Evaluating the effectiveness of the existing bio sand filters to remove pathogens and suspended particles in water and provide safe water Orom Sub-county (Kitgum District).

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Date
2019-05
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Publisher
Kampala International University, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Abstract
The project was conducted in Orom Sub-County, Kitgum District to evaluate the effectiveness of the existing Biosand Filters in removing pathogens and Suspended Particles in water. The continuous use of unsafe water for domestic purposes due to limited access to safe water, the increasing demand coupled with the high population growth rate and resettlement of the displaced population has caused outbreak of water related diseases such as typhoid, diarrhea, dysentery and cholera among others especially in the rural areas of Kitgum District. The overall objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of the existing Biosand filters to remove pathogens and suspended particles in water and provide safe water within the Uganda national standards for drinking water. This was made possible by carrying out water quality analysis for raw water and filtered water from the filters, assessing the effects of user practices on the filter performance and lastly assessing the performance of the filter using different water sources. The techniques that were employed in data collection included observations, interview that was supported by use of questionnaires, laboratory tests for some key parameters for drinking water, library search, and internet. The data was then processed and analyzed using Microsoft excel spread sheet, and presented using figures, tables, frequencies and graphs. Biosand filter is 96% effective in removing coliform in water and very effective in removing turbidity since all the filtered water met the National standard of turbidity which is 10NTU. Users’ practices affect the performance of the Biosand filters. The type of source water passed through the filter and the level of contamination. The most efficient filters were filters using Borehole water source and was worst with unprotected spring water. Therefore, filters are more effective in treating source water with low turbidity. Biosand filters should continue being used a long side chlorine tablets to remove the remaining 4% of the coliform. Users of BSFs need to be trained on the maintenance of the filters. This should be followed with a monitoring plan to ensure operation and maintenance procedures are followed as this will improve on the performance of the filters.
Description
A Final Year Project Report Submitted to The Department of Civil Engineering in Partial Fulfillment of The Requirements for The Award of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Of Kampala International University
Keywords
Bio sand filters, Pathogens, Safe water, Orom Sub-county, Kitgum District
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