Solar energy: a source for water disinfection in Colombia

Abstract

Colombia, due to its geographical position, receives a high solar radiation throughout the year. This implies that the country has great potential for solar energy production, but can also use this resource to enhance the living conditions of its inhabitants by using solar radiation to improve the quality of drinking water.

Mainly in rural areas, the country has serious problems with drinking water for its inhabitants. This generates high morbidity and mortality, especially in children under five.

The main purpose of this preliminary work was to investigate if weather conditions in northeastern Colombia permit to use the sun's energy to disinfect water from water sources which are normally heavily contaminated. The results are encouraging and may lead to establish programs for appropriate use of this technology in areas where the construction of treatment plants very difficult.