Review of the use of clay-based composites for water filtration application in rural areas

Abstract

A safe water source is one that is available, accessible, and provides water of acceptable quality, free from microbial and chemical contaminations. However, millions living in rural areas have no access to safe water. About 60 percent of Nigerians live in rural areas and have a larger share of inadequate supply of safe drinking water. Consumption of contaminated water leads to highly contagious disease infections and can lead to loss of lives or reduction in life expectancy. Clay-based Composite Water Filter (CCWF) treats water and makes it safe for consumption. They are made from a mixture of clay and carbonaceous material. The principle underlying this water treatment method is that the carbonaceous material is burned off during firing, leaving pores that are large enough to allow water to pass through but small enough to trap bacteria and other water contaminants, such as dissolved solids, and in some cases virus. This review summarizes published works on the parameters (filter materials, firing temperature, shape of the filter, etc.) that influence the performance of CCWF and the corresponding results of these parameters. This is to enable producers of CCWF make informed decisions.