Evaluating localized electrochlorination systems as a low-cost means of producing potable water
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Date
2024
Authors
Campos Nogueira, Renata
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
Research Aim: The thesis investigates the scalability and adaptability of electro-chlorinator devices in African rural communities seeking decentralized sodium hypochlorite production for water treatment.
Methods: Investigations on operational parameters, usability, cost-effectiveness, and impact on water quality were conducted within diverse settings, encompassing hospitals, community water tanks, and schools in Sub-Saharan African countries. A range of devices adapted and scaled to the needs of school classrooms, community water tanks, and hospitals from remote areas were investigated. A pilot evaluation in 26 Healthcare facilities (HCF) from Burkina Faso focusing on usability, cost-effectiveness, and sodium hypochlorite concentration compared outcomes with a control group. At a later stage, in 68 HCFs from Chad, impacts on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) indicators, device usability, and performance were evaluated. An innovation allowing sodium hypochlorite production coupled into the dosing pump was tested in 31 Decentralized Water Systems (DWS) from Benin. In Congo, a DWS that serves up to 55.000 people was renewed. The Network water samples (boreholes, fountains at different locations) and household containers were tested for free residual chlorine (FRC) and microbiology (E. coli). A socio-economic study was conducted on the population collecting water from the DWS. For school settings, small-size electro-chlorinators and adapted teaching tools were tested in 20 schools from Burkina Faso. Drinking water was analyzed before commencement and 2 years post-programme. In Saint-Marie Island, Madagascar, a longitudinal study was performed on the programme’s sustainability over 2016-2021, assessing point-of-use water chlorination, safe water storage, and hand washing practices in 20 schools. Health center files on the diarrhea cases of children were consulted.
Results:
Health Care Facilities (HCFs): In Burkina Faso, 90% of HCFs implemented essential hygiene practices within 11 months, compared to 20% in the control group. Chlorine concentrations improved to an average of 5.1 g/L (control: 2.1 g/L), with daily cost savings ranging from 2.7 to 53 euros compared to purchasing chlorine tablets. In rural Chad, chlorine was used for surface disinfection in HCFs, but only 50% practiced water treatment due to barriers such as chlorine shortages, insufficient staff training, and the smell of chlorine. After installing sodium hypochlorite generators, 61% of HCFs produced it daily, and 97% of operators were trained; however, water treatment practices remained limited.
Decentralized Water Systems (DWS): In Benin, structural issues were identified in 30% of water tanks, and 60% of borehole samples tested positive for microbiological contamination. Despite these challenges, Free Residual Chlorine (FRC) levels at distant fountains met national standards (0.1–0.8 mg/L), ensuring safe water in operational systems. In Congo, before intervention, only 16.6% of households treated water effectively, resulting in 73% of stored water being unsafe for consumption. Post-intervention, household water quality improved significantly, with 93% of water samples classified as low health risk, regardless of FRC fluctuations.
Schools: In Burkina Faso, untreated water in schools led to 50% of samples being contaminated with fecal coliforms before intervention. Following the program, daily water treatment practices were implemented, and contamination was limited to schools in the control group. On Saint-Marie Island, 40% of water sources were replaced, 60% were improved, and student-led water clubs, supervised by teachers, managed water treatment. In health centers near participating schools, diarrhea cases decreased by 58% between 2018 and 2021.
Conclusions: This research examines the practicality of electro-chlorinator devices regarding usability, cost-effectiveness, and the quality of sodium hypochlorite produced. This research confirms that these devices could be successfully scaled and adapted to various applications and conditions in rural Africa, contributing to local chlorine production. However, water source quality, pre-existing structures, local leadership, and financing are crucial for water treatment programmes in resource-limited settings.
Description
Keywords
Electrochlorination , Water treatment , Sodium hypochlorite , Low-income country , Rural Africa
Citation
Campos Nogueira, R. 2024. Evaluating localized electrochlorination systems as a low-cost means of producing potable water. PhD Thesis, University College Cork.