Filtration in the Use of Individual Water Purification Devices

摘要

Soldiers deployed beyond traditional field drinking water supplies must have access to potable water. Using Individual Water Purification Devices (IWPDs) is one way to provide microbiologically safe water in these situations. Understanding the ability of filtration to reduce disease-causing microorganisms in water is important in protecting Soldiers, who are considering using this technology, from acute health threats posed by these microorganisms. This information paper provides an in-depth review of filtration (including adsorption and ion exchange) as a pathogen and particulate reduction mechanism when treating natural waters. This paper is intended to assist the reader in evaluating the capabilities of IWPDs using size exclusion, adsorption, and/or ion exchange to reduce disease-causing bacteria, virus, and protozoan cyst populations, as well as turbidity causing particulate matter.