Abstract
Faecal sludge management (FSM) in most developing countries is still insufficient. Sanitation challenges within the sub-Saharan region have led to recurring epidemics of water- and sanitation-related diseases. The use of pit latrines has been recognised as an option for on-site sanitation purposes. However, there is also concern that pit latrine leachates may cause harm to human and ecological health. Integrated approaches for improved access to water and sanitation through proper faecal sludge management are needed to address these issues. Biochar a carbon-rich adsorbent produced from any organic biomass when integrated with soil can potentially reduce contamination. The incorporation of biochar in FSM studies has numerous benefits in the control of prospective contaminants (i.e., heavy metals and inorganic and organic pollutants). This review paper evaluated the potential use of biochar in FSM. It was shown from the reviewed articles that biochar is a viable option for faecal sludge management because of its ability to bind contaminants. Challenges and possible sustainable ways to incorporate biochar in pit latrine sludge management were also illustrated. Biochar use as a low-cost adsorbent in wastewater contaminant mitigation can improve the quality of water resources. Biochar-amended sludge can also be repurposed as a useful economical by-product.
Highlights
Faecal sludge management (FSM) in most developing countries of the sub-Saharan region is ineffective and insufficient, which causes a deepening of sanitation problems [1,2,3,4]
This review aimed to evaluate the potential of biochar in FSM through literature, which focused on biochar, sanitation, and faecal sludge studies
This review focused on the potential uses of biochar in faecal sludge management (FSM) practices in most developing countries relying on pit latrine sanitation systems
Summary
Faecal sludge management (FSM) in most developing countries of the sub-Saharan region is ineffective and insufficient, which causes a deepening of sanitation problems [1,2,3,4]. Pollution problems from pit latrines depend on climatic conditions, geological formations and soilscapes on the rate of soil contaminants migration These factors lead to a need for scientific assessment of sludge management and pollution challenges. The use of pit latrines as compared to open defecation can be beneficial, there are still concerns that they may cause dreadful human and ecological health impacts This is associated with microbiological and chemical contamination of drinking water supplies through leaching into groundwater and surface water [11]. This review merits attention, because it explores alternative means for faecal sludge management, which can be implemented in developing countries such as Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia to minimize seepage of pit latrine waters and provide a sustainable soil conditioner for crop production
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