Biosand Water Filter Evaluation: Pilot Study of Field Use Indicators in Cyegera, Rwanda
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-27-2018
Description
Diarrheal diseases are a global public health burden, killing 1.8 million people annually. Diarrhea disproportionately affects children and those in poverty. Most diarrheal cases can be prevented through safe drinking water, basic hygiene and/or sanitation measures, with drinking water interventions having the most impact on reducing diarrheal disease. There is no generally agreed-upon field method for determining biosand water filter effectiveness that is usable in low-resource communities. A pilot study was conducted of potential field use indicators, including the Colilert coliform presence/absence (P/A) test, hydrogen sulfide, alkalinity, hardness, pH, and fluorescently labeled latex microspheres. The study included both laboratory and field testing. The Colilert P/A test had the highest correlation to the United States Environmental Protection Agency standard method (IDEXX Quanti-trays), but more data are needed before making a recommendation. This study adds to understanding about evaluation of biosand water filters and provides preliminary data to address the need for a field use indicator for biosand water filters.
Citation Information
O'Connell, Bethesda; Slawson, Deborah; Quinn, Megan; Scheuerman, Phillip R.; and Ogunleye, Olushola. 2018. Biosand Water Filter Evaluation: Pilot Study of Field Use Indicators in Cyegera, Rwanda. Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology. Vol.67(6). 607-614. https://doi.org/10.2166/aqua.2018.159 ISSN: 1606-9935