Is Radio Wave Treatment of Water a Credible Solution for Agriculture?

In summary, a technology known as radio wave energised water, developed by professors at Limerick University, claims to increase the output of fruits and vegetables by up to 30%. However, there is no mention of any peer-reviewed studies supporting these claims and the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew has stated that they have not endorsed this technology since 2009. Some members have expressed skepticism and it is recommended to approach this topic with caution.
  • #1
CWatters
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I hesitate to post this as it sure sounds like woo but it comes from an Irish University Prof. and appears to be endorsed by the Royal botanic gardens at Kew!

Does anyone know of a peer reviewed paper?

http://www.independent.ie/business/...lobal-warming-gm-and-pesticides-29525621.html

Selected quotes:

Wave goodbye to global warming, GM and pesticides. Radio wave-treated water could change agriculture as we know it.

The technology – radio wave energised water – massively increases the output of vegetables and fruits by up to 30 per cent.

Developed by Professor Austin Darragh and Dr JJ Leahy of Limerick University's Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science.

Vi-Aqua – meaning 'life water' – converts 24 volts of electricity into a radio signal, which charges up the water via an antennae...

Extensively tested in Warrenstown Agricultural College...

During recent successful tomato crop field trials in Italy, three of the country's largest Agricultural Co-op's were so impressed with the results that they have now decided to recommend the technology to the country's farming community.
 
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  • #2
Nothing neither here nor here. And I agree it definitely sounds like a woo woo.
 
  • #3
Googling Vi Aqua, one finds the company web page. It raises most of the red flags of pseudoscience.

The documentation presented makes no reference to any peer-reviewed study. As such, I think the subject if off-limits for PF.
 
  • #4
A member at Jref e-mailed the Botanic Gardens and got a reply.
I have received a reply from the Customer Information Supervisor at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew:
Originally Posted by RBC, Kew
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has not endorsed the Vi-Aqua products since 2009. A recent press article in the Irish Independent that mentioned this endorsement and activities by Kew around it, was inaccurate.

http://forums.randi.org/showpost.php?p=9458688&postcount=49
 
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  • #5


I cannot fully endorse this technology without seeing peer-reviewed research and evidence to support its claims. While the idea of using radio waves to treat water is intriguing, it is important to approach these claims with a critical and scientific mindset.

There are a few red flags in this article that make me skeptical. First, the fact that the technology is being marketed as a solution to global warming, GM crops, and pesticides is a red flag. These are complex and multifaceted issues that cannot be solved by a single technology.

Second, the lack of a peer-reviewed paper or publication to support the claims is concerning. Without proper documentation and research, it is difficult to determine the validity and effectiveness of this technology.

Third, the article mentions that the technology has been "extensively tested" at a specific agricultural college, but does not provide any details or results from these tests.

Lastly, the fact that the article mentions the technology being recommended by agricultural co-ops in Italy is not sufficient evidence of its effectiveness. It is important to have independent and unbiased research to support such claims.

In conclusion, while the idea of using radio waves to treat water is interesting, I would caution against fully endorsing this technology without proper scientific evidence and research. It is important to approach such claims with a critical and analytical mindset, and not rely solely on endorsements or anecdotes.
 

1. What is radio treatment of water?

Radio treatment of water is a method of purifying water using electromagnetic radiation, typically in the form of radio waves. This process involves exposing water to radio waves, which have the ability to break down and neutralize harmful contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and other organic compounds.

2. How does radio treatment of water work?

During radio treatment, water is exposed to radio waves at a specific frequency and intensity. These waves cause the molecules in the water to vibrate, creating heat and disrupting the structure of harmful contaminants. This process ultimately destroys the contaminants and makes the water safe for consumption.

3. Is radio treatment of water safe?

Yes, radio treatment of water is a safe and effective method of purifying water. The radio waves used in this process are non-ionizing, meaning they do not have enough energy to break apart chemical bonds or cause harm to living organisms. Additionally, radio treatment does not add any chemicals or by-products to the water, making it a natural and environmentally friendly method of water purification.

4. What are the advantages of radio treatment of water?

There are several advantages to using radio treatment for water purification. First, it is a chemical-free process, making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option compared to traditional water treatment methods. Additionally, radio treatment can effectively remove a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and organic compounds. This method also requires minimal maintenance and has low operating costs.

5. What are the limitations of radio treatment of water?

Radio treatment of water may not be suitable for purifying large volumes of water. This method is more commonly used for small-scale applications, such as in homes or small communities. Additionally, radio treatment may not be effective against certain types of contaminants, such as heavy metals or chemicals. In these cases, a combination of different water treatment methods may be necessary to ensure safe drinking water.

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