Health Impact of Community-Based Water Treatment Systems in Honduras

Publication Year:

2011

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Journal Article

Summary:

Health impacts of water poverty on indigenous communities in the Peruvian Amazon, including increased rates of waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and infant mortality.

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Abstract

This paper provides a followup on a previous report in this journal on the health impact of providing access to water treatment and flush toilets to region of Honduras. Significant reductions were found in the one-year incidence of positive test results for the three protozoan species tested. This finding combined with the previously reported ethnographic and medical chart review data provides compelling evidence that such interventions significantly reduce the disease load from waterborne pathogens within this population. Furthermore, the finding that initial results are significantly different, even in the initial round of testing, if individuals who are not followed up are eliminated from the analysis has profound methodological implications which warrant further investigation and demonstrates the need for precise definitions of community in future studies.

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Journal Article

Publication Year

2011

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Business Connect Takeaways

Chlorination is a widely used method of water treatment that involves adding chlorine to water to kill bacteria and other pathogens. Chlorine can be added in the form of a gas, liquid, or solid, and is effective at a wide range of doses. However, chlorine can react with organic matter in water to form disinfection byproducts, which can be harmful to human health.

Filtration is another common method of water treatment that involves passing water through a physical barrier to remove particles and other contaminants. Filtration can be done using a variety of materials, including sand, gravel, and activated carbon. Filtration is effective at removing larger particles and some bacteria, but may not be effective at removing viruses or other small contaminants.

UV disinfection is a newer method of water treatment that involves exposing water to ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and other pathogens. UV disinfection is effective at a wide range of doses and does not produce disinfection byproducts. However, it requires a reliable source of electricity and may not be effective at removing larger particles or other contaminants.