Abstract
This study investigated the effect of additional moisture and/or alkalinity on the rate of anaerobic digestion in samples of material obtained from pit latrines. In modified serum bottle tests it was shown that poor gas production rates were observed from all experiments with material collected at the lower part of one pit. Using material from the top layer of a second pit it was shown that experimental bottles produced significant amounts of gas for all treatments. Analysis of data indicated that treatment with additional alkalinity had no discernible effect on anaerobic gas production rates, but that there was some correlation between moisture content and gas production rate. These results did not support the hypothesis that low pH buffering capacity was a limiting factor in the rate of digestion of pit latrine sludge, but confirmed that low moisture content could reduce the rate of stabilisation. This implies that increasing the moisture content in a pit latrine has the potential to increase biological stabilisation rates in the pit when the material is not already well-stabilised.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
