Rumblyguts
10-18-2008, 12:14
Hello,
I got an email requesting ways to demonstrate to a 3rd world community that their water supply is contaminated. A low tech way with equipment obtained rurally would be great.
I'll pass on a couple links from the VITA link in the other thread and some cheap fecal coliform kit links, but I'm not sure the latter would be appropriate/available. Mentioned trying to lead a walk-about to find point/nonpoint pollution sources, and comparing clean vs. contaminated water via sight, odor, turbidity, etc. Also contacting a friend who was a Peace Corps conservation specialist.
Might you folks have some ideas?
Thanks for any input,
Rumbly
Recieved email:
My sister J works in Guatemala for an organization called Food for the Hungry. I am forwarding a message I received from her (see below). She is trying to help several local communities develop a filtering system for their water. However, the people are not aware of the bacteria levels in the water and do not connect recent illnesses with the poor water quality. What are some ways that she could show or demonstrate bacteria in the water and educate the people about the need for filtration? She does not have a microscope. Is a microscope necessary?
I am going to be starting some water projects here having to do with purification, maybe even building filters. But first I need to show people that they need a filter and that many of their illnesses are coming from their water. My problem is trying to find a simple experiment or way to show them that there are bacteria and other organisms in their water. I realize I'll probably need a microscope, but beyond that I'm not sure what to do.
I got an email requesting ways to demonstrate to a 3rd world community that their water supply is contaminated. A low tech way with equipment obtained rurally would be great.
I'll pass on a couple links from the VITA link in the other thread and some cheap fecal coliform kit links, but I'm not sure the latter would be appropriate/available. Mentioned trying to lead a walk-about to find point/nonpoint pollution sources, and comparing clean vs. contaminated water via sight, odor, turbidity, etc. Also contacting a friend who was a Peace Corps conservation specialist.
Might you folks have some ideas?
Thanks for any input,
Rumbly
Recieved email:
My sister J works in Guatemala for an organization called Food for the Hungry. I am forwarding a message I received from her (see below). She is trying to help several local communities develop a filtering system for their water. However, the people are not aware of the bacteria levels in the water and do not connect recent illnesses with the poor water quality. What are some ways that she could show or demonstrate bacteria in the water and educate the people about the need for filtration? She does not have a microscope. Is a microscope necessary?
I am going to be starting some water projects here having to do with purification, maybe even building filters. But first I need to show people that they need a filter and that many of their illnesses are coming from their water. My problem is trying to find a simple experiment or way to show them that there are bacteria and other organisms in their water. I realize I'll probably need a microscope, but beyond that I'm not sure what to do.