Water Supply (Feb 2024)
A potential solution for clean water supply: multi-effect solar still and water quality analysis
Abstract
Access to clean and safe drinking water is a significant challenge for individuals residing in suburban and remote regions of Pakistan. This study aimed to design, fabricate, and test a multi-effect solar still with four U-shaped condensing stages as a low-cost solution to this problem. The solar still was evaluated for its efficacy in removing common pollutants found in contaminated water sources. The results revealed an impressive 99% efficacy in eliminating various water pollutants, including conductivity, total hardness, pH, fluoride, and nitrate using the solar still. Water quality tests conducted for conductivity, total hardness, pH, fluoride, and nitrate revealed complete elimination of these parameters in most samples. Microbiological pollutants were also assessed through the presence/absence tests for fecal coliform and Escherichia coli, showing no presence in the distillate. In addition, the solar still effectively removed organic parameters, including alachlor, lindane, and endrin, within acceptable international standards. Thus, the proposed solar still has the potential to serve as an alternate method for producing safe drinking water in areas where access to clean potable water is limited. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for policymakers and researchers interested in addressing water scarcity in remote and suburban areas of Pakistan. HIGHLIGHTS A solar still provides clean water in suburban/remote Pakistan.; With the solar still, 99% efficacy has been shown in removing pollutants.; Microbiological pollutants (fecal coliform, Escherichia coli) are not detected in the distillate.; Its organic parameters meet international standards.; The proposed solar still as an alternative solution for safe drinking water in water-scarce areas could be valuable for policymakers/researchers in Pakistan.;
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