OUR SERVICES
Research & Development
We develop water treatment solutions based on the local conditions adapted to the local culture. The primary concept is to provide simple, sustainable solutions using local materials and untrained local personnel to improve water quality
In most cases, enteric bacteria are the primary problem. We developed a simple salt chlorination unit using a car battery, recharged by solar – a simplified version of GE WaterStep chlorinator.
In many areas, turbidity is an issue. A turbidity of > 5 NTUs reduces the effectiveness of chlorine. A rapid sand filter with a 60 cm layer of 0.3 to 0.8 mm sand built in a rain barrel is typically sufficient to reduce turbidity to sufficient levels.
Rainwater collection is often needed to supplement the local water supply and provides a cleaner source than most.
Salt chlorination Unit
Solar thermal destruction of pathogens resistant to chlorine is useful in some instances and can be produced with technology no more difficult to operate than a water heater.
In most areas we work, malaria is prevalent. Many studies have shown that Artemisia Annua can help minimize the incidence and severity of malaria. We have begun a program to implement planting and use of Artemesia Annua.
We are equipped with analytical tools to measure most water quality parameters including a field incubator for bacteria. Some species, like Cryptosporidium, require anaerobic incubation at higher temperatures through an indicator organism, like Clostridium Perfringens (anaerobic, 45° Celsius). We developed an anaerobic field incubator for this purpose. Research is on-going to develop a smaller version to fit in a suitcase.