Development and performance evaluation of a UV-C coupled recirculation system for enhancing cistern water microbiological quality

ABSTRACT In semi-arid regions, the lack of adequate water treatment for human consumption frequently gives rise to intestinal disorders and, in more severe cases, severe microbial infections. In this context, many households depend on cistern water for their potable needs. This project aimed to develop and use a system composed of an ultraviolet C radiation-emitting lamp coupled to a water recirculation pump to ensure the bacteriological safety of cistern water. The recirculation system was operated for 6, 12, and 24 h, and tests were conducted using environmental samples or with E. coli ATCC 25922. The results demonstrated that the system could achieve 100% inhibition of the growth of total coliforms and thermotolerant coliforms after 6 h of operation. The low-cost system can potentially be a social technology, thereby ensuring water security in semi-arid regions that do not have public water distribution systems.