Development of an Ultraviolet Point-of-Use Device for Household Disinfection

Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation

Citations

Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/bg257f41b

Abstract

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 that lead to low user acceptability. Concerns include low flow rates, taste and odor issues, high costs, 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 low-wattage, low pressure UV bulb. Three generations of prototypes were developed and tested for hydraulics and microbicidal effectiveness. The latest prototype has the ability to inactivate 4-log bacteria and protozoa, and 1-2 log viruses.

Creator