Abd El-Shafey I. Ahmed

New approach to produce water free of bacteria, viruses, and halogens in a recyclable system.

ABSTRACT The antimicrobial activity of a new cross-linked N-halamine polymer against bacteria and viruses was evaluated. The polymer achieved a 9-log10 reduction of bacteria (both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) in 1.5 h and a 5-log10 reduction of bacteriophage PRD1 in 3 h. At the same time, the ability of the nonhalogenated polymer to trap halide ions was examined. The polymer was incorporated into a multifiltration system to study the ability to produce water free of bacteria, viruses, and halide ions. The antimicrobial activity, useful lifetime, halide ion level, and recycling possibilities of the system were quantified on a laboratory scale. A design for a large-scale multifiltration system based on this polymer is proposed.

Straw N-halamines: evaluation in single and multistage filtration systems.

New N-halamines (I-Cl and II-Cl) based on cellulose extracted from rice straw have been evaluated in single and multistage filtration systems against bacteria and viruses. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were used as examples of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria respectively while PRD1 bacteriophage was used as an example for viruses. II-Cl has achieved 9 log reductions in viable counts against E. coli in 2 h and S. aureus in 1h while it has achieved 7 log reductions against PRD1 in 5 h. The particle size of prepared materials was modified as well as the flow rate through the filtration systems. The antimicrobial activity of modified cellulose was proved to be comparable to some synthetic biocidal polymers from the same type in similar water treatment systems.

An investigation of the different factors affecting the adoption of water filters in South Mediterranean countries: The case of Egypt

Purpose - – Undoubtedly, saving the environment and avoiding environmental damage is one of the major challenges facing any government. The purpose of this paper is to add to the accumulative knowledge in the field through investigating the different factors affecting the adoption of newly developed water filters by Egyptian farmers to reduce the massive air pollution resulting from burning rice straw. Such investigation will help in achieving a deep and reflective understanding of current adoption practises by Egyptian farmers. Design/methodology/approach - – To understand the different factors that might have an impact on the adoption of newly developed water filters by Egyptians, a survey research strategy as well as a focus groups mechanism were conducted employing triangulation methodology in which quantitative and qualitative data were collected based on a post-positives approach. This quantitative study was performed in five local councils in Al-Sharqiyah Governorate, one of the biggest governorates in rice production in Egypt, based on a questionnaire built on some parameters related to Egyptian farmers’ perceptions of clean water. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences to analyse the collected data and evaluate the ability to promote the newly developed filters. Findings - – The findings indicated that the adoption of water filters by Egyptian farmers is affected by two groups of factors, namely personal factors and water-related factors. With regard to this, it was found that age, cost, farmers’ attitudes towards using water filters, farmers’ trust in the water pipes systems, and the usefulness of the filters have a positive impact on water filters adoption by Egyptian farmers. The findings also indicate that water filters adoption by Egyptian farmers has a positive impact on a farmer’s intention to buy a water filter and their intention to share a water filter with others. Research limitations/implications - – The paper will provide great benefits for entrepreneurs, policy makers, practitioners, and researchers though providing a clearer view and deep understanding for the issues related to different factors affecting the adoption of newly developed water filters by Egyptian farmers. Originality/value - – This research adds to the relatively limited empirical research that has been conducted on water management in south Mediterranean counties. Moreover, the findings and results of this study will provide great assistance and benefit to business owners, practitioners and governmental agencies concerned with water management in south Mediterranean countries since it reveals a number of dynamics and potential scenarios that should be taken into consideration.