Design of Low-Cost Point-of-Use Water Purification Device for Heavy Metal Removal in Rural Communities

Abstract

Access to safe drinking water remains a major challenge in many rural communities where groundwater and surface water sources are frequently contaminated with toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, and chromium. This study presents the design of a low-cost point-of-use water purification device for efficient heavy metal removal in rural household applications. The proposed purification system integrates affordable filtration materials, adsorption media, and gravity-driven flow mechanisms to provide a sustainable and energy-independent solution for decentralized water treatment. A comprehensive experimental investigation was conducted to evaluate the influence of filter media composition, flow rate, contact time, adsorbent characteristics, and influent contaminant concentration on heavy metal removal efficiency and operational performance. Locally available and low-cost materials, including activated biochar, sand, natural zeolites, and agricultural waste-derived adsorbents, were incorporated into the filtration unit to enhance contaminant adsorption and improve water quality. Performance evaluation demonstrated significant reductions in heavy metal concentration, turbidity, and suspended impurities under optimized operating conditions. The purification device also exhibited stable filtration efficiency, low maintenance requirements, and ease of operation suitable for rural deployment without advanced technical infrastructure. Comparative analysis indicated improved cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability compared to conventional centralized treatment systems and commercially expensive purification technologies. Furthermore, the compact and modular design enabled portability and adaptability for diverse rural water supply conditions.