China News Service, May 20. According to Hong Kong Wen Wei Po, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has developed a new odor control hydrogel AMGel formula, which not only effectively controls the odor and bacteria in drainage and toilet flushing systems, but also kills 99% of Omic Rong (Omicron) variant virus, more than 99% of the virus particles include MS2 and T3 bacteriophages, and 95% of drug-resistant bacteria in flushing water.

At present, the new formula of AMGel has been trialed in Yu Wan Village in Chai Wan and the residential care homes for the elderly under the Haven of Hope Christian Association. In the future, it is planned to expand to primary and secondary schools and residential units in Sham Shui Po.

　　The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has been developing multi-functional hydrogels for drainage facilities since 2016. This research is one of the special anti-epidemic projects of the "Public Sector Trial Scheme" under the Innovation and Technology Fund. Earlier, it won the 2022 Geneva International Invention Exhibition Silver Award.

　　Yang Jinglun, a professor of chemical and biological engineering in charge of the study, said on the 19th that the hydrogel inhibits odor by killing odor-producing microorganisms, and can also prevent channel erosion and inhibit drug-resistant bacteria.

Since the hydrogel will decompose into sand after releasing the disinfectant, it will not cause damage to the environment, so it can be used in different places such as manholes, open channels, interceptors, rivers and rivers, and its formula can be formulated and adjusted according to the environment. , to deal with different odors and microbial contamination problems.

　　Under the epidemic, the research team further developed a new formula of AMGel, which can kill bacteria and viruses in the toilet flushing system. Tested by an independent laboratory in the United Kingdom, the efficiency of eliminating Omicron is as high as 99%.

Yang Jinglun said that the cost of 1 kilogram of hydrogel is about 300 to 400 yuan (HKD). Putting 10 kilograms in the central water tank of a general building can effectively disinfect the flushing system of the whole building, and the effect will last for about 60 days. It is safer, more environmentally friendly and more sustainable than the traditional method of putting floating pellets into the water tank every week for sterilization, and can complement the traditional channel cleaning and dredging work.

　　In addition to being used in toilet flushing and drainage systems, hydrogels can also be used in industrial waste treatment facilities, landfills, and fresh markets where odors are likely to occur, with huge potential for development.