Evaluating Sustainable Water Purification Methods for Remote Communities

What is it about?

This research article evaluates the sustainability of four point-of-use (POU) water disinfection technologies: chlorination using sodium hypochlorite, a silver-nanoparticle-enabled ceramic water filter, ultraviolet mercury lamps, and ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV LEDs). The study employs techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment, utilizing open-source Python packages QSDsan and EXPOsan, to assess these technologies in terms of per capita cost and global warming potential. It quantifies the impacts of water quality parameters, such as turbidity and hardness, on both surface and groundwater. The study includes uncertainty and sensitivity analyses to identify influential assumptions and evaluates the technologies across various adoption times and global contexts. Findings suggest that the POU chlorination system has the lowest net cost. The research aims to provide insights for decision-makers and organizations to develop sustainable approaches for ensuring access to safe drinking water through POU technologies.

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Photo by Ian Talmacs on Unsplash

Photo by Ian Talmacs on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study investigates the sustainability of various point-of-use (POU) water disinfection technologies, which is important for providing access to safe drinking water at the household level, particularly in regions where centralized water treatment is not feasible due to cost or infrastructure limitations. By comparing different technologies in terms of cost and environmental impact, the research contributes valuable insights for decision-makers and organizations aiming to implement effective water treatment solutions that align with the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 6, which targets universal access to safe and affordable drinking water. Key Takeaways: 1. The study evaluates the economic and environmental performance of four POU technologies: chlorination using sodium hypochlorite, a silver-nanoparticle-enabled ceramic water filter, ultraviolet mercury lamps, and ultraviolet light-emitting diodes, using techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment. 2. Findings reveal that the POU chlorination system had the lowest net cost, highlighting its potential as a cost-effective solution for household-level water disinfection. 3. The research demonstrates the importance of considering water quality parameters, such as turbidity and hardness, as well as contextual factors, to ensure the sustainable adoption of POU technologies in different communities worldwide.