[Application of solar disinfection to drinking water in tropical regions]

Since unsafe water elicits a broad spectrum of bacteriological, parasitological and virological diseases, purification of polluted drinking water has to be developed in tropical rural regions. Around 70% of rural wells and 7% of bore-holes contain water unsafe for human consumption. Water is also contaminated during transport and storage. Several techniques of purification have been recommended to protect drinking water. Recently, sterilisation in the U. V. or simply in the sun rays has been systematically tested. In tropical rural areas, solar disinfection has given questionable results. It affords no guarantee for the health of the consumer in contrast with other techniques as chlorination.