Decentralized solar-powered drinking water ozonation in Western Kenya: an evaluation of disinfection efficacy

Background: Decentralized drinking water treatment methods generally apply membrane-based treatment approaches. Ozonation of drinking water, which previously has only been possible at large centralized facilities, can now be accomplished on a small-scale using microplasma technology. The efficacy of decentralized solar-powered ozonation for drinking water treatment is not known. Methods: We established a 1,000L decentralized solar-powered water treatment system located in Kisumu County, Kenya. Highly contaminated surface water is pumped to the treatment system, which includes flocculation and filtration steps prior to ozonation. Turbidity, total coliform bacteria, and E. coli were measured at various stages of water treatment, and bacterial log reduction values (LRVs) were calculated. Results: Nine trials were conducted treating 1000L of water in three hours. Baseline turbidity and E. coli concentrations were reduced from a median of 238 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) and 2,752 most probable number/100mL, respectively, in surface water to 1.0 NTU and undetectable E. coli per100mL in finished drinking water. The nine trials yielded a mean E. coli LRV of 3.36 (2.71-4.00, 95% CI). Conclusions: Based on the observed reduction of E. coli, the solar-powered system shows promise as a means for producing safe drinking water. Further research is needed to characterize limitations, scalability, economic viability, and community perspectives that could help determine the role for similar systems in other settings.