Biological sand filters: low-cost bioremediation technique for production of clean drinking water

Lea, M. (2008).Biological sand filters : low-cost bioremediation technique for production of clean drinking water. Current protocols in microbiology ; suppl. 9 ; p. 1G.1 – 1G.1.28. DOI: 10.1002/9780471729259.mc01g01s9. Posted online May 2008

There is “conclusive evidence” that one low-cost household bioremediation intervention, biological sand filters, are capable of dramatically improving the microbiological quality of drinking water. This unit describes this relatively new and proven bioremediation technology’s ability to empower at-risk populations to use naturally occurring biology and readily available materials as a sustainable way to achieve the health benefits of safe drinking water.

This protocol provides guidelines for the selection, design, construction, operation and maintenance of biological sand filters. Options for pretreatment filtration and post-treatment disinfection (chlorination and solar disinfection (SODIS)) are provided, as well as a modified design for arsenic removal.