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UV treatment / Solar disinfection (SODIS)

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[[Image:Sodis.PNG|thumb|right|150px|Plastic bottles filled with contaminated water are placed in the sunlight ]]

~~The fact that sunlight can kill micro-organisms has been known for centuries and has been scientifically established.~~ Solar disinfection is a simple water treatment method using solar radiation (UV-A light and temperature) to destroy pathogenic bacteria and viruses present in the water. It can be used to disinfect small quantities of water with low turbidity. Most commonly, contaminated water is filled into transparent plastic bottles and exposed to full sunlight. The pathogens are destroyed during the exposure to the sun. Users determine the length of exposure based on the weather conditions.

Other forms of batch treating and continuous treatment of water with sunlight are under development by various organizations.

==History and social context==

The fact that sunlight can kill micro-organisms has been known for centuries and has been scientifically established.

The idea of solar water disinfection (SODIS) was presented by Professor Aftim Acra for the first time in a booklet published by UNICEF in 1984. SODIS has been promoted worldwide since 1991 when an interdisciplinary research team at EAWAG/SANDEC began laboratory and field tests to assess the potential of SODIS and to develop an effective, sustainable and low cost water treatment method. Solar disinfection is recommended by the World Health Oganization (WHO) as one viable option for drinking water treatment at household level.

Marktielewestra

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