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IMPROVED BIOSAND FILTERS BY ENHANCED MONITORING AND DATA COLLECTION METHODS
Impact/Purpose:
Biosand filters (BSFs) are intermittently-operated slow sand filters for household use designed by the Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (CAWST), an international nonprofit organization. They were shown to be an effective, easy-to-use method for improving water quality by removing pathogens, reducing turbidity, and treating a wide range of other contaminants in areas worldwide. Despite their low cost, ease of use, and effectiveness when used according to recommended guidelines by CAWST, implementation of BSFs frequently incurs problems that cause it to be an unsustainable water solution. The technical challenges identified in past studies include both inconsistent usage of BSFs over time and variability of BSF effectiveness between communities using the same water source, suggesting that efficacy relies heavily on user habits. Furthermore, past studies have investigated user patterns only through self-reported home survey methods, making the current available data insufficient to guide a useful BSF redesign. Our objectives are to develop a sensor that can detect and record accurate, real-time data of in-field BSF use, and use this data to (1) identify patterns of user habits and correlate them with BSF pathogen removal, (2) improve user habits to increase pathogen removal, and (3) pinpoint the shortcomings of the current Version 10 BSF design in meeting real world user needs. This data is essential to develop an understanding of realistic BSF user habits because of its unbiased accuracy; therefore, it can be used as a reliable basis to design a new BSF that works effectively under real world use.
Description:
The result of this project will be the development of a sensor that will automatically and accurately record BSF use, flow rate, and volume of water poured in. The quantitative volume and flow rate data output will be used to compare actual BSF frequency and usage patterns with CAWST guidelines. The data will be correlated with pathogen removal from the water to determine the impact of consistent use of BSFs on water quality. Ultimately, this invaluable quantitative data describing in-field, post-implementation BSF user habits will guide our partner organization, CAWST, in a BSF redesign process. Prior to implementation, ENPHO will educate community members on BSF use and the importance of water and sanitation practices. At this time, ENPHO will also introduce the concept of the sensor and explain to filter users that its purpose serves to create a more effective BSF that can better suit their needs and the needs of other BSF users around the world. During implementation in December of 2013, the sensor will be added to 50 BSFs in Batase and Dandidada. The sensors will be checked monthly by ENPHO, and in addition to providing valuable data for CAWST, it will allow ENPHO to alter their education efforts based on up-to-date user habits. This will improve filter use, and in turn, the health and quality of life of its users.
The development and testing of the data collection instrument and subsequent study of BSF use will be educative for participating students, local communities, and NGOs around the world. Most importantly, the proposed project will lead to a significant improvement in the effectiveness and sustainability of one of the most prevalent point-of-use water treatment technologies in use today, and in the health and quality of life of the local communities.