Viability of off-grid containerized reverse osmosis water treatment in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Abstract

This research serves to explore options to provide clean water to communities impacted by water shortages in Maiduguri, Nigeria. This research is meant to provide possible solutions to a water crisis that has mainly been addressed through emergency management. This work explores the viability of solar-powered reverse osmosis water treatment over local boreholes. This required research in several related fields, to include methods of water purification, the application of these methods to borehole water that is pumped to the surface, the viability of solar power as a power option, and the assessment of the water needs and challenges in the area. The research conducted utilised a mixed method, with both qualitative and quantitative data collection. Technical interviews with water treatment manufacturers and needs assessment interviews with WASH professionals provide qualitative data. NGO-provided multi-sector needs assessment data and water quality results from Maiduguri boreholes will allow for water treatment method development and provide quantitative data. Needs assessment data and interviews with WASH professionals demonstrated that there is a need for decentralized water treatment with off-grid capability due to energy and water security gaps within the city. Water quality results showed that the level of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in untreated water does not necessitate desalinization-style water treatment. Technical interviews with water treatment manufacturers suggested that reverse osmosis is too power intensive and requires more water rejection than ozonation, which is a small-scale water treatment technology that has shown itself to be viable in Nigeria. These results will allow the integration of off-grid water treatment into the medium- and long-term municipal water security planning for Maiduguri. Reverse osmosis remains a viable water treatment process, but ozonation will allow for less power- and water-intensive water treatment.