InspectAPedia.com InspectAPedia®
 

Free Encyclopedia of Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, Repair

Ask a Question or Search InspectAPedia

  • HOME
  • AIR CONDITIONING
  • ELECTRICAL
  • EXTERIORS
  • HEATING
  • HOME INSPECTION
  • INTERIORS
  • PLUMBING
  • ROOFING
  • SEPTIC SYSTEMS
  • STRUCTURE
  • WATER SUPPLY
  • ENERGY SAVINGS
  • ENVIRONMENT
  • INDOOR AIR IAQ
  • INSULATION
  • MOLD INSPECT TEST REMOVE
  • NOISE
  • ODORS
  • SOLAR ENERGY
  • VENTILATION
  • EXPERTS DIRECTORY
  • CONTACT US


Mobile Phone/PDA website viewMobile View
WATER PUMPS, TANKS, TESTS, WELLS, REPAIRS

AIR DISCHARGE at FAUCETS, FIXTURES
AIR INLET VALVE, WATER TANK
AIR VOLUME CONTROLS, WATER TANK

BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANTS
Bisphenol-A, BPA

CHEMICAL CONTAMINANTS in WATER
CHECK VALVES
CHLORAMINE / CHLORINE Tests
CHLORINE IN DRINKING WATER
CHLORINE in WATER, HOW TO TEST FOR

CISTERNS

DEBRIS in WATER SUPPLY, Water Heater
DRINKING WATER TESTING

DRINKING WATER - EMERGENCY PURIFICATION
DRINKING WATER - EMERGENCY SOURCES

EPA GUIDE to WATER QUALITY

FHA WATER TESTS REQUIRED

FILTERS, WATER
FLOW CONTROL VALVES
FOOT VALVES, WELL PIPING

GALVANIC SCALE & METAL CORROSION
GREYWATER SYSTEMS

HARD WATER - SOFTENERS
HEAT TAPE USAGE GUIDE

LEAD POISONING HAZARDS GUIDE
Legionella Legionnaires' Disease

METHANE GAS SOURCES
MVOCs & MOLDY MUSTY ODORS
MSDS Material Safety Data Sheets
MUNICIPAL WATER PRESSURE IMPROVEMENTS

ODORS GASES SMELLS, DIAGNOSIS & CURE
ODORS IN WATER
OZONE HAZARDS

Pesticide Exposure Hazards

PIPING IN BUILDINGS, Clogs Leaks Types
PLASTIC CONTAINERS, TANKS, TYPES
PLUMBING SYSTEM ODORS
PRESSURE CONTROL SWITCH ADJUSTMENT

RADON HAZARD TESTS & MITIGATION

RELIEF VALVES - Water Tanks

REVERSE OSMOSIS CONCENTRATE DISPOSAL

SEWAGE PATHOGENS in SEPTIC SLUDGE
SEWER GAS ODORS

TANK TYPES: WATER, OIL, EXPANSION, ALL

VALVES, PLUMBING

WATER CONTAMINANT LEVELS
WATER FILTERS
WATER HAMMER NOISE DIAGNOSE & CURE

WATER HEATERS

WATER ODORS, CAUSE CURE

WATER PRESSURE & FLOW MEASUREMENT
WATER PRESSURE LOSS DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
WATER PRESSURE REPAIR GUIDE - WELLS

WATER PUMPS, TANKS, TESTS, WELLS, REPAIRS
WATER PUMPS, TANKS, WELLS - BASICS

WATER PUMP CAPACITIES TYPES RATES GPM
WATER PUMP CONTROLS & SWITCHES
WATER PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL SWITCH
WATER PUMP TYPES & LIFE EXPECTANCY
WATER PUMP PRIMING PROCEDURE
WATER PUMP PROBLEM DIAGNOSTIC TABLE

WATER PUMP REPAIR GUIDE
WATER PUMP SHORT CYCLING
WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING

WATER PURIFIERS

WATER QUALITY TESTS, CONTAMINANTS, TREATMENT
WATER QUANTITY IMPROVEMENT

WATER SHUTOFF VALVE LOCATION, USE
WATER SHUTOFF VALVE, WELL PUMP

WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS
WATER SOURCE ALTERNATIVES

WATER TANK: USES, TROUBLESHOOTING
WATER TANK AIR, HOW TO ADD
WATER TANK AIR INLET VALVE
WATER TANK AIR LOSS SIGNS
WATER TANK AIR VALVE REPAIRS
WATER TANK AIR VOLUME CONTROLS
WATER TANK BLADDERS & CAPTIVE AIR
WATER TANK CAPTIVE AIR vs TRADITIONAL WellMate

WATER TANK CONTROLS & SWITCHES
WATER TANK LIFE EXPECTANCY

WATER TANK PRESSURE CALCULATIONS
WATER TANK PRESSURE GAUGE
WATER TANK PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE

WATER TANK REPAIRS
WATER TANK REPLACEMENT

WATER TANK SAFETY
WATER TANK SIZE & VOLUME

WATER TANK TYPES: WATER, OIL, EXPANSION, ALL

WATER TESTS, CONTAMINANTS, TREATMENT
WATER TEST CHOICES & WATER TEST FEES
WATER TESTING GUIDE
WATER TEST INTERPRETATION

WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT CHOICES

WELL PUMP PRIMING PROCEDURE

WELLS CISTERNS & SPRINGS

WINTERIZE A BUILDING

More Information

Photovoltaic solar array in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico (C) Daniel FriedmanSolar Disinfection Water Treatment for Drinking Water
InspectAPedia®  -    

  • Solar water purification methods for drinking water
  • Solar desalination and Demineralization using Solar Evaporators (SEA)
  • Water treatment equipment choices, pros and cons of each water purification method
  • Water treatment methods for contamination, bacteria, lead, minerals, etc.
  • Water treatment choices for odors, smells, sediment, cloudiness
  • Water treatment methods for hardness & mineral content
  • Choices of types of solar water treatment equipment
InspectAPedia offers impartial, unbiased advice without conflicts of interest. We will block advertisements which we discover or readers inform us are associated with bad business practices, false-advertising, or junk science. Our contact info is at InspectAPedia.com/Contact.htm.

This article explains using solar heating equipment for correcting unsanitary or unsatisfactory drinking water. Solar water disinfection using solarcatalytic treatment (SODIS) has been under test for some time. Here we report on recent studies that have improved the efficacy of that approach to using solar power to produce potable water. Our placeholder photo at page top is a photovoltaic array in use on a restaurant in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico (not powering solar water purification).

For explanation of the types of contaminants found in water and how they are removed in residential water systems, see WATER TESTS, CONTAMINANTS, TREATMENT. See WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT CHOICES for details on other water treatment options. See Filters for Drinking Water Purification for a discussion of portable and emergency water filters that are designed to purify drinking water, including portable ceramic water filters, silver ceramic filters, magnetic (bogus) water purifiers, paper and polypropylene water filters, etc.

See DRINKING WATER PURIFICATION for a discussion of various methods used to purify emergency drinking water. A companion article, DRINKING WATER - EMERGENCY SOURCES,describes possible sources of drinking water that may be useful in emergency conditions.

© Copyright 2012 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use page top links to major topics or use links at the left of each page to navigate within topics and documents at this website. Green links show where you are in a document series or at this website.

Solar Water Treatment for Contamination

Solar water purifiers use solar energy to produce potable (drinking) water from available water sources. In a typical solar water purifier design, sunlight is converted either to electrical energy typically to operate distillation equipment, pumps, or evaporators, or sunlight is used directly in the form of heat to operate a distillation process. Water is vaporized (evaporated) from a storage container. Water vapor is condensed on the under-side of a glass or plastic surface where it runs down to a clean-water collection container.

The most rudimentary "emergency" solar still has been made using clean black plastic trash bags, a hole in the ground, and plants as a moisture source.

Alternative methods for producing potable water using solar power

  • Photocatalytic enhanced solar disinfection using NF-TiO2 (reported below in this article). Keep in mind that the SODIS approach is aimed at reducing bacterial contamination only.
  • Solar powered desalinization or demineralization (see references below)
  • Solar purifiers using solar-powered water distillation. Note that water distillation removes most contaminants.
    • Aqua Sun, Aqua Sun International, Inc.   1617 Water St. Suite J,  Minden, NV   (775) 783-8566 - portable, mobile, and stationary solar powered water purification systems, also produce solar water pumping systems - www.aqua-sun-intl.com/. Output capacity for stationary water purification systems varies by model, ranging from 1 gpm to a system capable of producing more than 8,600 gallons per day. Quoting:
      The concept of combining solar energy and water purification into a single, completely self-contained water purification system was invented and developed by Aqua Sun in 1990.
    • Solar Water Purifier, +61 3 9563 8120, produces solar arrays, 4-panel and 12-panel systems with capacity of 2-4 liters/day per panel. - www.sunsurewater.com
      Quoting
      Easily erected and plumbed this Waterward kit just needs sunshine! Providing an average of 2 to 4 litres per day from a single panel. It will provide safe drinking water for the family. The panels easily convert grey, sea, bore, tap, rainwater etc into extremely pure water safe for personal use.
    • Safe Water Systems, 1600 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 721 Honolulu, HI 96814, Phone: 808-949-3123 Fax: 808-949-3103 Email: info@safewatersystems.com - www.safewatersystems.com
      Quoting:
      ... specialize in products that utilize solar energy to disinfect and purify water, desalinate water and pump water in areas where conventional water treatment facilities are not available.
    • Also see SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
  • Photochemical Oxidation - APO - not suitable for drinking water: see Handbook: Advanced Photochemical Oxidation Processes. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency US EPA - "APO has been shown to be effective in treating contaminated solids, primarily at the bench-scale level."

Photocatalytic Enhanced Solar Disinfection of Drinking Water

These comments on use of solar powered equipment for water disinfection are based on "Final Report: Enhanced Photocatalytic Solar Disinfection of Water as Effective Intervention Against Waterborne Diarrheal Diseases in Developing Countries", National Center for Environmental Research, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency et als.

Quoting from the above report (http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.abstractDetail/abstract/8841/report/F)

Conclusions:

Photocatalytic enhanced solar disinfection using NF-TiO2 was responsible for complete inactivation of E. coli in those reactors exposed to both solar and visible light radiation. The presence of NF-TiO2 enhanced the disinfection rate efficiency of E.coli when compared to those experiments where no photocatalyst was used. Practical application of dye solutions as dosimetric indicator appears as very useful for determining the solar radiation dose necessary for waterborne pathogen deactivation.

Solar water disinfection (SODIS) is a simple, environmentally friendly and low cost point-of-use treatment technology for drinking water purification. However, bacterial re-growth after short storage (24 h) of SODIS treated water has been observed.

Seeking for improvements of SODIS performance, reduction of irradiation time and avoidance of bacteria regrowth, solar based-Advanced Oxidation Technologies (AOTs), such as solar TiO2 photocatalysis, are promising enhancements to SODIS. Unfortunately, one of the main problems with the use of conventional TiO2 for solar applications is its limited capability to absorb only the radiation in the UV range, which is only about 5-8% of the total solar radiation.

In this study, we employed novel nanotechnological procedures to synthesize visible light activated nonmetaldoped TiO2 (i.e., nitrogen-doped TiO2) with high surface area and immobilized on appropriate support materials that were used in novel photocatalytic reactors for water purification in rural zones in Mexico as a case study.

In combination with visible light activated TiO2, we also propose to incorporate in our process the V trough solar collector which has never been applied to solar photocatalytic processes in the past, but has much simpler geometry and demonstrated in preliminary results performance comparable to other types of solar collectors. Because of its simpler geometry, the V trough solar collector is much less expensive and is attractive to applications is developing countries. This overall process for water purification was denominated “Enhanced Photocatalytic Solar Disinfection” (ENPHOSODIS).

A complete inactivation of the bacteria was achieved when using ENPHOSODIS under solar and visible light at three different NF-TiO2 catalyst concentrations. Under dark conditions, no difference in the bacteria count was observed and no inactivation of E. coli was observed when employing visible light only. pH was an important influence on the bacteria resistence to solar radiation. E. coli was able to survive for longer radiation periods at pH 7 and 7.5 than at lower or higher pH values (i.e., 6, 6.5 and 8). An azo dye, acid orange 24 (AO24), was explored for the development of a UV dosimetric indicator for disinfection. Complete color removal was found to be equivalent to that when water submitted to ENPHOSODIS treatment, under the proposed conditions, will get enough energy to deactivate completely the viable helminth eggs present. Different configurations of immobilized TiO2 photocatalytic reactors were tested under real sun conditions. Experiments under full sun and cloudy conditions showed that these photoreactors are capable of disinfection with an optimum configuration of internal and external coationg along with a compound parabolic collector.

NOTE: The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

Solar Arrays and Solar Evaporation for Demineralization of Water

Desalination and Demineralization with Solar Evaporation Array (SEA)

Pros/Cons: Advantages and Problems with Various Types of Water Treatment Equipment for Bacterial or Bacteriological Contamination

  • Water Filters as Purifiers (introduction) and Filters for Drinking Water Purification (details including portable ceramic water filters, silver ceramic filters, magnetic (bogus) water purifiers, paper and polypropylene water filters, etc. )
  • UV -ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT TREATMENT as a Water Purifier
  • REVERSE OSMOSIS WATER TREATMENT Systems for Water Purification
  • CHLORINATORS & CHARCOAL FILTERS for Water Purification
  • Aesthetic water contaminants and treatment systems: sediment, iron, odors, taste
  • WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS for correcting "hard" water - clogs pipes, poor washing & bathing, mineral deposits, reduced hot water output from water heaters and tankless coils
  • Sediment filters and Iron filters to reduce red iron stains on fixtures & clothings
  • Sulphur odor filters or Sulphur Treatment Systems - get rid of that "rotten egg" smell
  • WATER TREATMENT CHEMICAL SAFETY Warnings

List of Principal Methods Used to Purify Contaminated Drinking Water when Camping or in an Emergency

  • Boil the water to make it suitable for drinking. See Boiling Water for Drinking.
  • Bleach: Use chlorine (bleach, sodium hypochlorite) to purify the water. (see warnings just above). See Bleach as a Disinfectant for Drinking Water. Permanent well water chlorination systems are discussed at CHLORINATORS & CHARCOAL FILTERS.
  • Ceramic water filters - see Filters for Drinking Water Purification
  • Chlorination: where electrical power and water pressure are present and the equipment is already installed, a chlorinator or water chlorine injection treatment system, usually combined with a charcoal filter for water treatment may be functional. See CHLORINATORS & CHARCOAL FILTERS for details.
  • Giardia in Drinking Water - a review of the health hazards & typical equipment costs for portable and whole house water treatment to remove Giardia cysts from drinking water
  • Iodine: Use Iodine tablets or a liquid tincture of iodine to purify the water for emergency use (see warnings just above). See Iodine Tablets or Iodine Disinfectant.
  • Hydrogen peroxide may be used (maybe) to purify water for emergency drinking use. [The concentration and exposure time data are still needed for this application.]
  • Water purifying filters: Use a filter designed for water purification, particularly ceramic filters and silver-ceramic filters. See WATER FILTERS for a separate discussion of home water filters used for sediment, odors, etc.
  • Use a water purifying pump such as models sold by camping equipment suppliers to purify the water - typically these pumps use a ceramic or other filter. See Filters for Drinking Water Purification for information about pump type ceramic water filters.
  • Use a water distiller such as a home or portable distillation unit (our photo just above/left shows a Sears® Kenmore home water distiller) (You'll need electrical power or a source of heat to distill water). This device processes about one gallon of water per cycle. We have been using this Sears Kenmore water distiller, model 5000 for more than fifteen years without a hitch. A disposable charcoal post-distillation filter is available for use in the drip spout of the unit - a potential source of contamination if it is not changed occasionally.
  • Reverse osmosis: use a Reverse osmosis water filtration system if water pressure is available or if a portable R.O. system is available. See REVERSE OSMOSIS WATER TREATMENT for details. RO treatment systems may work where there is no electrical power provided that you have water pressure, such as in some municipal water situations.
  • UV Lights - ultra violet light used for water sterilization - see UV -ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT TREATMENT
  • Vinegar is sometimes used as a vegetable wash and may be effective against some microorganisms in water - we have not yet found authoritative data on this application. See Vinegar & Other Disinfectants.
  • Mixed oxidants electrochemically generated from brine have been used for water disinfection
  • Halogenated resins have been used for water disinfection
  • Home Made & Expedient Water Sterilization Methods: Matthew Stein describes a variety of home-made, expedient, and partly effective water filters and water treatment methods in When Technology Fails. With plastic and a few sticks you can build a solar water sterilizer (solar water disinfection or SODIS systems).

    Stein also explains that slow sand filters have been used for partially cleaning and treating water for a very long time. A crude home made charcoal filter will remove some odors, bad tastes, organic toxic chemicals, and radioactive fallout. Mr. Stein also describes sari water filters used in Bangladesh after flooding, but includes a critical warning that filtering water through cloth is by no means really safe.

    Our favorite of his suggestions is using a plant to form a water collector and filter system, an idea which reminds us of native Americans who knew how to obtain water from desert barrel cactus. We enjoyed this book and provide this purchase link for it.
  • Hydrogen Peroxide for Water Disinfection
  • Solar Disinfection of Drinking Water: Photocatalytic enhanced solar disinfection using NF-TiO2 was responsible for complete inactivation of E. coli in those reactors exposed to both solar and visible light radiation. The presence of NF-TiO2 enhanced the disinfection rate efficiency of E.coli when compared to those experiments where no photocatalyst was used. Practical application of dye solutions as dosimetric indicator appears as very useful for determining the solar radiation dose necessary for waterborne pathogen deactivation.

Basic water purification procedures that can be used in an emergency are described just below. If community or private wells are back in operating and providing water, do not assume that the water is sanitary and ok to drink until responsible authorities have said so. Even then, local water pipes in a building may be unsanitary and additional cleaning or disinfection may be needed. See WELL CHLORINATION SHOCKING PROCEDURE and See WATER TESTS, CONTAMINANTS, TREATMENT for advice on using a private well for drinking water.

Questions & Answers regarding this article

.

Ask a Question or Search InspectAPedia

HTML Comment Box is loading comments...

Share this Article      

...

Technical Reviewers & References

  • InspectAPedia.com® - Daniel Friedman - Publisher & Editor.
  • InspectAPedia Bookstore lists recommended books, organized by topic & available for purchase. Most of our articles also include a list of recommended books for the specific article topic as well as other references, and information sources.
  • Critique, contributions wanted: Contact Us to suggest corrections or additions to articles at this website, and if you wish, to receive online listing and credit as a contributor. Particular thanks are due to the many experts and also consumers who read and critique technical articles at InspectAPedia.com.
  • Additional technical contributors & reference sources for this article are listed below.

Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

PLUMBING SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR

CHLORINE IN DRINKING WATER
CHLORINE in WATER, HOW TO TEST FOR
WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS
WATER TEST INTERPRETATION
FAILED WATER TESTS - WHAT TO DO
FAILED WATER TESTS - WHEN to RE-TEST
ODORS in WATER - TYPES, CAUSES
WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT CHOICES
  WATER FILTERS
  FILTERS - SEDIMENT & IRON
  FILTERS - SULPHUR ODOR
  CHLORAMINE DISINFECTANTS
  CHLORINATORS & CHARCOAL FILTERS
  REVERSE OSMOSIS WATER TREATMENT
  REVERSE OSMOSIS CONCENTRATE DISPOSAL
  UV -ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT TREATMENT
  SOLAR WATER DISINFECTION

  WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS
  WATER TREATMENT CHEMICAL SAFETY
EPA GUIDE to WATER QUALITY

FHA WATER TESTS REQUIRED
LEAD in WATER, ACTION GUIDE
ODORS GASES SMELLS, DIAGNOSIS & CURE
ODORS IN WATER
SEWAGE CONTAMINATION
WATER CONTAMINANT LEVELS
WATER TEST INTERPRETATION
WATER TESTING GUIDE
WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT CHOICES

WATER ODORS, CAUSE CURE
WATER PUMPS & WELLS
WATER PURIFIERS

WATER QUALITY TESTS, CONTAMINANTS, TREATMENT
WATER QUANTITY IMPROVEMENT
WATER QUANTITY USAGE GUIDE
WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS
WELL SHOCKING GUIDE

WELLS CISTERNS & SPRINGS
  WATER HAMMER NOISE DIAGNOSE & CURE
  WATER PRESSURE LOSS
  WELL CLEARANCE DISTANCES
  WELL DEPTH, HOW TO MEASURE
  WELL FLOW RATE
  WELL LIFE EXPECTANCY
  WELL PIPING CHECK VALVES
  WELL PIPING FOOT VALVES
  WELL PIPING LEAK DIAGNOSIS
  WELL PIPING TAIL PIECE
  WELL PUMP PRIMING PROCEDURE
  WELL PUMP TYPES & LIFE EXPECTANCY
WELL CHLORINATION SHOCKING PROCEDURE

  • Solar Water Purification for the Border: Solar Distillation, Robert Foster, SWTDI, New Mexico State University, Sharon Eby-Martin
    El Paso Solar Energy Association, web search 07/24/2010 - http://www.epsea.org/pdf/borderpact.pdf [Power point presentation]
  • El Paso Solar Energy Association, EPSEA, El Paso Solar Energy Association, P.O. Box 1314, El Paso, Texas 79947l, Email: info@epsea.org, Tel: 915) 867-8173, http://www.epsea.org
    Quoting:
    The El Paso Solar Energy Association (EPSEA) was founded in 1978 and is the oldest, continuously active, local solar organization in the United States. EPSEA publishes a monthly newsletter on solar energy and EPSEA activities. The purpose of EPSEA is to further the development and application of solar energy and related technologies with concern for ecologic, social and economic fabric of the region (West Texas, Southern New Mexico, Northern Mexico). In addition to monthly meetings/seminars, EPSEA conducts technology demonstrations, information booths, and conducts project development work related to renewable energy technologies in the Southwest U.S. and Northern Mexico. EPSEA is a Chapter Member of the Texas State Solar Energy Society, of the American Solar Energy Society. EPSEA is a registered nonprofit 501(c)(3)
  • Handbook: Advanced Photochemical Oxidation Processes. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency US EPA, EPA/625/R-98/004, December 1998, web search 07/20/210 original source: http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/pubs/625r98004/625r98004.pdf
    Quoting:
    This handbook summarizes commercial-scale system performance and cost data for advanced photochemical oxidation (APO) treatment of contaminated water, air, and solids. Similar information from pilot- and benchscale evaluations of APO processes is also included to supplement the commercial-scale data. Performance and cost data is summarized for various APO processes, including vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photolysis, ultraviolet (UV)/oxidation, photo-Fenton, and dye- or semiconductor-sensitized APO processes. This handbook is intended to assist engineering practitioners in evaluating the applicability of APO processes and in selecting one or more such processes for site-specific evaluation.
    APO has been shown to be effective in treating contaminated water and air. Regarding contaminated water treatment, UV/oxidation has been evaluated for the most contaminants, while VUV photolysis has been evaluated for the fewest. Regarding contaminated air treatment, the sensitized APO processes have been evaluated for the most contaminants, while VUV photolysis has been evaluated for the fewest.
    APO processes for treating contaminated solids generally involve treatment of contaminated slurry or leachate generated using an extraction process such as soil washing. APO has been shown to be effective in treating contaminated solids, primarily at the bench-scale level.
  • Final Report: Desalination and Demineralization with Solar Evaporation Array (SEA). Investigators: Tipping, Richard H. , DiMuro, Dave , Dixon, Randall , Wofsey, Mike Institution: University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa EPA Project Officer: Nolt-Helms, Cynthia Project Period: August 15, 2008 through August 14, 2009,
    Web search 07/10/2010, original source: http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.abstractDetail/abstract/8845/report/F
    Objective: With this research we apply theoretical thermodynamic analysis to the problem of solar desalination, and produce a ready-to-use solar evaporation array (SEA) which produces zero brine output and has a low manufacturing cost. This will be deployed in the U.S.A., as well as developing nations in order to increase general health, increase stability of community reliance on salt and chemical contaminated ground water sources.
    Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes): Over the last year, we produced a hand-made SEA unit to test the feasibility of our initial research. Initial results encouraged us to produce a unit that would closely resemble a deployable, mass-produced SEA unit. This required full-sized industrial plastic molds and thermoformed plastic SEA units. After about a year of working to achieve necessary funding to acquire evaluation samples of production SEA Panels, we began in-lab and field-testing of the units. Significant further research and development is needed to increase condensation-gathering efficiency of the units and test the units in real-world applications. Specifically, we hope to gather efficiency data to determine cost-benefit of using an active barrier-cooling system on the condensation barrier. We also hope to optimize geometry of the condensation barrier to encourage water-gathering efficiency.
    Conclusions: In conclusion, we have produced a fully functional system, which can provide potable water from any contaminated water source. Unlike methods that use molecular osmotic screens, the SEA requires minimal maintenance and cannot be rendered useless by dissolved chemicals like chlorine. Most important, the SEA is a good example of sustainable design in that it successfully captured crystalline salt rather than emitting toxic salt brine and the units double as rain-capture devices which may help to eliminate malarial vector breeding on flat roofs.
    Our proposed Phase II objectives and strategies are to gather highly critical data from field tests and more controlled tests to determine optimal SEA design to maximize waterproducing efficiency while hopefully lowering manufacturing complexity and therefore cost per panel. We also need to determine if theoretical advantages provide a high enough cost-benefit ratio to justify increased manufacturing cost. We need to determine best use and types of biocides and /or ultraviolet treatment to control algae and pathogens. We need to determine optimum mixing ratios with untreated water for ground water demineralization. We also need agricultural field-testing to determine best use integration of the SEA system with low-pressure drip-irrigation systems. Finally, we need to test SEA in a variety of configurations and global locations to determine optimum installed best practice for untrained and minimally trained users.
  • Desalination and Demineralization with Solar Evaporation Array (SEA). Tipping, Richard H., DiMuro, Dave, Dixon, Randall, Wofsey, Mike Institution: University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa, EPA Project Officer: Nolt-Helms, Cynthia Project Period: August 15, 2008 through August 14, 2009 , web search 07/24/2010 original source: http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.abstractDetail/abstract/8845/report/F
    Objective: With this research we apply theoretical thermodynamic analysis to the problem of solar desalination, and produce a ready-to-use solar evaporation array (SEA) which produces zero brine output and has a low manufacturing cost. This will be deployed in the U.S.A., as well as developing nations in order to increase general health, increase stability of community reliance on salt and chemical contaminated ground water sources.
    Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes): In conclusion, we have produced a fully functional system, which can provide potable water from any contaminated water source. Unlike methods that use molecular osmotic screens, the SEA requires minimal maintenance and cannot be rendered useless by dissolved chemicals like chlorine. Most important, the SEA is a good example of sustainable design in that it successfully captured crystalline salt rather than emitting toxic salt brine and the units double as rain-capture devices which may help to eliminate malarial vector breeding on flat roofs.
    Our proposed Phase II objectives and strategies are to gather highly critical data from field tests and more controlled tests to determine optimal SEA design to maximize waterproducing efficiency while hopefully lowering manufacturing complexity and therefore cost per panel. We also need to determine if theoretical advantages provide a high enough cost-benefit ratio to justify increased manufacturing cost. We need to determine best use and types of biocides and /or ultraviolet treatment to control algae and pathogens. We need to determine optimum mixing ratios with untreated water for ground water demineralization. We also need agricultural field-testing to determine best use integration of the SEA system with low-pressure drip-irrigation systems. Finally, we need to test SEA in a variety of configurations and global locations to determine optimum installed best practice for untrained and minimally trained users.
  • Solar Disinfection of Drinking Water: "Final Report: Enhanced Photocatalytic Solar Disinfection of Water as Effective Intervention Against Waterborne Diarrheal Diseases in Developing Countries", National Center for Environmental Research, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Investigators: Dionysiou, Dionysios D. , Bandala, Erick R. , Castillo, Jordana , Dunlop, Patrick , Pelaez, Miguel A,
    Institution: University of Cincinnati , NIBEC, School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering , Universidad de Las Américas-Puebla
    Research Category: Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , P3 Challenge Area - Water , P3 Challenge Area - Materials & Chemistry
    Dionysiou DD, Pelaez M, Bandala ER, Gonzalez L, Dunlop PSM, Byrne JA. Solar photocatalytic disinfection of water in developing countries. Poster presented at the 237th American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting, Division of Environmental Chemistry, Session on General Papers, Salt Lake City, UT, March 22-26, 2009.
    Quoting from the above report abstract http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.abstractDetail/abstract/8841 and
    http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.abstractDetail/abstract/8841/report/F

    Objective: Providing safe drinking water in developing countries is a major critical necessity. In Latin America and the Caribbean, an important percentage of people in rural areas have no access to safe water supplies. This lack of access to safe drinking water is commonly related to poverty. Mexico is not the exception and the lack of safe drinking water affects both urban and rural areas. Diseases caused by potentially waterborne infectious microorganisms and other water contaminants affect around 6.4% of the total population of the country. The most affected population sector by this type of diseases is the rural population, representing around 25.3% of the Mexican population. Solar water disinfection (SODIS) is a simple, environmentally friendly and low cost point-of-use treatment technology for drinking water purification. However, bacterial re-growth after short storage (24 h) of SODIS treated water has been observed. Seeking for improvements of SODIS performance, reduction of irradiation time and avoidance of bacteria re-growth, solar based-Advanced Oxidation Technologies (AOTs), such as solar TiO2 photocatalysis, are promising enhancements to SODIS. Unfortunately, one of the main problems with the use of conventional TiO2 for solar applications is its limited capability to absorb only the radiation in the UV range, which is only about 5-8% of the total solar radiation.

    Approach: In this study, we proposed to use novel nanotechnological procedures to synthesize visible light activated nitrogen-doped TiO2 (N-TiO2) with high surface area and immobilized on appropriate support materials that will be used in novel photocatalytic reactors for water purification in rural zones in Mexico as a case study. In combination with visible light activated TiO2, we also propose to incorporate in our process the V trough solar collector which has simple geometry and demonstrated in preliminary results performance comparable to other types of solar collectors. Because of its simpler geometry, the V trough solar collector is much less expensive and is attractive to applications is developing countries. We name this overall process for water purification “Enhanced Photocatalytic Solar Disinfection” (ENPHOSODIS). In addition to the synthesis of visible light activated materials, development of solar photocatalytic reactors and evaluation of their efficiency for water treatment in the target rural areas in Mexico, this project will also include obtaining and documenting information about the health, social, and economic effects of consumption of non safe drinking water in a specific rural, isolated zone of Mexico. This will help understand cultural aspects and enhance public awareness among the inhabitants of the zone for implementation of effective technologies for water purification and protection

    FINAL REPORT:
    Objective: Solar water disinfection (SODIS) is a simple, environmentally friendly and low cost point-of-use treatment technology for drinking water purification. However, bacterial re-growth after short storage (24 h) of SODIS treated water has been observed. Seeking for improvements of SODIS performance, reduction of irradiation time and avoidance of bacteria regrowth, solar based-Advanced Oxidation Technologies (AOTs), such as solar TiO2 photocatalysis, are promising enhancements to SODIS. Unfortunately, one of the main problems with the use of conventional TiO2 for solar applications is its limited capability to absorb only the radiation in the UV range, which is only about 5-8% of the total solar radiation. In this study, we employed novel nanotechnological procedures to synthesize visible light activated nonmetaldoped TiO2 (i.e., nitrogen-doped TiO2) with high surface area and immobilized on appropriate support materials that were used in novel photocatalytic reactors for water purification in rural zones in Mexico as a case study. In combination with visible light activated TiO2, we also propose to incorporate in our process the V trough solar collector which has never been applied to solar photocatalytic processes in the past, but has much simpler geometry and demonstrated in preliminary results performance comparable to other types of solar collectors. Because of its simpler geometry, the V trough solar collector is much less expensive and is attractive to applications is developing countries. This overall process for water purification was denominated “Enhanced Photocatalytic Solar Disinfection” (ENPHOSODIS).

    Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes): A complete inactivation of the bacteria was achieved when using ENPHOSODIS under solar and visible light at three different NF-TiO2 catalyst concentrations. Under dark conditions, no difference in the bacteria count was observed and no inactivation of E. coli was observed when employing visible light only. pH was an important influence on the bacteria resistence to solar radiation. E. coli was able to survive for longer radiation periods at pH 7 and 7.5 than at lower or higher pH values (i.e., 6, 6.5 and 8). An azo dye, acid orange 24 (AO24), was explored for the development of a UV dosimetric indicator for disinfection. Complete color removal was found to be equivalent to that when water submitted to ENPHOSODIS treatment, under the proposed conditions, will get enough energy to deactivate completely the viable helminth eggs present. Different configurations of immobilized TiO2 photocatalytic reactors were tested under real sun conditions. Experiments under full sun and cloudy conditions showed that these photoreactors are capable of disinfection with an optimum configuration of internal and external coationg along with a compound parabolic collector.
    Conclusions: Photocatalytic enhanced solar disinfection using NF-TiO2 was responsible for complete inactivation of E. coli in those reactors exposed to both solar and visible light radiation. The presence of NF-TiO2 enhanced the disinfection rate efficiency of E.coli when compared to those experiments where no photocatalyst was used. Practical application of dye solutions as dosimetric indicator appears as very useful for determining the solar radiation dose necessary for waterborne pathogen deactivation.

    Proposed Phase II Objectives and Strategies: Large scale testing of immobilized NF-TiO2 in model “real water” using real sunlight and CPC’s. Use a more disinfection resistant organisms rather than E. coli under experimental and “real water” conditions. Test the efficiency of system using a real drinking water source in rural location in Mexico.
  • Potable Aqua® emergency drinking water germicidal tablets are produced by the Wisconsin Pharmacal Co., Jackson WI 53037. 800-558-6614 pharmacalway.com
  • Principles and Practice of Disinfection, Preservation and Sterilization (Hardcover)
    by A. D. Russell (Editor), W. B. Hugo (Editor), G. A. J. Ayliffe (Editor), Blackwell Science, 2004. ISBN-10: 1405101997, ISBN-13: 978-1405101998.
    "This superb book is the best of its kind available and one that will undoubtedly be useful, if not essential, to workers in a variety of industries. Thirty-one distinguished specialists deal comprehensively with the subject matter indicated by the title ... The book is produced with care, is very readable with useful selected references at the end of each chapter and an excellent index. It is an essential source book for everyone interested in this field. For pharmacy undergraduates, it will complement the excellent text on pharmaceutical microbiology by two of the present editors."
    The Pharmaceutical Journal: "This is an excellent book. It deals comprehensively and authoritatively with its subject with contributions from 31 distinguished specialists. There is a great deal to interest all those involved in hospital infection ... This book is exceptionally well laid out. There are well chosen references for each chapter and an excellent index. It is highly recommended." The Journal of Hospital Infection.: "The editors and authors must be congratulated for this excellent treatise on nonantibiotic antimicrobial measures in hospitals and industry ... The publication is highly recommended to hospital and research personnel, especially to clinical microbiologists, infection-control and environmental-safety specialists, pharmacists, and dieticians."
    New England Journal of Medicine: City Hospital, Birmingham, UK. Covers the many methods of the elimination or prevention of microbial growth. Provides an historical overview, descriptions of the types of antimicrobial agents, factors affecting efficacy, evaluation methods, and types of resistance. Features sterilization methods, and more. Previous edition: c1999. DNLM: Sterilization--methods.
  • Handbook of Disinfectants and Antiseptics, Joseph M. Ascenzi (Editor), CRC, 1995, ISBN-10: 0824795245 ISBN-13: 978-0824795245 "The evaluation of chemical germicides predates the golden age of microbiology..." -
    This well-focused, up-to-date reference details the current medical uses of antiseptics and disinfectants -- particularly in the control of hospital-acquired infections -- presenting methods for evaluating products to obtain regulatory approval and examining chemical, physical, and microbiological properties as well as the toxicology of the most widely used commercial chemicals.
  • When Technology Fails, Matthew Stein, Chelsea Green Publisher, 2008,493 pages. ISBN-10: 1933392452 ISBN-13: 978-1933392455, "... how to find and sterilize water in the face of utility failure, as well as practical information for dealing with water-quality issues even when the public tap water is still flowing". Mr. Stein's website is www.whentechfails.com/
  • Plumbing Diagnosis & Repair: Water supply, drainage, septic systems, water testing, water contamination, defective plumbing materials & products.
  • Water pump and pressure tank repair diagnosis & cost an specific case offers an example of diagnosis of loss of water pressure, loss of water, and analyzes the actual repair cost
  • Water pressure tank failures & water pump short cycling diagnosis and repair

Water Supply & Drain Piping, Wells, Pumps, Water Supply Equipment

  • Access Water Energy, PO Box 2061, Moorabbin, VIC 3189, Australia, Tel: 1300 797 758, email: sales@accesswater.com.au Moorabbin Office: Kingston Trade Centre, 100 Cochranes Rd, Moorabbin, VIC 3189
    Australian supplier of: Greywater systems, Solar power to grid packages, Edwards solar systems, Vulcan compact solar systems, water & solar system pumps & controls, and a wide rage of above ground & under ground water storage tanks: concrete, steel, plastic, modular, and bladder storage tanks.
  • Cheating on water tests: Testing Water for Real Estate Transactions - make sure your water test is valid
  • Diagnosing Clogged Drains: Is it a blocked drain or the septic system? - A First Step for Homeowners
  • Drinking Water Contaminant Levels - Maximum Allowed
  • Drinking Water Supply, Contamination Levels, Water Testing Procedures
  • Drinking Water Testing Advice for home buyers home owners home inspectors
  • Interpreting Drinking Water Test Results and Correcting Unsatisfactory Water
  • Lead Contamination in Drinking Water: Testing & Correction - Advice (This Article)
  • Lead Testing & Correcting Contamination from Lead Water Supply Lines/Entry Mains - Lead Pipe Problems/Advice
  • Life Expectancy of Water Pumps - Well Pumps: how long should a water pump last? What affects pump life?
  • Life Expectancy of Wells & Water Tanks how long should a water well and its components last?
  • Plumbing Diagnosis & Repair: Water supply, drainage, septic systems, water testing, water contamination, defective plumbing materials & products.
  • Shock or Chlorinate a Well, How to - Procedure for Shocking a Well to (temporarily or maybe longer) "Correct" Bacterial Contamination
  • Smart Tank, Installation Instructions [ copy on file as /water/Smart_Tank_Flexcon.pdf ] - , Flexcon Industries, 300 Pond St., Randolph MA 02368, www.flexconind.com, Tel: 800-527-0030 - web search 07/24/2010, original source: http://www.flexconind.com/pdf/st_install.pdf
  • Typical Shallow Well One Line Jet Pump Installation [ copy on file as /water/Jet_Pump_Grove_Elect_Jet_Pumps_1.pdf ] - , Grove Electric, G&G Electric & Plumbing, 1900 NE 78th St., Suite 101, Vancouver WA 98665 www.grovelectric.com - web search -7/15/2010 original source: http://www.groverelectric.com/howto/38_Typical%20Jet%20Pump%20Installation.pdf
  • Typical Deep Well Two Line Jet Pump Installation [ copy on file as /water/Jet_Pump_Grove_Elect.pdf ] - , Grove Electric, G&G Electric & Plumbing, 1900 NE 78th St., Suite 101, Vancouver WA 98665 www.grovelectric.com - web search -7/15/2010 original source: http://www.groverelectric.com/howto/38_Typical%20Jet%20Pump%20Installation.pdf
  • Water Fact Sheet #3, Using Low-Yielding Wells [ copy on file as /water/Low_Yield_Wells_Penn_State.pdf ] - , Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, Cooperative Extension, School of Forest Resources, web search 07/24/2010, original source: http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/FreePubs/pdfs/XH0002.pdf
  • Water pressure tanks - how to diagnose the need for air, how to add air, stop water pump short cycling to avoid damage - water storage water pressure tank safety.
  • Water pump and pressure tank repair diagnosis & cost an specific case offers an example of diagnosis of loss of water pressure, loss of water, and analyzes the actual repair cost
  • Water pressure tank failures & water pump short cycling diagnosis and repair
  • Water Supply & Drain Piping, water and drain pipe types, inspection, diagnosis, repairs, problem materials, clogging, etc.
  • Water Tests & Fees this water test fee schedule applies when testing is combined with other onsite building inspection services
  • Water Testing: background comments on classes of water contaminants, & links to home buyer advice about water testing, drinking water, water supply
  • Water Requirements, Home & Outdoor Living

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

  • Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
    • Home Reference Book - Carson Dunlop The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 2010, $69.00 U.S., is available from Carson Dunlop, and from the InspectAPedia bookstore. The 2010 edition of the Home Reference Book is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. InspectAPedia.com ® author/editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume.
  • Crystal Clear Supply provides portable ceramic water filter purifiers and portable reverse osmosis water treatment equipment - see http://www.crystalclearsupply.com/category_s/7.htm
  • Handbook of Disinfectants and Antiseptics, Joseph M. Ascenzi (Editor), CRC, 1995, ISBN-10: 0824795245 ISBN-13: 978-0824795245 "The evaluation of chemical germicides predates the golden age of microbiology..." -
    This well-focused, up-to-date reference details the current medical uses of antiseptics and disinfectants -- particularly in the control of hospital-acquired infections -- presenting methods for evaluating products to obtain regulatory approval and examining chemical, physical, and microbiological properties as well as the toxicology of the most widely used commercial chemicals.
  • Potable Aqua® emergency drinking water germicidal tablets are produced by the Wisconsin Pharmacal Co., Jackson WI 53037. 800-558-6614 pharmacalway.com
  • Principles and Practice of Disinfection, Preservation and Sterilization (Hardcover)
    by A. D. Russell (Editor), W. B. Hugo (Editor), G. A. J. Ayliffe (Editor), Blackwell Science, 2004. ISBN-10: 1405101997, ISBN-13: 978-1405101998.
    "This superb book is the best of its kind available and one that will undoubtedly be useful, if not essential, to workers in a variety of industries. Thirty-one distinguished specialists deal comprehensively with the subject matter indicated by the title ... The book is produced with care, is very readable with useful selected references at the end of each chapter and an excellent index. It is an essential source book for everyone interested in this field. For pharmacy undergraduates, it will complement the excellent text on pharmaceutical microbiology by two of the present editors."
    The Pharmaceutical Journal: "This is an excellent book. It deals comprehensively and authoritatively with its subject with contributions from 31 distinguished specialists. There is a great deal to interest all those involved in hospital infection ... This book is exceptionally well laid out. There are well chosen references for each chapter and an excellent index. It is highly recommended." The Journal of Hospital Infection.: "The editors and authors must be congratulated for this excellent treatise on nonantibiotic antimicrobial measures in hospitals and industry ... The publication is highly recommended to hospital and research personnel, especially to clinical microbiologists, infection-control and environmental-safety specialists, pharmacists, and dieticians."
    New England Journal of Medicine: City Hospital, Birmingham, UK. Covers the many methods of the elimination or prevention of microbial growth. Provides an historical overview, descriptions of the types of antimicrobial agents, factors affecting efficacy, evaluation methods, and types of resistance. Features sterilization methods, and more. Previous edition: c1999. DNLM: Sterilization--methods.
  • U.S. Army Field Manual 21-10, Field Hygiene and Sanitation, 1988, web search 07/02/2010, original source: http://www.enlisted.info/field-manuals/fm-21-10-field-hygiene-and-sanitation.shtml
    The purpose of this manual is to assist individual soldiers, unit commanders, leaders and field sanitation teams in preventing disease and environmental injuries. The manual provides information on preventive medicine measures (PMM) to the individual soldier as well as essential information for the unit commander, unit leaders, and the unit field sanitation team on applying unit level PMM.
  • When Technology Fails, Matthew Stein, Chelsea Green Publisher, 2008,493 pages. ISBN-10: 1933392452 ISBN-13: 978-1933392455, "... how to find and sterilize water in the face of utility failure, as well as practical information for dealing with water-quality issues even when the public tap water is still flowing". Mr. Stein's website is www.whentechfails.com/
  • ...
Home About Us Accuracy Contact Us Content Use Policy Privacy Website Description © 2012 Copyright InspectAPedia.com