An examination of the parameters involved in the design of a continuous flow solar disinfection process

Abstract

The aim of this research was to assess a number of parameters that affect the continuous flow solar disinfection process. Solar disinfection involves harnessing natural sunlight in order to inactivate microbial pathogens from drinking water sources. Most previous research has involved a batch system using transparent containers to expose contaminated water to natural solar radiation. During the course of this project a number of continuous flow reactors were used- small-scale reactors using reflectors of different shapes, Parabolic, Compound Parabolic and V-groove, along with a pilot-scale reactor, which was Compound Parabolic.