy powers a fan which blows moist cool air into the hexayurt.
3) (Beta) Thermal electric cooler- uses electricity to create temperature difference between two surfaces. This cooling system would work better in a humid climate but uses more energy.