Effectiveness of UV-C light irradiation on disinfection of an eSOS® smart toilet evaluated in a temporary settlement in the Philippines

Journal article (2016)

Authors

F. Zakaria IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
Bertin Harelimana IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
Josip Ćurko University of Zagreb
Jack van de Vossenberg IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
Hector A. Garcia IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
Christine M. Hooijmans IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
Damir Brdjanovic IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, BT/Environmental Biotechnology - AS
Research Group
BT/Environmental Biotechnology (AS) (TU Delft)
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Published Date

2016

Language

English

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Faculty

Applied Sciences

Department

BT/Biotechnologie

Research Group

BT/Environmental Biotechnology

Abstract

Ultraviolet germicidal (short wavelength UV-C) light was studied as surface disinfectant in an Emergency Sanitation Operation System® smart toilet to aid to the work of manual cleaning. The UV-C light was installed and regulated as a self-cleaning feature of the toilet, which automatically irradiate after each toilet use. Two experimental phases were conducted i.e. preparatory phase consists of tests under laboratory conditions and field testing phase. The laboratory UV test indicated that irradiation for 10 min with medium–low intensity of 0.15–0.4 W/m2 could achieve 6.5 log removal of Escherichia coli. Field testing of the toilet under real usage found that UV-C irradiation was capable to inactivate total coliform at toilet surfaces within 167-cm distance from the UV-C lamp (UV-C dose between 1.88 and 2.74 mW). UV-C irradiation is most effective with the support of effective manual cleaning. Application of UV-C for surface disinfection in emergency toilets could potentially reduce public health risks.