Point-of-Use Ultraviolet Disinfection: Shedding Light on Appropriate Technologies for Developing Communities

摘要

Point-of-use (POU) disinfection systems have the ability to provide safe drinking water to the millions who lack access to an improved water source. While many POU systems exist in developing communities, there are several concerns creating low user acceptability. Concerns include low flow rates, taste and odor issues, high cost, recontamination and ineffectiveness at treating common pathogenic organisms. In response to these concerning issues, an ultraviolet (UV) POU system has been developed consisting of developing community appropriate materials (recycled plastics, recycled aluminum, etc.) and simple construction techniques based around the use of a 3-watt low pressure UV bulb. The current prototype has the ability to inactivate 4-log bacteria and protozoa, and 1-2 log viruses, with future prototypes being designed to achieve greater than 4-log inactivation of most waterborne pathogens of public health concern.