Differences in laboratory versus field treatment performance of point-of-use drinking water treatment methods: research gaps and ways forward
Differences in laboratory versus field treatment performance of point-of-use drinking water treatment methods: research gaps and ways forward
Publication Year:
2023
Authors:
Zimmer, C; Dorea, C.C.
Language:
English
Resource Type:
Journal Article
Summary:
The article discusses the discrepancy between laboratory and field performance of point-of-use water treatment (POUWT) techniques and proposes a strategy to help mitigate the research gap and explore the potential to improve current health risk assessments and recommendations by public health entities and manufacturers of POUWT products.
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Resource Information
Abstract
In this Perspective, we present evidence that indicates a discrepancy between laboratory and field performance of point of use water treatment (POUWT) techniques, identified via a narrative review process to investigate the origin of the LRV comparison estimates reported by the WHO. We considered only peer-reviewed articles that reported laboratory and field log reduction values (LRVs) for the same POU technology. We will present a summary of explanations that have been offered by the literature regarding such discrepancies; the potential implications of the “laboratory versus field” data discrepancy; and potential risks posed by conflating the two. Finally, in view of this discussion, we propose a strategy to help mitigate the research gap and explore the potential to improve current health risk assessments and ultimately, recommendations by public health entities and manufacturers of POUWT products.
Resource Type
Journal Article
Publication Year
2023
Author
Zimmer, C; Dorea, C.C.
Language
English
Specific Contaminants
Bacteria, E. coli
Specific Solutions
POUWT
University Affiliation
University of Victoria
Business Connect Takeaways
Laboratory-based data on point-of-use water treatment (POUWT) techniques may overestimate their performance compared to field-based data, which could lead to inaccurate or problematic public health recommendations.
The effectiveness of POUWT techniques in reducing diarrheal disease in low- and medium-income countries varies depending on the context and local conditions, and research on sustainability and behavior change is needed to improve their performance.
There is a need to bridge the research gap between laboratory and field assessments of POUWT techniques and to develop a comprehensive strategy to improve health risk assessments and recommendations by public health entities and manufacturers of POUWT products.