Real efficiency of the Sawyer PointONE filter in a Senegalese rural community

Abstract

Filtration systems have been used globally for water treatment from different sources (rivers, rainwater reservoirs, lakes) for the production of potable water. The Sawyer PointOne hollow fiber membrane microfilter is promoted for household water treatment in developing countries. This study evaluates the real efficiency of a Sawyer PointONE filter in a Senegalese community. The fieldwork was conducted in Bandial, a rural community in Casamance region during the dry season over a month and a half period from mid-March to April 2018. Physical-Chemical analysis were carried out in the University of Ziguinchor. The study shows relative difference between filtrations carried out in a sterile laboratory and filtrations performed at home under local hygiene and sanitation conditions. The presence of E.coli (2-9 CFU/100 mL), Enterococcus (1-13 CFU/100 mL) and Total Coliform (>16 CFU/100 mL) was detected in some of the samples analysed.