Work

An Assessment of Continued Use and Health Impact of the Concrete Biosand Filter in Bonao, Dominican Republic

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: The biosand filter (BSF) is a promising point of use (POU) technology for water treatment; however there has been little follow-up of initial implementation to assess sustainability. The purpose of this study was to examine continued use, performance, and sustainability of previously implemented concrete BSFs in Bonao, Dominican Republic. Of 328 households visited and interviewed, 90% of BSFs were still in use after approximately 1 year since installation. Water-quality improvement, measured by fecal indicator bacteria reduction, was found to be 84-88%, which is lower than reductions in controlled laboratory studies but similar to other field assessments. In a short prospective cohort study comparing BSF to non-BSF households, odds of reported diarrheal disease in BSF households were 0.39 times the odds of reported diarrheal disease in non-BSF households. These results document high levels of sustained and effective concrete BSF use and associated improvements in water quality and health.

Source: American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2011.09-0122

Authors: Benjamin A. Aiken, Christine E. Stauber, Gloria M. Ortiz, Mark D. Sobsey

Institutions: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Georgia State University, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center

Language: English

Topic: Fecal contamination and water quality

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Good health and well-being, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: green

Funders: United States Agency for International Development, Georgia State University, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gillings School of Public Health