Abstract
Background: Faecal sludge (FS) represents a huge resource, which when tapped and made use properly can be of great benefit to many. However, the key to tapping this resource lies in proper characterisation, in order to make known the constituents and thereby determine the end-use. Methods: Three sources of FS from 43 communities in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana were characterised in terms of their total solids content, chemical oxygen demand (COD), pH, nitrogen, phosphorous and lipid contents. FS from pit latrines, public septage and private septage were analysed. Results: On average, lipid content was found to be in the range of 8.82 – 9.66% of dry FS depending on the source of FS. Total solids were between 0.79 and 4.68%, while the COD was between 9495 and 45611mg/L. Phosphorus content was in the range of 137 – 520mg/L, while nitrogen was 649 – 4479mg/L. Most FS samples were generally alkaline in nature. Conclusions: These results are amongst the first long-term characterization efforts for FS in terms of conventional and non-conventional characteristics, tailored towards typical treatment and novel resource recovery options, respectively.
Highlights
Access to improved sanitation facilities is still a challenge in many developing countries, including Ghana
Classification and sampling of fecal sludge (FS) toilet facilities in Ghana are classified as water closets, Kumasi Ventilated Improved Pit latrines (KVIP), bucket/pan or public toilets (Agyei et al, 2011; Ghana Statistical Service, 2012), this work classified the FS used under three main categories based on the storage facilities from which they were taken: pit latrine (KVIP and bucket/pan), private septage and public septage (Appiah-Effah et al, 2014)
Total solids (TS) TS is a measure of the residue remaining after a waste water sample has been evaporated and dried at a specified temperature, mostly from 103 to 105°C (Metcalf, 2003)
Summary
Access to improved sanitation facilities is still a challenge in many developing countries, including Ghana. The sludges that accumulate in these on-site systems are mechanically or manually collected and dumped untreated at the shortest possible distance, on open ground, into drainage ditches, water courses or into the sea (Agyei et al, 2011; Doku, 2002; Kuffour et al, 2013). This undoubtedly has grave health implications (Koottatep et al, 2001)
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