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Water Purification in Cambodia
University of Western AustraliaEWB Challenge 2008
Jessica Equid Tom PopeAndrew Stead John VerranPatrick Donovan Beau Mavric
Problem Definition
• 80% of deaths in Cambodia result from water borne illnesses• Lack of sufficient, cost effective filters available• Villagers source up to 16% of their water from deep wells
– typical of Kandal Province in the dry season– contains unsafe levels of arsenic
• Drinking water standards– 176ppb of arsenic needs to be reduced to 50ppb– pathogens, microorganisms and turbidity eliminated
• Village scale, at low unit cost• Simple to construct, low skill level required• Low maintenance• Target design life 5+ years
surface water
deep wells
shallow wells
stored rainwater
bottled water
Solution
Arsenic Removal Testing
• Small scale prototype constructed• Varying concentrations of arsenic
tested• Reduced arsenic to safe levels
– average reduction 89%
Turbidity Testing
• Utilised 1/7th scale prototype• Visual and taste tests performed on discharge
from unit
Flow Performance Testing
• Selection of mix for support concrete • Flow restrictions through nail bed• Overall hydraulic capacity
Implementation
• Capital sourced within region– human and physical
• Construction• Education
– importance of safe drinking water– filter usage
• Monitoring and maintenance– ensure filter provides safe water for extended time period
• Waste Management– safe disposal of all wastes
• Project Costing– cost of materials for single filter, estimated to be less than $500
Impact assessment
• Environmental– arsenic sludge removal and disposal– all materials can be recycled
• Economic – local industries supported– jobs created– minimal ongoing costs
• Social– success dictated by end users– education vital– seamless integration required– increased local knowledge base
ConclusionOur filter is so easy to construct that it can even be made by a group of 1st year engineering students.