Photovoltaic concentrator potential and its inactivation rate of indicator microorganism in point of use water treatment system

OBJECTIVE: Unsafe drinking water has a significant health impact all over the world especially, in developing countries. Household water treatments become more affordable than conventional ones for many reasons. Photovoltaic concentrator is environmentally sound and effective inactivation method by converting light energy to electricity. This study aimed to assess the inactivation potential of photovoltaic concentrator on drinking water quality indicator microorganisms at different solar exposure times. METHODS: A laboratory-based experimental study was conducted at Jimma University’s environmental microbiology laboratory to measure the disinfection potential of the photovoltaic concentrator for months in uneven weather conditions. A membrane filtration, a pour plate count method, and a calibrated clear sky calculator were used. RESULTS: Among indicator microorganisms, Escherichia coli was completely inactivated (standard deviation = 11.3°C, R(2) = 0.80) at 2 h of solar exposure whereas heterotrophic plate count was measured as (SD = 12.2°C, R(2) = 0.82) at 35°C for 48 h in the sample that contains 2.81 NTU. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings, photovoltaic concentrator was one of the most effective inactivation technologies for E. coli and total coliform.