ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the effictiveness of expusure to solar radiation for disinfecting water samples from shallow wells. Water sample were placed into 2-liter PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) exposed to sun rays for 2, 5 and 12 hours. Probably numbers of total coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli and mesophyl microorganisms were determined before and after exposure to sun and in samples protected from the sun (controls) for 2, 5 and 12 hours. Bacterial re-growth after a 72h-exposure to the sun in samples which were protected from the sun rays and the amount of energy received by the samples after the three exposure periods to sun radiation were also evaluated. Results showed that sun radiation was effective for water disinfection with 98.2%, 99.9% and 100% reductions in mesophyl microorganisms, total coliform bacteria and E. coli respectively after a 12h-exposure to sun rays. Lack of re-growth of all microorganisms analyzed after a 12h exposure to sun rays was confirmed. Results showed that exposure of water placed in PET bottles for human consumption may be used to diminish water-transmitted disease risks.
KEY WORDS
Solar radiation; water quality; disinfection;
Escherichia coli