Abstract
This research tested the viability of using faecal sludge (FS) as solid fuel – an end use that could unlock an environmentally and financially beneficial replacement for disposal-oriented FS management, while replacing fossil energy. FS samples were collected from pit latrines, septic tanks, drying beds and stabilization ponds in three cities, Kumasi, Dakar and Kampala. For each sample, the average calorific value, solids and water content, and their variation with source and age were determined. The average calorific value of untreated FS across the three cities was 17.3 MJ/kg total solids (TS), which compares well with other biomass fuels. The age of FS did not affect its calorific value, nor did the reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) that occurred while it was in drying beds. The TS content of FS depended on its source but ranged from 1 to 6% for sludge from septic tanks and pit latrines, respectively. Harnessing net energy from FS requires partial drying. The results indicate that sufficient drying occurs within two weeks in open-air drying beds, or in a matter of days with simple drying bed innovations.
Highlights
Provision of adequate, safe and sustainable sanitation coverage is an ever-increasing challenge facing urban areas in subSaharan Africa
faecal sludge (FS) that is collected in Kumasi is delivered to the Dompoase Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP), which comprises a series of eight stabilization ponds
Converting faecal sludge to a renewable biofuel may be a means of tackling sanitation challenges in sub-Saharan Africa
Summary
Safe and sustainable sanitation coverage is an ever-increasing challenge facing urban areas in subSaharan Africa. Available latrines are receiving more and more users. While latrine coverage may remain insufficient, the safe collection and treatment of faecal sludge (FS) from systems that do exist is arguably the weakest link in the sanitation value chain. An estimated 2.4 billion users of on-site sanitation systems generate FS that goes untreated, resulting in pervasive environmental contamination (Koné et al ). This has led to growing interest in approaches for safe emptying, transport and end use or disposal of FS (Montangero & Strauss ). This research evaluates a new FS management solution: converting FS to solid fuel for use in industrial kilns and boilers
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