Alkasim Abubakar

Purifying Ability of a Constructed Solar Still on Well Waters: Experimental Performance Evaluation & Comparison Between a Locally Constructed Solar Still and a Standard Electric Still Alkasim Abubakar

This book discusses the comparative performance of a locally constructed basin type single plate solar still with a refill and a standard electronic distiller unit (AQUATRON C72-8010 MODEL A4000). The still was used in Girei, North Eastern Nigeria, for the production of clean water for human consumption and other hygenic uses such as in hospitals and pharmaceuticals. The still utilizes solar energy and some environmental factors like wind speed and ambient temperature. A well water sample was collected in sterile Jerry can from Girei town, and fed into both the constructed still and the Electronic still. Enumerations of aerobic contaminants, coliform bacteria, pH value and iron II (Fe2+) were noted both before and after the distillation. The sample was heavily contaminated with an average microbial load of 30000 cfu/ml, 100% distribution of coliform bacteria and 260 mg/L calcium carbonate CaCO3. The analysis on the distillates indicated that all these were removed completely. The cumulative yield collected from the constructed still per day is 3.6 L and the still has a thermal efficiency of 26% on a clear summer day.