Abstract
Comprehensive and proper management of fecal sludge (FS) is an ongoing concern in many nations.Decentralizedfecal sludge treatment plants (FSTPs) are effective in this regard; however, many have experienced strong public opposition based partly on suspicion of malodor. Fecal sludge and freshly generated fecal matter (FM) samples from various FSTPs were collected, characterized, and investigated for biomethane potential. The homogenized samples were anaerobically digested for 28days. Digestion successfully reduced total suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, and threshold odor number values of 97,350-97,420mg/l, 43,230-43,260mg/l, and 130-150 for FM, to 49,500-49,650mg/l, 23,760-23,850mg/l, and 3338, respectively, for FS samples. The comprehensive gas yield from Bhongir, Boduppal, and Shadnagar FS samples was 40, 55, and 31ml, respectively. In contrast, cumulative gas generation from the FM was 26,361ml. Digestion of FS samples also reduced concentrations of volatile solids and coliforms by 66-72% and 99%, respectively. Characterization of gas samples revealed methane and carbon dioxide concentrations as 56% and 22% for FM, and 0.4% and 61% for FS samples, respectively. Hydrogen sulfide and ammonia gas were absent in FS samples, dispelling common societal misconceptions of FSTPs being associated with malodor.
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