Evaluation of a new water treatment for point-of-use household applications to remove microorganisms and arsenic from drinking water

• DOI: 10.2166/wh.2003.0009
• Publication Date: 2018-05-18T10:07:10Z
• Authors: Philip F. Souter; Graeme D. Cruicks...; Melanie Z. Tanker...; Bruce H. Keswick; Brian D. Ellis; Don E. Langworthy; Kathy A. Metz; Martin R. Appleby; Nicola Hamilton; Amanda L. Jones; John D. Perry
• Keywords: Bacteria; 1. No poverty; Fresh Water; Risk Assessment; United States; 6. Clean water; Arsenic; Water Purification; 3. Good health; Primary Prevention; 13. Climate action; Communicable Disease Control; Viruses; Humans; Water Microbiology; Developing Countries; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Environmental Monitoring

Contamination of drinking water by microorganisms and arsenic represents a major human health hazard in many parts the world. An estimated 3.4 million deaths year are attributable to waterborne diseases. Arsenic poisoning from contaminated sources is causing emergency some countries such as Bangladesh where 35 77 people at risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently recognized point-of-use treatment an effective means reducing illness developing country households. A new system that based on flocculation, sedimentation disinfection was evaluated for removal bacterial, viral parasitic pathogens well estimate its potential use countries. Tests were conducted with United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-model field- sample waters Samples seeded known numbers organisms, treated combined flocculation/disinfection product, assayed survivors using standard assay techniques appropriate organism. Results indicated this reduced levels 10(8)/l undetectable (<1) 14 types representative bacterial including Salmonella typhi Vibrio cholerae. No Escherichia coli detected post-treatment 320 field samples collected five In addition, polio rotavirus titres greater than 4-log values. Cyrptosporidium parvum Giardia lamblia inocula 3-log values following system. Arsenic, added laboratory test waters, 99.8%, naturally occurring highly Bangladeshi wells 99.5% mean 1.2 microg/l. This demonstrated provide improved households removing microbial contaminants.