Efficiency of a closed-coupled solar pasteurization system in treating roof harvested rainwater

Many studies have concluded that roof harvested rainwater is susceptible to chemical and microbial contamination. The aim of the study was thus to conduct a preliminary investigation into the efficiency of a closed-coupled solar pasteurization system in reducing the microbiological load in harvested rainwater and to determine the change in chemical components after pasteurization. The temperature of the pasteurized tank water samples collected ranged from 55 to 57°C, 64 to 66°C, 72 to 74°C, 78 to 81°C and 90 to 91°C. Cations analyzed were within drinking water guidelines, with the exception of iron [195.59μg/L (55°C)–170.1μg/L (91°C)], aluminum [130.98μg/L (78°C)], lead [12.81μg/L (55°C)–13.2μg/L (91°C)] and nickel [46.43μg/L (55°C)–32.82μg/L (78°C)], which were detected at levels above the respective guidelines in the pasteurized tank water samples. Indicator bacteria including, heterotrophic bacteria, Escherichia coli and total coliforms were reduced to below the detection limit at pasteurization temperatures of 72°C and above. However, with the use of molecular techniques Yersinia spp., Legionella spp. and Pseudomonas spp. were detected in tank water samples pasteurized at temperatures greater than 72°C. The viability of the bacteria detected in this study at the higher temperature ranges should thus be assessed before pasteurized harvested rainwater is used as a potable water source. In addition, it is recommended that the storage tank of the pasteurization system be constructed from an alternative material, other than stainless steel, in order for a closed-coupled pasteurization system to be implemented and produce large quantities of potable water from roof harvested rainwater. [Display omitted] •Solar pasteurization system used to produce large quantities of potable water.•Aluminum, lead and nickel leached from the stainless steel holding tank.•Indicator bacteria reduced to below the detection limit at temperatures above 72°C.•Bacteria detected (PCR) in tank water samples pasteurized at 72°C and above.•Viability of specific pathogenic bacteria needs to be determined.