Date of Graduation
5-2011
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Department
Chemical Engineering
Advisor/Mentor
Penney, William R.
Committee Member/Reader
Hestekin, Jamie A.
Abstract
Many technologies are used for water disinfection. Chlorine, iodine, and ozone are some chemical methods of water disinfection. Filtration, including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and reverse osmosis, is used to remove bacteria. In addition to chemical and filtration technologies, one can disinfect water using UV irradiation, ultrasonic treatment, electrolysis, solar disinfection, and slow sand filtration.
Currently, there are few solutions being employed in third world settings for communities. The current solutions are either for one household or are part of an existing infrastructure and therefore are not portable. Slow sand filtration is used successfully to provide potable water for individual households. Tablet chlorine systems have been implemented to disinfect municipal water supplies. General Electric has implemented an ultrafiltration unit in several locations in Haiti which can produce 5,000 gallons of clean water per day, although the system costs roughly $25,000. Many solutions have been implemented in the third world through philanthropic sponsors and various organizations. However, there are not enough sustainable drinking water systems in third world countries. The WERC Crew has an active effort to implement these technologies in Haiti.
Citation
Lee, R. (2011). Water purification for rural communities using ultraviolet light and bleach systems. Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/cheguht/24
