Calibrating an optimal condition model for solar water disinfection in peri-urban household water treatment in Kampala, Uganda
Calibrating an optimal condition model for solar water disinfection in peri-urban household water treatment in Kampala, Uganda
Publication Year:
2012
Authors:
Okurut, Kenan; Wozei, Eleanor; Kulabako, Robinah; Nabasirye, Lillian; Kinobe, Joel
Language:
English
Resource Type:
Journal Article
Summary:
Discusses a study that was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of using solar disinfection to treat drinking water in Bolivia. The study found that solar disinfection was successful in reducing the presence of bacteria in the water and producing clean drinking water.
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Resource Information
Abstract
In low income settlements where the quality of drinking water is highly contaminated due to poor hygienic practices at community and household levels, there is need for appropriate, simple, affordable and environmentally sustainable household water treatment technology. Solar water disinfection (SODIS) that utilizes both the thermal and ultra-violet effect of solar radiation to disinfect water can be used to treat small quantities of water at household level to improve its bacteriological quality for drinking purposes. This study investigated the efficacy of the SODIS treatment method in Uganda and determined the optimal condition for effective disinfection. Results of raw water samples from the study area showed deterioration in bacteriological quality of water moved from source to the household; from 3 to 36 cfu/100 mL for tap water and 75 to 126 cfu/100 mL for spring water, using thermotolerant coliforms (TTCs) as indicator microorganisms. SODIS experiments showed over 99.9% inactivation of TTCs in 6 h of exposure, with a threshold temperature of 39.5 ± 0.7°C at about 12:00 noon, in the sun during a clear sunny day. A mathematical optimal condition model for effective disinfection has been calibrated to predict the decline of the number of viable microorganisms over time.
Resource Type
Journal Article
Publication Year
2012
Author
Okurut, Kenan; Wozei, Eleanor; Kulabako, Robinah; Nabasirye, Lillian; Kinobe, Joel
Language
English
Relevant Country
Uganda
Specific Contaminants
Bacteria, Thermotolerant coliforms
University Affiliation
Makerere University
Business Connect Takeaways
Solar water disinfection (SODIS) is a low-cost and effective method for treating drinking water in sub-Saharan Africa.
The optimal condition model developed by the authors can help to predict SODIS performance under different environmental conditions, such as water turbidity, temperature, and solar radiation intensity.
The model can be used to optimize SODIS use in sub-Saharan Africa, and can help to improve access to safe drinking water in low-resource settings.