Assessment of the Efficiency of Disinfection Methods for Improving Water Quality

Abstract

The efficiencies of three disinfection methods namely boiling, water guard and pur purifier were assessed. The micro-organisms isolated from the groundwater samples were Escherichia coli and E. aerogenes. The major components of Water Guard and Pur Purifier were found to be NaNO 2 ,SO 4 , Cl 2 ; and NaNO 2 , Ca, CaCO 3 , SO 4 , Mg and ClO 2 respectively. Pur purifier was most effective for removal of electrical conductivity, nitrate, total coliform and yeast while Water Guard was most effective for removal of phosphate, potassium, E-Coli and Fungi. In addition, boiling and water guard were most effective for removal of turbidity while boiling was most effective for removal of chlorine. Furthermore, Water Guard was found to be the cheapest with an estimated monthly household cost of N240. Use of Water Guard for disinfecting household groundwater sources utilized for drinking and cooking is highly encouraged among the rural populace to safeguard their health against waterborne diseases. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v34i4.33