Solar water disinfection

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/solar-water-disinfection

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the scientific principle?Synergistic action of UV-A radiation and solar thermal heating
2. What is the primary inactivation mechanism?Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) damaging pathogen DNA and proteins
3. What is solar water disinfection (SODIS)?SODIS uses sunshine and clear plastic bottles to clean water. The heat and UV light from the sun kill germs in the water.
4. How do you do SODIS at home?Fill a clear PET bottle with clean water, put it in direct sunlight for at least six hours, or two days if it’s cloudy. Make sure the water is clear so the sun can reach the germs.

Photochemical Inactivation: Disinfection achieved through light-induced chemical reactions that damage microorganisms.
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS): Highly reactive molecules derived from oxygen that can damage cellular structures.
Turbidity: The cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by large numbers of individual particles.