Evaluating filter functionality and user competence after a hollow fiber membrane filter intervention in Liberia. (11th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alford, Kristen R.; Rosendale, Katherine D.; Koroma, Abdul Hafiz; DeRuiter, Stacy L.; Pruim, Randall; VanHorn, Jason E.; Bone, Matthew; Deighton, Jared; DenHaan, Adam; Koeman, Jamison; Kornoelje, Sadie; Lika, Blerta; Stratton, Abigail; Walls, Lydia; Wang, Nathan
• Is Part Of: Journal of water, sanitation, and hygiene for development. Volume 12:Number 12(2022)
• Page Start: 851
• Page End: 861
• Publication Date: 2022-11-11
• Subjects: filtration -- Liberia -- point-of-use filters -- water; Drinking water -- Sanitation -- Periodicals; Water-supply -- Periodicals; Drinking Water; Hygiene; Health Planning; Water-supply; Health planning; Hygiene; Drinking water -- Quality; Sanitation; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 363.6105
• DOI: 10.2166/washdev.2022.075
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2043-9083

Abstract

Abstract: In Liberia, access to safe water is not universal, and waterborne diseases like diarrhea run rampant. As part of a larger border-to-border clean water project in Liberia, hollow membrane fiber filters were distributed to households in remote and/or small villages across Liberia. While filter efficacy has been demonstrated in the laboratory, studies of filter efficacy in real-world settings yield more mixed results. Intervention efficacy in Liberia was evaluated by assessing (1) user ability to correctly filter and backwash and (2) filter functioning at follow-up visits approximately 2 and 8 weeks post-intervention. Ultimately, the results supported the efficacy of this intervention. At arrival of both follow-ups, over 95% of filters were functioning properly and the majority of issues were resolved during visits. This supported the short-term durability of the filters and the importance of follow-up visits for repairs. Furthermore, the vast majority of households were able to correctly demonstrate filtering and backwashing: 88.47% at the first follow-up and 91.79% at the second. This slight increase may indicate the value of follow-up visits as educational tools. The widescale distribution of point-of-use filters as a mechanism for clean water should include on-going education and affordable filter repair and replacement opportunities. HIGHLIGHTS: Describes a border-to-border clean water filtration intervention in Liberia. Results demonstrate that point-of-use filters are easy to use. Results demonstrate high rates of filter durability in the short-term.