Utilizing Structural Equation Modeling As an Evaluation Tool for Critical Parameters of the Biosand Filter in a Pilot Study in Para, Brazil

Abstract

Biosand filters (BSFs) have been used to provide potable water to many communities throughout the world. A significant number of laboratory and field studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the BSF if utilized properly. However, our prior work suggests that multiple factors contribute to the effectiveness of the BSF in a community setting. These factors include: household education levels (HELs), socio-economic status (SES), additional interventions for sanitation and hygiene, water sources, and the relationship between treatment and storage. A structural equation model (SEM) was constructed to evaluate the contribution of these factors to diarrheal occurrence in impoverished households in two Brazilian communities along the Amazon River. The results of this study showed that HEL was the most important factor in reducing diarrhea, and the presence of a BSF was near ineffective. Furthermore, interventions for sanitation and hygiene as well as SES all contributed to a reduction in diarrheal occurrence. This study demonstrates that SEM can provide a platform to evaluate the complex interaction among factors contributing to a reduction in the occurrence of diarrhea. Furthermore, the results of this study highlight the importance of a holistic approach to the deployment of technology-driven solutions such as the BSF.

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Economics; Sanitation; Biosand filter; Brazil; Diarrhea; Holistic approach; Laboratory and field studies; Multiple factors; Socio-economic status; Structural equation modeling; Potable water; biofiltration; diarrheal disease; drinking water; field survey; hygiene; laboratory method; scanning electron microscopy; socioeconomic status; biofilter; Brazilian; feasibility study; follow up; household; human; pilot study; social status; water supply; water treatment; Amazon River; Para [Brazil]; Biosand filters

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

1606-9749

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2015 IWA Publishing, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jul 2015

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