Water Sterilization using Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diodes

Abstract

In order to provide adequate living conditions, it is crucial for each building to have access to essential utilities such as water, electricity, and sewage systems. In some regions, they may experience isolation, but they can still establish connections to distribution networks and fulfill basic living requirements. In such cases, local solutions like wells and septic tanks are implemented. The water sourced from these sources contains a multitude of viruses and bacteria that can have a detrimental effect on the health of anyone who consumes it. Numerous water filtration/sterilization options are available on the market, but they come with significant installation, maintenance, and operating expenses. The use of ultraviolet C (UVC) rays generated by mercury lamps for sterilization by irradiation is becoming increasingly popular due to its cost-effectiveness in terms of installation and maintenance. The main drawbacks of this technique are the high energy consumption and the potential danger of mercury exposure. This article describes the processes for designing, making, and testing two water filtration probes that use light-emitting diodes (LED) diodes to emit UVC rays. This solution lowers energy consumption eliminates the risk of mercury contamination, and leads to a decrease in maintenance costs, as the lifespan of diodes is longer than that of mercury vapor lamps. The two probes have LED diodes that emit at a wavelength of 275 nm, with a total radiant flux of 12 mW and 100 mW, respectively. Biological tests were carried out in the laboratory to assess the effects of these probes on an artificially contaminated water sample. The results obtained are satisfactory and comparable to those of sterilization devices with LED lamps.