Team Solution:
Slightly modify the pH of moist soils and ditches so bacteria can not survive. For this purpose, calcium hydroxide, commonly known as quenched lime, will be used. When it comes in contact with the moist soil, it rises its pH.
Innovation:
Innovation:
Analyzing the existing solutions, it is found that, in addition to being ineffective, they compromise the integrity of the animals that act as transmitters of leptospira, in this case rats.On the other hand, the use of poisons with the purpose of eliminating the rats, implies a risk for the rest of the alive beings that frequent the treated zones.Our solution directly attacks the bacteria instead of affecting those who transmit them. To do this, calcium oxide is used, a very economical product, which can be bought in any tent and that when it comes into contact with wet surfaces reacts, slightly changes the pH eliminating the bacteria without causing damage to animals or humans.Following a simple instruction created by our group, anyone can create with recycled materials a simple device that applies our solution. This device may be used while the grass is cut, while the municipality cleans streets and ditches or directly in certain areas where it is considered necessary.
Implementation:
Option 1
To automate the process, which should be done periodically, it is decided to build a robot that is able to identify the moist soils and release lime in them if the pH is neutral.
Necessary materials:
- Robots lego (not indispensable)
- 3D printer (not indispensable)
- PH Reagents
Taking into account that not all people have a robot and trying to reduce costs and simplify the task of eliminating leptospira, it is decided to build a device that distributes the slaked lime and that can be constructed with recycled materials and technological wastes.
Two models of devices are proposed.
Model 1
- 1 plastic container with screw cap
- 1 disposable spoon
- 1 12V motor (from some technological waste)
- Cables
- 1 12V source
- 1 Switch (from technological waste)
- Tin Welder
Model 2
- 3D printer
- Plastic container with thread
- A 12V motor (of technological waste)
- Cables
- 1 12V source
- 1 switch (from technological waste)
- Tin Welder
Risk:
If too much lime is applied it can raise the pH to a risky level for some plants. Taking into account that this application will be made mainly in accounts and that this will eliminate the bacteria, it is considered that this risk is not relevant.
This solution does not affect animals or humans
Costs:
If Model 1 is constructed the cost is 0, since it can be made entirely with recycled materials.
Model 2 only involves the cost of material used by the 3D printer.
Ease of Manufacture:
These solutions are completely simple to manufacture. It is only necessary to follow the instructions.
STL files are also available to further facilitate the construction of Model 2.
Collaborating Organizations:
The Municipality of the area has offered us technological waste for the construction of the devices. In addition, he has committed to use our solution at the time he cleans the ditches, dumps and areas that favor the presence of Leptospira.
