Disinfection of total coliform bacteria in Falaj water by solar water disinfection (SODIS)

Abstract

In this study an attempt has been made to disinfect total coliform bacteria present in Falaj water using solar water disinfection (SODIS) technology. SODIS experiments were conducted in winter (February 2018) and summer (May 2018) using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles (less, thin and thick plastic PETs) and the glass ones of different capacities (0.5, 1 and 1.5 L). The results showed that total coliform disinfection rate in May was two folds greater than that in February. Water depth or volume of sample in the bottle had significant effect on the efficiency of SODIS. Highest disinfection rate was found on the samples collected from water depth of 6 cm (0.5 L), while the lowest was observed on samples of 8 cm in depth (1.5 L). No significant difference was observed in disinfecting total coliform between glass and less plastic PET bottle for shorter exposure periods (1 h).\xa0 Results of this research have proved SODIS as anappropriate household water treatment and safe storage for disinfecting Falaj water in Oman. This study is a step forward in Oman to employ solar energy in the water and wastewater treatments.