Evaluation of turmeric-based UV-sensitive cards as a low-cost tool for monitoring sunlight exposure and PET transparency in SODIS applications

Abstract

Drinking safe water remains a challenge in many low-resource settings where Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS) is widely practiced. However, exposure times required for effective disinfection vary from 6 to 48 hours depending on sunlight and weather, and communities lack affordable tools to verify adequate UV exposure. This study developed a turmeric-based UV-sensitive indicator card designed to provide a simple, biodegradable, and low-cost means of monitoring sunlight exposure and assessing PET bottle suitability for SODIS.