Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Tap-Water Filter Using in-Air PIXE

Large scale drinking water monitoring is a formidable task no matter what analysis technique is used. The commercially available tap-water filter that can be easily adapted to the faucet offers a unique possibility to collect and accumulate contaminations in the drinking water supply from a wide spread area at relatively low cost. It has been demonstrated that such filters can be examined without preparation using in-air PIXE. In the present investigation, the effectiveness of such filters is examined by comparing the water before and after filtration. This information is important if such a large scale monitoring is to be carried out. The present work also shows the merit of accumulation.