Solar water disinfection (SODIS)

The SODIS method is ideal for treating water for drinking in developing countries in tropical and sub-tropical regions. All it requires is sunlight and PET bottles. How does it work? Clear PET bottles are filled with the water and set out in the sun for 6 hours (2 days when the sky is more than 50% clouded). The UV-A rays in sunlight kill germs such as viruses, bacteria and parasites (giardia and cryptosporidia). The method also works when air and water temperatures are low.

People can use the SODIS method to treat their drinking water themselves. The method is very simple and its application is safe. It is particularly suitable for treating relatively small quantities of drinking water.

Overview
Specifications
Instructions
Additional Information
Comments

Description

The SODIS method is very easy to apply: A transparent PET bottle is cleaned with soap. Then, the bottle is filled with water and placed in full sunlight for at least 6 hours. The water has then been disinfected and can be drunk. Storing water in the SODIS bottles provides protection from secondary contamination after treatment..

Website

http://www.sodis.ch/methode/anwendung/index_EN

Tools/machines needed

PET bottles

Microbiological studies investigated the effectiveness of the SODIS method against a wide range of germs: Bacteria (cholera, typhus, dysentery, diarrhoea, etc.) Viruses (polio, hepatitis, diarrhoea, etc.) Parasites (diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fever, etc.) It was demonstrated both in the laboratory and in the field that the method kills germs effectively.

Technical expertise required to put the product into use