Meet the young innovator turning dirty water into drinking water using only sunlight
Brazilian scientist Anna Luísa Beserra developed ‘Aqualuz’, a device that uses solar energy to purify rainwater.
At just 15 years old, Anna Luísa Beserra Santos conceived Aqualuz, a system that harnesses solar radiation to eliminate microorganisms from rainwater without the need for chemicals or complex filtration systems.
Motivated by the lack of access to safe drinking water for millions of people in Brazil, the young scientist decided she had to bring her idea to life. “I knew then that if I could create something easy to use and replicate, communities could take control of their own water purification,” Beserra told UNESCO.
The Aqualuz device is affordable, sustainable, and designed to last up to 20 years, ensuring a long-term impact compared to temporary filtration solutions. The technology is currently in use in rural areas of Brazil, benefiting more than 10,000 people and reaching 40,000 people in 2024 alone.
A global vision for the future
Anna Luísa emphasizes that scientific research is essential, but it does not replace direct experience with communities. “When I actually met the families facing water scarcity, that I truly understood the challenges they face every day… nothing replaces learning directly from the people you’re trying to help.” Her approach includes training local technicians, who lead the implementation and monitoring of the systems, turning each project into a collaborative effort.
Beyond Aqualuz, Beserra has developed other solutions: Aquasalina, which desalinate water using sunlight; Aquafilter, a filtration system for communities of up to 100 people; and Aquatorre, adapted for schools and areas without water infrastructure.
Her goal is to expand these technologies across Latin America, Africa, and Asia, providing sustainable access to safe drinking water while strengthening education and empowering local communities.
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