Abstract
Abstract Estimates of accumulated quantities and qualities (Q&Q) of faecal sludge are essential for developing city-wide management plans. However, standardized approaches are lacking, and examples in scientific literature make use of diverse methodologies and parameters, making their comparability and transferability difficult. This study field-tested an approach for estimating Q&Q in Sircilla, India, and compared three methods for measuring accumulated sludge: (1) faecal sludge accumulation rate from in situ measurement with a core sampler; (2) faecal sludge accumulation rate with volume emptied by desludging truck; and (3) sludge blanket accumulation rate in situ with a core sampler. Measurements were taken at households and commercial establishments, samples were analysed for characteristics, and demographic, environmental, and technical data were collected with a questionnaire. The median total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentrations for all containments were 26.8, 17.8, and 32.0 g/L, respectively. The median faecal sludge accumulation rate estimated with the core sampler and truck were 53 and 96 L/cap·year, respectively. The median sludge blanket accumulation rate was 17 L/cap·year. Continued data collection in this fashion will lead to a better understanding of what is accumulating in onsite containments at regional levels.
Highlights
Integrated faecal sludge management is a key component of achieving city-wide inclusive sanitation (Gambrill et al ; Schrecongost et al )
All septic tanks have a freeflowing outlet connected to the stormwater drain, and in the centre of Sircilla, some lined pit latrines are connected to drains
Summary statistics for total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) are presented in Table 1; in addition, the complete raw data set is available
Summary
Integrated faecal sludge management is a key component of achieving city-wide inclusive sanitation (Gambrill et al ; Schrecongost et al ). Planning management solutions at a city scale require reasonable estimates for the qualities and quantities (Q&Q) of faecal sludge accumulating in onsite containments, in order to ensure adequate service capacity, prevent overloaded treatment plants, and reduce resource waste. Earlier attempts to estimate Q&Qs of faecal sludge have largely relied on average values reported in the literature; due to the high spatial variability of Q&Q, this method is often inaccurate (Strande et al ). To fill this gap, studies have evaluated whether statistical relationships between demographic, environmental, and technical data with Q&Q of faecal sludge can be used to make projections (Englund et al ; Strande et al ; Ward et al ). Further validation of measured values is necessary prior to scaling up
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