Abstract
This paper describes a study that was aimed at optimizing the pelletization of fecal sludge-based fertilizers for agricultural use. The process developed is easy to implement and increases the marketability of the products while also addressing a serious health and environmental challenge. The study took place during the period 2011-2012 in Ghana. The fecal sludge, rich in nutrients and organic matter, was dried and used to produce five different fertilizers (i.e., four formulations of compost and one with gamma irradiated material). Each material was then pelletized using locally constructed machinery. Key operating parameters, such as moisture content (10-55% in mass), binder type (clay or starch) and concentration (0-10% in mass), were varied and their impacts on the characteristics of pellets (e.g., amount of fine materials generated, length distribution or stability of pellets, and pellet disintegration rate) were also followed. Given the low analyzing capabilities of developing countries, some simple analytical methods were developed and used to compare pellets produced under different conditions. The results confirmed that the addition of 3% of pregelatinized starch is recommended during pelletization of fecal sludge-based fertilizers. Applicable moisture contents were also identified per fertilizer type, and were found to comprise between 21 and 43%.
Highlights
In many sub-Saharan African countries, large amounts of fecal sludge (FS) from on-site sanitation systems end up being dumped in the environment without appropriate treatment
This paper describes a study that was aimed at optimizing the pelletization of fecal sludge-based fertilizers for agricultural use
It looked at the role played by the moisture content of the product being fed into the pelletizer
Summary
In many sub-Saharan African countries, large amounts of fecal sludge (FS) from on-site sanitation systems (i.e., non-sewered household and public toilets, latrines, septic tanks, etc.) end up being dumped in the environment without appropriate treatment. This situation contributes to the pollution of water resources and, has negative impacts on health (e.g., by promoting the spread of diseases, such as cholera and diarrhea) and the environment, especially in and around highly populated zones in urban areas (Mara, Lane, Scott, & Trouba, 2010). One better option is to sanitize the sludge and produce a safe and easy-to-handle fertilizer material, through a controlled process
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