A review of the impact of testing conditions on the performance and quality control of locally manufactured, point-of-use ceramic water filters

Abstract

This review critically analyzes the most recent literature on parameters affecting the performance of ceramic water filters and compares proposed standardization testing as quality control tools.

Differences in laboratory versus field treatment performance of point-of-use drinking water treatment methods: research gaps and ways forward

“…Field challenge testing would also be useful in application to technologies for which compromised performance is not solely driven by user error; namely, ceramic water filters (CWFs) 17,23,51,52 . CWFs are typically manufactured in decentralized facilities, where lack of access to a centralized laboratory for microbiological quality control causes a triple burden of logistical complexity, cost and time delays [75][76][77][78] while excluding local stakeholders from long-term gains in skills and knowledge 79 . Ideally, CWFs would be tested onsite or locally 79 allowing CWF manufacturers to implement low-cost microbiological quality control, for which there have been recent calls 78 .…”

“…CWFs are typically manufactured in decentralized facilities, where lack of access to a centralized laboratory for microbiological quality control causes a triple burden of logistical complexity, cost and time delays [75][76][77][78] while excluding local stakeholders from long-term gains in skills and knowledge 79 . Ideally, CWFs would be tested onsite or locally 79 allowing CWF manufacturers to implement low-cost microbiological quality control, for which there have been recent calls 78 . Similar microbiological methods would be used as described above, except that challenge testing would take place at established CWF manufacturing facilities, rather than by household survey.…”

“…Similar microbiological methods would be used as described above, except that challenge testing would take place at established CWF manufacturing facilities, rather than by household survey. This would support filter manufacturers to produce, and therefore consumers to purchase, consistently high-quality technologies, while keeping knowledge and quality control practices local to the community 79 .…”

Low-Cost Antibacterial Ceramic Water Filters for Decentralized Water Treatment: Advances and Practical Applications

“…They conducted a thorough review on its effectiveness in disinfection and different methods of application. At the same time, Shepard and Oyanedel-Craver 23 published an extensive analysis, delving into the inconsistencies in testing and discussing the potential standardization of CWF testing protocols. They placed emphasis on the influence of manufacturing and testing conditions on the performance of CWFs.…”