Nanoscale silver enabled drinking water disinfection system

Several small- and large-scale water disinfection technologies are developed to provide pathogen-free water and protect public health. Point-of-use (PoU) disinfection systems are effective in regions where households have limited access to piped water. Studies show that a well-designed PoU household intervention can reduce 30%–40% of diarrheal diseases. However, the success of a PoU system largely depends on its affordability, ease of operation and maintenance, and ability to provide safe water in a short time. Unfortunately, other than boiling, the majority of the traditional PoU systems have not attained large-scale use in the field due to the earlier mentioned limitations. Solutions based on state-of-the-art technology hold the key to developing successful PoU water treatment systems. Nanosilver-based solutions are gaining popularity over conventional methods as a safe alternative to chlorination and are implemented in the field with varying levels of success. The chapter reviews the literature concerning the production, application, and market potential of nanoscale silver-enabled disinfection systems. The chapter also discusses environmental concerns related to the use of nanoscale materials.