Pollution In Rural Areas Research Articles

Associations of exposure to outdoor PM2.5 and NO2 during pregnancy with childhood asthma, rhinitis, and eczema in a predominantly rural French mother-child cohort

Uncertainty remains regarding the effects of outdoor air pollution in rural areas on childhood asthma, rhinitis, and eczema. Although these diseases often coexist, few studies have examined the effects of air pollution on their multimorbidity. The objective of this study was to investigate the associations of pregnancy exposure to outdoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) with childhood asthma, rhinitis, eczema, and their multimorbidity. We included children from the 6-year (n = 1322) and 12-year (n = 1118) follow-up of the Pélagie mother-child cohort in Brittany, France where 64% of the participants lived in rural areas. Asthma, rhinitis, eczema, and a multimorbidity phenotype (concomitant presence of ≥2 diseases) were defined by validated questionnaires. PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations during pregnancy were modeled at residential address using land use regression. We assessed associations using logistic regressions per interquartile range (PM2.5: 3 μg/m3; NO2: 10 μg/m3). We also performed stratification by type of area (urban and rural). Asthma, rhinitis, eczema, and the multimorbidity phenotype prevalence were 12%, 20%, 22% and 12% at 6-years, and 10%, 23%, 19% and 11% at 12-years of follow-up. At 6-years, for eczema, a tendency of an association was observed with NO2 (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.97–1.36, p-value = 0.10), and stratification by type of area showed statistically significant associations for PM2.5 (1.49 (1.03–2.13), p = 0.03) and NO2 (1.40 (1.08–1.82), p = 0.01) in the urban stratum. At 12-years, main analyses showed a tendency of associations of PM2.5 (1.38 (0.98–1.93), p = 0.07) and NO2 (1.25 (0.98–1.59), p = 0.07) with asthma, and of NO2 with the multimorbidity phenotype (1.23 (0.97–1.56), p = 0.09). While overall results were not statistically significant, associations in urban settings were stronger than in rural ones at 6-years suggesting that possible differences between the effects in urban and rural areas should be further explored.

Assessment of Indoor Air Quality and Influential Factors: A Study in Rural Areas of Solan District, Himachal Pradesh (India)

The study was conducted during December, 2020 to June, 2021 to assess indoor air quality (IAQ) and develop amelioration strategies in rural areas of the Solan district, located in Himachal Pradesh, India. A well-structured pre-tested questionnaire was used to assess the factors responsible for indoor air quality.The indoor air quality parameters including PM10, Non-Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (NRSPM), Total Suspended Particulate Matter (TSPM), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Sulfur dioxide (SO2)were studied to calculate air quality index.The findings revealed substantial variation in pollution levels among different villages. Nauni village had the highest concentration of pollutants, with PM10 levels at 24.17 µg m3-1, NRSPM at 20.37 µg m3-1, TSPM at 44.54 µg m3-1, NO2 at 12.54 µg m3-1 and SO2 at 0.35 µg m3-1. In contrast, Nagali village has the lowest levels of these contaminants. Despite variations, all recorded values were within permissible limits. Nine factors were identified as contributing to poor indoor air quality: fuel wood-based cooking, smoke sources, mode of ventilation, insect/pest control measures, waste disposal near the house, use of perfumes and air freshners, cowshed near the house, intermittent cleaning, and dampness in the house due to leakage. To reduce indoor air pollution in rural areas, the study suggests establishing concentrated methods that address these specific issues. Proper ventilation, alternate cooking methods and better waste management procedures are important steps in improving indoor air quality and protecting public health.

Elucidating the changing particulate matter pollution and associated health effects in rural India during 2000–2019

Atmospheric pollution is a serious problem in many countries, including India, and it is generally considered as an urban issue. To fill the knowledge gap about particulate pollution and its adverse health effects in rural India for well-informed region-specific policy interventions, we present new insights on the rural pollution of India in terms of PM2.5. Here, we analyse PM2.5 pollution and its associated health burden in rural India using satellite and reanalyses data for the period 2000–2019. We observe a gradual and consistent rise of atmospheric pollution in rural areas of India. The highest PM2.5 levels are observed in Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) during winter and post-monsoon seasons (107.0 ± 17.0 and 91.0 ± 21.7 μg/m3, respectively). A dipole reversal in seasonal trends between winter and post-monsoon seasons is found for black carbon (BC) and organic carbon (OC) in the rural IGP. The rural North West India (NWI) experiences elevated PM2.5 concentrations due to dust storms, while the rural hilly region (HR) in the Himalaya remains the least polluted region in India. The highest PM2.5 associated cardiopulmonary mortality in 2019 is observed in the rural IGP districts (1000–5100), whereas the highest mortality due to lung cancer at district level accounts for 10–60 deaths. The highest mortality attributed to PM2.5 is observed in districts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. The priority-wise segregation of states as per World Health Organisation (WHO) Interim targets (ITs), as assessed in this study, might be helpful in implementation and development of policies in phases. We, therefore, present the first detailed study on the PM2.5 pollution in rural India, and provide valuable insights on its distribution, variability, sources and associated mortality, and emphasize the need for addressing this issue to protect public health.

Chemical characteristics, distribution patterns, and source apportionment of particulate elements and inorganic ions in snowpack in Harbin, China

Snowpack, which serves as a natural archive of atmospheric deposition of multiple pollutants, is a practical environmental media that can be used for assessing atmospheric records and input of the pollutants to the surface environments and ecosystems. A total of 29 snowpack samples were collected at 20 sampling sites covering three different functional areas of a major city (Harbin) in Northeast China. Two samples at the “snow layer” and one or two samples at the “particulate layer” were collected at each sampling site in the industrial areas characterized by multi-layer snowpack, and only one sample at the “snow layer” was collected at each sampling site in the cultural and recreational as well as agricultural areas. The snow contents of 31 elements (Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Y, Cd, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and Pb) and six major water-soluble inorganic ions (WSIIs, NH4+, K+, Ca2+, NO2−, NO3−, and SO42−) were analyzed. The total mass of the measured elements is dominated (95.8%–99.2%) by crustal elements. Heavy metals only account for 0.77%–4.07% of the total mass of the elements, but are occasionally close to or even above the standard limit in the “Environmental Quality Standards for Surface Water” of China (GB3838-2002). SO42− and Ca2+ are the main anion and cation, accounting for 34.9%–81.1% and 1.43%–29.9%, respectively, of the measured total ions. Total atmospheric deposition of crustal elements and heavy metals is dominated by wet deposition in areas near the petrochemical plant and by dry deposition in areas near the cement plant. Coal combustion, industrial emissions, and traffic-related activities lead to the enrichment of heavy metals in the snowpacks of urban and suburban areas, while coal combustion and biomass burning contribute to pollution in rural areas. The cities and regions situated in the western, northwestern, northern, and northeastern directions from Harbin are potential source regions of these pollutant species.

Environmental and economic sustainability and conservation of natural resources in the context of rural territories

The impact of human activity on the environment is becoming increasingly evident in the modern world. Growing industrialization, the use of natural resources, and environmental pollution lead to serious environmental problems at the global level. In this context, preserving natural resources in rural areas is particularly important. Villages and rural areas, an essential component of society, also play a crucial role in ensuring environmental and economic sustainability. Balanced environmental and economic sustainability in rural areas is a task that requires a comprehensive approach and interaction between different actors, including local authorities, communities, businesses, and civil society organizations. Environmental sustainability involves preserving the diversity of nature, maintaining ecosystems, and using resources rationally without harming the environment. Economic sustainability is the development of agriculture and enterprises that provide vital goods and services while preserving the region's ecological integrity. The study aims to analyze the ecological and economic sustainability of rural areas and provide recommendations on preserving natural resources and ensuring their sustainable development. This article analyzes various aspects of the environmental and economic sustainability of rural areas in Ukraine. The importance of preserving natural resources, the possibility of using new technologies for sustainable agriculture, and the role of communities and the state in achieving these goals are considered. The trends and critical issues are assessed across dimensions like natural resource management, pollution in rural areas, etc., drawing upon data from national statistics, government reports, academic studies, and field surveys. It is determined that it is necessary to implement measures aimed at conserving natural resources to ensure the sustainable development of rural areas. This is achieved by introducing resource-saving and environmentally friendly technologies, developing alternative energy sources, promoting environmental culture, and improving the socio-economic situation in rural areas. This is achieved by creating new jobs, developing infrastructure, and providing social services. An essential condition for ensuring the sustainable development of rural areas is an integrated approach that considers all these factors. Rural areas play an essential role in ensuring food security and sustainable development of the country. However, in the process of economic activity in rural areas, significant environmental and economic problems arise that threaten the sustainability of these areas. Particular attention should be focused on integrated approaches that enhance synergies between the economic, environmental, and social spheres rather than individual initiatives. The importance of involving rural residents is emphasized to implement sustainability principles in rural lifestyles and institutions. Keywords: sustainable development, rural areas of Ukraine, theoretical aspects, practical aspects, environmental sustainability, economic sustainability, natural resource conservation, agriculture, communities.

Rural Youth Responsibility towards the problem of environmental pollution in Rural Areas of Zagazig District – Sharkia Governorate

Rural Youth Responsibility towards the problem of environmental pollution in Rural Areas of Zagazig District – Sharkia Governorate

Influence of Illumination Parameters on Night Sky Observation in Rural Areas

Currently, there are concerns about the significant increase in the level of night-time light pollution, which has become more dramatic in recent years. This causes several environmental problems and makes it impossible to observe the starry night sky, especially in rural areas where observatories are often located. Incorrect orientation and arrangement of lighting are often responsible for this pollution. This study quantified the level of interference of lighting parameters in the night sky. The influence of other environmental factors which may interfere with observation was also evaluated. A predictive model was developed to determine the level of darkness in rural areas. It was concluded that the distance from the emission point to the observation site is critical for sky observation. A series of guidelines were proposed for designing the lighting around observatories, which could help reduce light pollution and increase the stars’ perception. The conclusions and guidelines obtained could also be applied to designing the lighting in other areas, such as protected natural areas, historical monuments, urban lighting, and computer tools used for lighting. Globally, the results obtained in this study could help to reduce the level of night-time light pollution in rural areas, leading to improvements in the environment and in the observation of the night sky. This finding is of great relevance for astronomical observatories, which are spread around the world in strategic positions for sky observation, usually in rural areas.

Methods of improving rural water ecological environment and promoting the development of ecological economy from the perspective of the digital economy

Abstract With the liberation of productive forces and the rapid development of cities, the development of rural areas is very fast, and the pace of rural industrialization and urbanization is also accelerating. However, with the rapid development of the economy, the rural ecological environment has also been greatly affected. Based on the literature and field investigation, the paper made a thorough analysis of the water environment and pollution in rural areas and used the water environment-bearing capacity pressure model to analyze the current problems in rural areas. Economic development is at the cost of the ecological environment. The higher the level of economic development, the greater its impact on environmental carrying capacity. Based on the above analysis, this paper proposed rural water resources carrying capacity system based on ecological carrying capacity and organically combined it with the theory of system and ecological carrying capacity to evaluate it. According to the current situation of water pollution in rural areas, this article preliminarily discussed and put forward corresponding countermeasures.

Zero-added conversion of chicken manure into dual-reaction-center catalyst for pollutant degradation triggered by peroxymonosulfate

Fecal pollution in rural areas and water pollution caused by emerging contaminants (ECs) are two international environmental problems. Here, we propose a new strategy to address the two problems simultaneously through the resource utilization and harmless transformation of poultry manure as a kind of water purification catalyst with zero addition. The ordered bonding of intrinsic metal-organic species is realized in the resourcelized procedure by a one-stage calcination-annealing method, which results in the formation of electron-rich/poor microregions. With the triggering of a small amount of peroxymonosulfate (PMS), the energy/electrons of ECs are utilized by the dissolved oxygen in water driven by the electron-rich/poor microregions on the catalyst surface. As a result, the system exhibits excellent performance in removing various ECs. The degradation rate can even be maintained above 94.3 % after 10,000 cycles. This work indicates a sustainable approach to the effective utilization and treatment of rural waste and pollutants.

Study on metal elements in indoor particulate matter: a case study of rural residential environment in Northeast China.

The use of solid fuels for heating and cooking in rural Northeast China has led to severe indoor metal element pollution in particulate matter (PM), posing a direct threat to human health and creating immense pressure on the sustainability of residential environments. To investigate the levels, sources, and potential health hazards of indoor metal element pollution in this region, we conducted a year-long sampling and monitoring campaign in actual residential settings and used ICP-OES to measure six metal elements (Mn, Cr, Zn, Cu, Pb, and Ni). This study's findings reveal that indoor metal element pollution levels in PM (33,513.65mg/kgperyear) are higher in rural Northeast China compared to other rural areas. Straw burning is the primary source of metal element pollution, followed by motor vehicle emissions and natural soil sources. It is crucial to note that our results indicate a total carcinogenic risk greater than 10-4 according to the US EPA health risk model assessment, highlighting the high risk posed to human health by indoor metal elements in rural areas. By using a seriously polluted area in Northeast China as a case study, this research provides initial insights into the characteristics and sources of indoor metal pollution in rural areas, offering a reference for future prevention and control of indoor pollution in these regions. Ultimately, this work can help improve the rural habitat and enhance the health of the rural population.

Research on Restoration of Heavy Metal Contaminated Farmland Based on Restoration Ecological Compensation Mechanism

In recent years, the development of industrialization has led to heavy metal pollution in many agricultural areas in China. The excessive heavy metals in farmland not only affect the normal growth of crops, but also do great harm to human health, which seriously restricts the development of ecology and food health in China. In order to improve the problem of heavy metal pollution in rural areas, the current situation of heavy metal pollution in rural areas is analyzed based on the innovative ecological compensation mechanism for remediation, and the external theory, public goods theory and other relevant theories are combined to obtain the ecological compensation strategy for heavy metal farmland soil remediation, and on this basis, the basic framework of ecological compensation for metal farmland remediation is constructed. Finally, effective environmental treatment suggestions are put forward according to the development requirements of ecological compensation in heavy metal farmland areas. The case study shows that different ecological restoration schemes have been adopted for a heavy metal farmland pollution area, and the environment has been improved according to the ecological compensation scheme. The total amount of ecological compensation for heavy metal farmland is CNY 32.35 million, of which the cost of seriously polluted farmland is the highest among the environmental values, with the cost of restoration per acre of CNY 65,000, indicating that the heavy metal areas are more expensive and have more obvious impact on the environment. The research content has important reference significance for the ecological environment treatment of heavy metal farmland pollution areas in China.

Exploring the Causes of Manganese Pollution in Groundwater and Prevention Measures in Rural Areas

Most rural areas are still drinking groundwater directly, and some of them have the condition that the content of manganese in groundwater exceeds the standard, which adversely affects the health and life of villagers. The article summarizes the causes of groundwater pollution in rural areas, and puts forward the prevention and control measures available for manganese pollution in groundwater in rural areas, in order to provide a reference for groundwater pollution management in rural areas of China and to ensure the safety of drinking water for residents.

Analysis of Three-Way Game of Straw Return System under the Green Transformation of Agriculture.

Open burning of straw is the most significant problem of environmental pollution in rural areas. Returning straw to the fields is beneficial to rural environmental management and rural development. Comprehensive utilization of straw in the field not only reduces environmental pollution, but also benefits food production and farmers' income. Because planting farmers, enterprises, and local governments have different interests, it is difficult for the straw return system to operate soundly. In this study, a three-party evolutionary game model of farmers, enterprises, and local governments was constructed to analyze the evolutionary stability of the strategic choices of the three subjects, explore the influence of each element on the strategic choices of the three parties, and use Matlab2022b simulation to further analyze the dynamic evolution of the game behavior of the system subjects under the given benefits and the given subjects, respectively. The study findings showed that the higher the preferences given by the local government, the higher the probability of farmers and enterprises participating in the straw return system. Only with the participation of local governments can the straw return system be operated robustly. Our study findings also revealed that the interests of farmers must be fully protected in order to mobilize the main body and stimulate market dynamics. The overall findings of this study provide useful insights for promoting government agencies to govern the local environment, increase local revenues, and build integrated waste utilization systems.

Sources, Compositions, and Health Risks of PM2.5-bound PAHs at the Rural Area along with the “Coal to Gas” Law

The “Coal to Gas” (CTG) policy in north China markedly altered the characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PM2.5. Existing researches about CTG impacts on components, sources, and health risks of PM2.5-bound PAHs mainly focused on metropolitan area, whereas they were lacking in rural area of north China. Here, we deployed an intensive observation in winter of 2020 at a rural site in the central area of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region. A positive matrix factorization (PMF) model and an incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) model were utilized to examine the PAH sources and health risks. Higher daily average PM2.5 of 81.5 µg m–3 in the sampling period than 75 µg m–3 of the National Air Quality Standard Grade II indicated the air pollution in rural area was still serious. The total PAHs increased obviously from diurnal 86.2 ng m–3 to nocturnal 151 ng m–3 because of the nocturnal high intensity of heating, with the increases of 20.7%, 85.5%, and 76.3% for low, medium, and high molecular weight PAHs, respectively. Vehicular exhaust (VE), coal burning (CB), industrial source (IS), biomass burning (BB), and oil spill and leakages (OSL) were the main PAH contributors, with the average daily contributions of 32.7%, 21.5%, 18.3%, 15.9%, and 11.6%, respectively. Lower CC contribution of 27.6% in winter of 2020 than 27.6% in winter of 2019 indicated the positive role of CTG policy. However, the nocturnal CC fraction increased by 680% compared with the diurnal value, and CC had become the largest contributor in the nighttime. BB contribution was up to 18.3%, evidencing that biomass utility should be managed in term of the biomass burning was prohibited in BTH rural area. Moreover, the nocturnal average BaPeq equivalent concentration exhibited higher levels than those in the daytime. The nocturnal ILCR values of adults and children was 9.35 × 10–6 and 2.66 × 10–6, exceeding the acceptable threshold, suggesting there was a potential carcinogenic risk.

Efficiency of Utilization of Wastes for Green Energy Production and Reduction of Pollution in Rural Areas

The aim of the study is to present the possibilities of simultaneous production of green energy and reduction of pollution in rural areas. Actions taken by small family businesses are in line with the goals of a low-carbon economy. The paper presents the results of research on the possibility of using ecological energy for production and, at the same time, utilizing harmful waste generated in farms in rural areas. Within a month, a medium-sized biogas plant can produce about 35–40 GJ of energy (depending on the input material). Biogas production may be of significant importance from the point of view of environmental protection, especially in the case of overproduction of animal waste and slaughterhouse materials. The production and use of energy generated from agricultural waste give a great opportunity for diversification and an increase in income of family farms. In addition to financial, energy, and environmental gains, we can obtain a very valuable fertilizer that is easily absorbed by plants in field cultivation. Energy efficiency is an important parameter in biogas production. The possibility of reducing pollution in rural areas and the possibility of using digestate as a fertilizer and an innovative addition to biocomposites.

Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification in a novel rotating self-aerated biofilm reactor for decentralized wastewater treatment

Decentralized wastewater pollution in rural areas has become a serious problem for the rural environment. In this study, a novel rotating self-aerated biofilm reactor was developed for decentralized wastewater treatment without any aeration equipment. After the long-term operation of 110 days, the removal efficiency reached to 96.06 % (COD), 98.06 % (NH4+-N), and 62.58 % (TN) in the last phase. Under high dissolved oxygen level, the simultaneous nitrification–denitrification (SND) maintained at a stable ratio of 62.53 % and the denitrification rates reached over 28.37 mg/L/h. With the organic loading rate increased, key nitrogen functional bacterial communities such as anoxic denitrifiers (Thiothrix, Flavobacterium, Pseudoxanthomonas, Aquimonas and Azoarcus) and aerobic denitrifiers (Hydrogenophaga, Zoogloea and Terrimonas) increased obviously. Overall, microbial analysis and nitrogen metabolism pathway indicated that an integration of SND process was achieved in this single reactor by the combined action of nitrification, denitrification and comammox without any aeration equipment.

Recycling, disposal, or biodegradable-alternative of polyethylene plastic film for agricultural mulching? A life cycle analysis of their environmental impacts

Plastic mulching is widely used in croplands to improve yields, while its mismanagement leads to plastic pollution in rural areas. China has explored different approaches to manage post-use plastic mulching, while there is still inadequate research regarding their corresponding environmental impacts. This study establishes five plastic mulching management scenarios, i.e., plastic mulching disposed of in nature, substituting biodegradable plastic, recycling, incineration, and landfilling, and maize cultivation in rural areas of northern China was taken as the studied case. We determine the comprehensive environmental impacts through a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach and completed a field investigation to obtain local datasets. The impurity content of used polyethylene mulching (PEM), an essential parameter for the entire life-cycle environmental impact assessment, is 80.1% ± 9.5%, examined by on-site sampling and scanning electron microscope. Results show that: 1) the use of biodegradable mulching (BM) instead of traditional PEM reduces carbon emissions by 22.6%; 2) the increment of soil carbon flux caused in the application stage is more significant than that in the post-use stage; 3) incineration of post-use mulch causes relatively significant photochemical oxidant formation effect; furthermore, recycling of plastic mulching leads to negative impacts in terms of human toxicity effect, meanwhile the positive environmental impact of fossil depletion effect is 2.3 times higher than that of incineration. Reducing the rate of impurity content in wasted plastic mulching can reduce transportation costs and promote sustainable plastic pollution management in rural areas.

Research on Rural Environmental Pollution Control Path Under Administrative Intervention Mechanism

Abstract With the continuous development of urbanisation, the economic level of rural areas has improved greatly. However, due to the development of industry and the leap in the economy, the rural environment has suffered unprecedented damage. Taking Zhejiang Province as an example, this paper explores the rural environmental pollution control path under the government intervention mechanism. Firstly, it analyses the functions of the government in rural environmental pollution control. Then, taking Huzhou as an example, this paper empirically evaluates the willingness to pay for the treatment of living environment pollution in rural areas of Huzhou based on the CVM (Contingent Valuation Method) and analyses the decentralised domestic sewage treatment mode, multi household domestic sewage treatment mode, and waste collaborative treatment mode from the perspective of treatment technology and policy system. Finally, it is proposed that to speed up the governance of the rural environment, and we must strengthen the administrative intervention of the government in rural environmental governance. The government should improve the environmental protection awareness of leaders at all levels and the masses and enrich farmers’ environmental governance knowledge and technical training. Based on the theory of environmental economics, agricultural economics, and decision-making behaviour, this paper analyses the influence mechanism of farmers’ decision-making behaviour and government intervention in rural non-point source pollution control.

Characteristics of indoor and outdoor Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollution in TSP in rural Northeast China: A case study of heating and non-heating periods.

Approximately 91% of the world's population lives in an air-polluted environment, and environmental pollution has become a widespread concern. Urban indoor and outdoor air pollution has been fully researched and effective control measures have been proposed. However, the issue of air pollution in rural areas has not been explored in depth. Compared to urban air pollution, the rural air pollution problem is more complex and urgent. Due to climatic factors and economic conditions in rural Northeast China, most households use solid fuels such as biomass straw and coal as domestic energy during the heating period, which will cause serious pollution problems of Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). To investigate the pollution characteristics of PAHs in indoor and outdoor TSP in rural Northeast China during the heating and non-heating periods, a medium-sized particulate matter collector 1108A was used to collect TSP for 7days, and GC-MS was used to detect PAHs. The results showed that indoor TSP and PAHs pollution levels were the highest during the heating period. PAHs source analysis by Diagnostic Ratio (DR) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated that the main sources were biomass and coal combustion, vehicle emissions, and domestic waste incineration. According to the results of carcinogenic risk model calculations, there is a potential carcinogenic risk to the population in the Northeast rural living area. This study reflects the pollution characteristics and sources of indoor and outdoor TSP and PAHs in rural Northeast China during heating and non-heating periods, and provides a reference for further prevention and control of air pollution in rural areas, which is conducive to improving the living environment and improving human health.

Performance exploration and microbial dynamics of urine diverting composting toilets in rural China

The ongoing "toilet revolution” in China provides new opportunities to improve the rural living environment and sanitation, and the introduction of new sanitation facilities such as urine diverting composting toilets (UDCTs) is conducive to the effective treatment and resource utilization of feces. This study revealed the degradation performance and microbial community dynamics of UDCTs and clarified the influence mechanism of fecal volume in aerobic composting treatment. The results showed that UDCTs could effectively decompose human feces, with an organic matter degradation rate of 25%⁓30%. The temperature, water content, NH4+-N and nutrient accumulation were higher in the high fecal volume treatment than in the low fecal volume treatment. Bacterial community composition and structure in UDCTs varied with composting stage and fecal volume. The diversity and richness of bacterial community in compost were changed with different fecal volumes, but the dominant groups were similar. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that nitrogen and organic carbon were the main drivers of bacterial community changes during composting. Highly nutritious and non-phytotoxic compost products were suitable for agronomic uses. Based on these results, UDCTs can be an effective way to solve the problem of fecal pollution in rural areas, and fecal dosage is a potential influencing factor in the operation and maintenance of composting systems.