Differences in laboratory versus field treatment performance of point-of-use drinking water treatment methods: research gaps and ways forward

• Published in: npj clean water Vol. 6; no. 1; pp. 26 - 7
• Main Authors: Zimmer, C., Dorea, C. C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 27-03-2023; Nature Publishing Group; Nature Portfolio
• Subjects: 639/166; 704/172; Aquatic Pollution; Bacteria; Drinking water; Earth and Environmental Science; Environment; Estimates; Health risk assessment; Health risks; Laboratories; Nanotechnology; Performance evaluation; Perspective; Public health; Risk assessment; Waste Water Technology; Water Industry/Water Technologies; Water Management; Water Pollution Control; Water quality; Water Quality/Water Pollution; Water treatment
• ISSN: 2059-7037; 2059-7037
• DOI: 10.1038/s41545-023-00241-1

In this Perspective, we present evidence that indicates a discrepancy between laboratory and field performance of point of use water treatment (POUWT) techniques, identified via a narrative review process to investigate the origin of the LRV comparison estimates reported by the WHO. We considered only peer-reviewed articles that reported laboratory and field log reduction values (LRVs) for the same POU technology. We will present a summary of explanations that have been offered by the literature regarding such discrepancies; the potential implications of the “laboratory versus field” data discrepancy; and potential risks posed by conflating the two. Finally, in view of this discussion, we propose a strategy to help mitigate the research gap and explore the potential to improve current health risk assessments and ultimately, recommendations by public health entities and manufacturers of POUWT products.