Mexican scientists have developed a microplant to clean water and protect strawberries from contamination,  website Invdes.com.mx reported.

Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (UMSNH) experts have built equipment which removes microorganisms and solids with reactive oxidants which break down contaminants.

Project leader José Apolinar Cortés said growers approached the university about developing such a system because strawberries are often irrigated with urban wastewater containing organic waste and detergents.

"The mobile microplant is based on the size of the particles to separate contaminants and kill bacteria without damaging the crop," he was quoted as saying.

He explained the mechanism had a filter for removing coarse solids and finer ones for catching smaller particles of 125 microns.

The system, which is compact enough to be transported by car, can be installed and clean from five to 100 cubic meters of waste water an hour.

In remote areas without electricity generators can be used to power the system which is currently being used in Michoacán state.

The project began in 2010 with funds from federal and state governments and the Fundación Produce.

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Photo: SAGARPA

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