Acceptability, effectiveness, and fouling of PointOne membrane filters distributed in South Sudan
Acceptability, effectiveness, and fouling of PointOne membrane filters distributed in South Sudan
Publication Year:
2019
Authors:
Holding, Shannon; Sadeghi, Ilin; White, Trevor; Murray, Anna; Ray, James III; Asatekin, Ayse; Lantagne, Daniele.
Language:
English
Resource Type:
Journal Article
Summary:
The research paper discusses a study conducted in South Sudan to evaluate the acceptability, effectiveness, and fouling of PointOne membrane filters in reducing thermotolerant coliforms. The study found that the filters were acceptable and effective in reducing coliforms for four months, but effectiveness dropped when surface water use increased.
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Resource Information
Abstract
The Sawyer PointOne™ household hollow fiber membrane filter (PointOne) efficaciously removes microbiological indicators in the laboratory, and is increasingly considered for emergency response. To our knowledge, PointOne effectiveness in emergencies had not been evaluated. In South Sudan, 773 PointOnes were distributed. For 13 months after distribution, household surveys were completed quarterly, water quality testing was conducted monthly, and post-mortem analysis was completed at study midline to assess acceptability, effectiveness, and membrane fouling, respectively. Recipients found PointOnes acceptable, with high rates of demonstrated correct use (97–100%) and correct backflushing (96–100%). PointOnes effectively reduced thermotolerant coliforms for four months. When surface water use increased, effectiveness dropped, with 38% of filtrate samples contaminated. After backflushing filters with 0.2% chlorine solution, effectiveness improved; however, 5–38% of PointOne filtrate samples remained contaminated over subsequent months. Irreversible fouling was documented during post-mortem analysis. These results highlight that while PointOnes can improve household water quality within an emergency, PointOnes can foul within 4–6 months of use, depending on influent water quality. It is recommended that future PointOne distributions include continuous monitoring and an appropriate cleaning regime, based on influent water quality, to ensure continued performance. Further research on source water quality impacts on PointOne performance is recommended.
Resource Type
Journal Article
Publication Year
2019
Author
Holding, Shannon; Sadeghi, Ilin; White, Trevor; Murray, Anna; Ray, James III; Asatekin, Ayse; Lantagne, Daniele.
Language
English
Specific Solutions
PointOne Membrane filters
University Affiliation
Tufts University
Business Connect Takeaways
PointOne membrane filters are effective in reducing thermotolerant coliforms in household drinking water, but their effectiveness can be impacted by factors such as surface water use and fouling.
Regular maintenance and monitoring are crucial to ensure sustained effectiveness of PointOne filters in resource-limited settings.
The findings of the study highlight the importance of appropriately designed programming and ongoing monitoring to ensure targeted protection against bacteria and protozoa in drinking water at the household level.