Sari Filtration Description
Woven fibers (e.g. linen, cotton, and other cloths)
are widely used for POU water treatment because of
their low cost and simplicity. One method used by
women in the Indian subcontinent, known as sari
filtration, involves using garment cloth folded 4
to 8 times to filter solid particles and
microorganisms from water.
Development
Indigenous Appropriate Technology
Development
Indigenous Appropriate Technology
Performance
Contaminant Removal
Sari filters are usually effective for removing solid particles and microorganisms that are larger than 20 micrometers, including free-swimming pathogen larvae, guinea worm larvae within crustacean hosts, bacteria with large copepods, and zooplankton, including those harboring V. cholerae. A study of quadruplefolded saris found that 99 percent of V. Cholerae was removed from water. These filters do not remove chemical contaminants or dissolved compounds from water. Additionally, studies have found that a sari’s fibers loosen significantly the more they are used, increasing their pore size and making them less effective.
Ease of Use
Fiber filtration involves placing the filter over the opening of a water vessel and pouring the contaminated water through.
Sari filters are usually effective for removing solid particles and microorganisms that are larger than 20 micrometers, including free-swimming pathogen larvae, guinea worm larvae within crustacean hosts, bacteria with large copepods, and zooplankton, including those harboring V. cholerae. A study of quadruplefolded saris found that 99 percent of V. Cholerae was removed from water. These filters do not remove chemical contaminants or dissolved compounds from water. Additionally, studies have found that a sari’s fibers loosen significantly the more they are used, increasing their pore size and making them less effective.
Ease of Use
Fiber filtration involves placing the filter over the opening of a water vessel and pouring the contaminated water through.
Benefits & Drawbacks
Benefits
- Simple
- Readily available
- Does not address other possible contaminants
Costs
Fabric and fiber filtration costs are minimal and
associated with acquiring or making appropriate
materials.
Resources
References & Links
- Colwell RR, Huq A, Islam MS, Aziz KM, Yunus M, Khan NH, Mahmud A, Sack RB, Nair GB, Chakraborty J, Sack DA, Russek-Cohen E. Reduction of cholera in Bangladeshi villages by simple filtration. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003 Feb 4; 100(3): 1051-1055.
- A Huo, B Xu, M A Chowdhury, M S Islam, R Montilla, and R R Colwell A simple filtration method to remove plankton-associated Vibrio cholerae in raw water supplies in developing countries. Appl Environ Microbiol. 1996 July; 62 (7): 2508–2512
- National Academy of Sciences
- Centre for Science and Environment
