| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4483331 | Water Research | 2012 | 27 Pages |
Access to safe drinking water is one of the first priorities following a disaster. However, providing drinking water to the affected population (AP) is challenging due to severe contamination and lack of access to infrastructure. An onsite treatment system for the AP is a more sustainable solution than transporting bottled water. Emergency water technologies (WTs) that are modular, mobile or portable are suitable for emergency relief. This paper reviews WTs including membrane technologies that are suitable for use in emergencies. Physical, chemical, thermal- and light-based treatment methods, and membrane technologies driven by different driving forces such as pressure, temperature and osmotic gradients are reviewed. Each WT is evaluated by ten mutually independent criteria: costs, ease of deployment, ease of use, maintenance, performance, potential acceptance, energy requirements, supply chain requirements, throughput and environmental impact. A scoring system based on these criteria is presented. A methodology for emergency WT selection based on compensatory multi-criteria analysis is developed and discussed. Finally, critical research needs are identified.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (165 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Comprehensive review of water technologies for emergency applications. ► Strengths and weaknesses of each water technology for specific application reviewed are identified. ► Ten mutually independent criteria are identified to evaluate the water technologies. ► A methodology for water technology selection based on compensatory multi-criteria analysis is presented. ► Critical research needs are identified.
