Silver Saturated Ceramic Purifiers,
The Case for Immediate, Ceramic Research

by Reid Harvey
2 February 2003

Regarding ceramic water purifiers there have been several recent shifts in the thinking of policy makers in water and health:  1.  That the development of household methodologies for water purification has become essential.  Until recently the only option considered appropriate was piped water from a pure source.  2.  That silver is indeed effective in pathogen removal, making ceramic purifiers effective and appropriate.  In addition it is now becoming understood that silver saturated ceramics offers an affordable option for the poor, at US$1.00 or $2.00 per household system, so a view should be taken to immediate ceramic research. Overwhelming evidence of the effectiveness of purifiers made in Central America has helped provoke the new understanding of silver.  Now come proofs of ceramic purifiers of far lower cost than the Central American ones. This begs the question:  if we're convinced about silver saturated ceramics, why not launch immediate research by some ceramic institution?  These studies would optimize the ceramics.  And before taking the time for more ex- haustive water quality research are we not morally obliged to present initial findings?  Should we not approach as urgent the effort to get clean water to the poor?  This is not the time to guard our new findings, but to share them! There is an immediate need to involve a ceramic institution in research of low cost, appropriate options for ceramic purifiers. For the sake of the vulnerable poor!  Guarding what we are learning is an omission which does nothing to address the continuation of a crisis:  the deaths of 4000 vulnerable poor every day, a result of water born illness.  The only valid reason for not supporting immediate ceramic research would be some doubt that the ceramic option is viable.  This doubt is fast dissipating! Ceramists are in a position to indicate that good results are predictable when several parameters are considered.  For example, studies should be undertaken on permeable micro structure of ceramic purifiers.  How is the structure appropriate and how best is the silver disinfectant situated?  Electron microscopy will help provide some of the answers.  And how does one optimize the colloidal silver within the purifier?  These are a few of the questions that can best be answered by well positioned, qualified ceramists.  The studies would help in providing the kinds of guidelines that will allow ceramic purifier projects to flourish.  It is now time for a variety of different kinds of appropriate ceramic water purifiers, the methodology taking its place among the best of the low cost, appropriate options.  Researchers and all concerned should do their best to forget their personal interests and differences, focusing instead on this new and exciting answer to an age old problem.  Each day that we do otherwise the vulnerable poor are dying. Reid Harvey Ceramic Designer pottery@wlink.com.np   POTTERY PURIFIER HOME PAGE

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