This paper by A Jagadeesh of RMK Engineering College, describes the design and testing of a portable, low-cost, and low maintenance solar disinfection unit, that can provide potable water. This system was tested with bore water, well as well as with waste water. In 5 hours, the unit eradicated 99.99% of the bacteria contained in the water samples.
This unit can provide about 6 liters of pure drinking water and larger units can be fabricated for providing safe drinking water at a community level.
Impure water is the root cause for many diseases especially in developing countries. Millions of people become sick each year from drinking contaminated water. In many regions of the world, sunshine is abundantly available which can be effectively utilised, through solar disinfection units such as these, to provide safe drinking water to millions of people.
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