Understanding the Global Water Crisis

The speaker shares their experience in India, highlighting the challenges of accessing clean water. They discuss the global water crisis, emphasizing the scarcity of freshwater and its impact on health. Motivated by this issue, the speaker embarks on a scientific journey to find solutions, exploring solar disinfection and photocatalysis. They develop a photocatalytic composite for water purification, aiming to create a sustainable and efficient method. The speaker concludes with a call to action, encouraging collective efforts to address the global water crisis.

What is the main reason the narrator's parents advise drinking only boiled or bottled water in India?

• The water is too cold.

• The water is often contaminated.

• The water is too expensive.

• The water is not available.

What percentage of Earth's water is freshwater available for human consumption?

• 75%

• 50%

• Less than 1%

• 2.5%

What is the primary method used in developing countries to purify water, as mentioned by the narrator?

• Chemical treatment

• Solar disinfection (SODIS)

• Filtration

• Boiling

What is the main disadvantage of the SODIS method?

• It requires electricity.

• It is too expensive.

• It uses harmful chemicals.

• It is very slow, especially on cloudy days.

What does the term 'photocatalysis' refer to?

• A method to slow down chemical reactions.

• A process that uses sunlight to speed up reactions.

• A way to filter water using sand.

• A technique to cool down water.

What is a major issue with the current deployment of photocatalytic SODIS?

• The photocatalyst blocks UV radiation.

• It is too costly.

• It requires a lot of space.

• It is not effective in removing bacteria.

What material does the narrator combine with titanium dioxide to create a new water purification method?

• Plastic

• Metal

• Cement

• Glass

What is the purpose of the social enterprise founded by the narrator?

• To sell bottled water.

• To promote solar energy.

• To build water parks.

• To catalyze solutions to the global water crisis.

What age was the narrator when they started working on their water purification project?

• 10 years old

• 12 years old

• 14 years old

• 16 years old

What is the narrator's perspective on water as a resource?

• Water is an endless resource.

• Water is a luxury.

• Water is only for the wealthy.

• Water is a universal human right.