A performance study of ceramic candle filters in Kenya including tests for coliphage removal

Approximately 80% of all diseases in the developing world are caused by contaminated water (GDRC, 1999). In response to this crisis, decentralized point-of-use systems, such as ceramic candle filters, have emerged as viable options for improving water quality at the household level. This thesis evaluates the performance of five brands of ceramic candle filters that are locally available in the developing nation of Kenya: the AquaMaster (Piedra candle), Doulton Super Sterasyl, Stefani Sao Joao, Pelikan, and Pozzani candles. Filters were evaluated based on turbidity removal, flow rate, total coliform and E. coli removal, and cost. The Pelikan filters were also subjected to tests for viral removal using MS2-coliphages. Results from studies indicated that the Pelikan filters were the most effective at removing turbidity from Charles River water (97% reduction). Turbidity removal by other filters ranged from 88%-94%. Results from studies utilizing more turbid Nairobi water showed filters to reduce turbidity by 97%-99%. Results from flow rate studies performed at MIT revealed the Doulton Super Sterasyl to possess a significantly greater flow rate (0.55 L/hr) than the other brands. The flow rates of the other filters ranged from 0.14-0.26 L/hr. Filter tests utilizing the more turbid Nairobi water showed flow rates of 0.09-0.24 L/hr. Results from coliform removal studies performed at MIT showed the AquaMaster (Piedra candle), Doulton Super Sterasyl, and Pelikan filters to remove significantly more total coliform and E. coli than the Pozzani filters. Percent removal by all filters tested at MIT ranged from 92%-<100%. Filter tests performed in Kenya showed percent total coliform and E. coli removals of up to 99.995%.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2005

Author dc:creator

• Franz, Amber, 1982-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Susan Murcott and Martin Polz.

• Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/31120

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/31120