1. THE ERADICATION OF THE WATER CRISIS IN CAMEROON DUE TO BIOSAND WATER FILTRATION SYSTEMS Heather Amper and Zoe Patton Thirst Relief in Cameroon Thirst Relief International is a nonprofit organization whose current mission to solve the water issues of Nkuv and six other surrounding villages. Their solution is to implement biosand filters throughout the nation, believing that their simple design will provide the best means to purify Cameroon’s unclean water. Cameroon has one of the lowest life expectancies on the planet, only 54 years of age, which is attributed to the consumption of unsanitary water. Much of the water in that area contains dangerous levels of E. coli and other contaminants, making it extremely unsuitable to drink. Nkuv is a good candidate for this because of: Its rural setting High levels of E.coli. Contamination Low life expectancy because of water Borne illnesses Design and Functionality of Biosand Filters Each biosand filter is comprised of five main layers. These layers are: The standing water layer: keeps the sand moist, while still allowing for oxygen to reach the biolayer The biolayer: the top one to two centimeters of the sand layer that contains a collection of microorganisms that grows as the filter is used The fine sand layer: main part of the filter body, which slows the water flow rate so the particles in the water can be removed Two gravel layers: which includes the separating gravel layer and the drainage gravel layer The filtration process includes: 1.Pouring water into the top of the basin 2.Microorganisms collecting in the biolayer to feed on incoming pathogens 3.More substances are removed as water travels through the sand layer 4.Travels through gravel layers into outlet tube and poured into bucket Going through this filtration process, originally unclean water becomes safe to drink. Benefits in Cameroon Since most of the drinking supply available throughout the communities of Cameroon is contaminated, it is crucial that a system is put into place to filter out these harmful toxins. The biosand filters have numerous benefits to offer the areas in which they are being implemented. Significantly reduces the amount of E. coli and other pathogens found in a water supply Roughly only $100 each, the donated system provides clean water for more than ten people, at a price that is significantly lower compared to other innovative filtering processes Sustainability of the Biosand Filter Sustainability can be defined as a means of improving quality of life. Specifically in Cameroon, biosand filters are sustainable because: The health endangerment of Cameroonians can be lessened because proven to greatly reduce diarrheal causing substances, like E.coli. and other pathogens Their cost is absorbed by non-profit groups, causing no financial burdens on the community Their long life expectancy for continued effective water treatment Biosand filters are an alteration of a slow sand water filtration system. Percentages of removal of several substances from water in lab and field tests using the biosand filter The increase in E. coli reduction as the days of filter usage increases The general design of a biosand filter A group of locals working together to build a biosand filter Map of Cameroon and surrounding countries