Sustainable Sanitation Research Articles

Physicochemical and toxicological characteristics of leachates and water quality around dumpsites in Lagos Nigeria

Improper waste management leading to contamination of groundwater resources is a global environmental issue. This study examined the physicochemical and toxicological characteristics of leachates and their effect on water quality around the dumpsite in Alimosho Lagos, Nigeria. Samples of water and leachates were collected from boreholes around the dumpsite. Physiochemical and toxicological characterization of water around the dumpsite was based on American Public Health Association standards. Seventeen physiochemical and heavy metals of leachate and borehole water samples were analysed. The result of the study shows that the temperature, odour, appearance and turbidity of the water in the study area were within the limits set by WHO. However, the pH was below the WHO limits indicative of the acidity of the groundwater. The presence of Pb, Cr, and Cd confirmed leachate pollution. The contemporary effects confirmed the insignificant effect of the dumpsite operations at the groundwater source. Without a properly designed leachate series system, uncontrolled accumulation of leachates at the bottom of the dumpsite poses capacity infection dangers to groundwater resources. It is recommended that proper disposal of waste, in addition to implementing a higher sustainable environmental sanitation practice, is needed to ensure the safety of groundwater within the locality.

Integrated modeling of surface water and groundwater interactions in the Eastern Mitidja Plain, North Algeria: investigating the impact of human activities and climate change

ABSTRACT The study aims to investigate surface water (SW)–groundwater (GW) interactions in the Mitidja Plain (northern Algeria), taking into account the impacts of human activity and climate change emphasizing the alignment with Sustainable Development Goals, Clean Water and Sanitation, and Climate Action. The dynamic interactions between the El Hamiz River and the alluvial aquifer were studied using MODFLOW 6. A typical scenario analysis approach was employed, considering historical and projected climate conditions based on Coupled Model Intercomparison Project version 5 and Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 models, as well as current and projected GW abstraction rates. The findings reveal substantial changes in flow dynamics over time. In 1982, the aquifer refilled the river at a rate of 2.59 m3/s. In 2019, a new state was observed where the opposite occurred the river recharged the aquifer at a rate of 0.73 m3/s. This reduction in the flow rate can be attributed to over-pumping and declining recharge rates, and this pattern is anticipated to persist in the future. Furthermore, future forecasts indicate that GW overuse has a greater impact on GW dynamics compared to climate change. However, the adoption of saltwater desalination and enhanced irrigation methods could make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of GW resources, with an increase of up to approximately 14 m.

Kinetic study of paraquat adsorption on alginate beads loaded with montmorillonite using shrinking core model

Water contamination by pesticides threatens clean water availability, highlighting the need for advanced sustainable sanitation systems. Adsorption using biopolymers and minerals is prominent. Understanding process kinetics and influencing parameters is crucial for optimizing contaminant-adsorbent contact time for safe water disposal. The adsorption kinetics of Paraquat (PQ) at three initial concentrations (C0 = 19, 38, and 50 ppm) were studied using alginate-montmorillonite (Alg-Mt) beads with varying clay contents and a 30-min gelation time. The beads were characterized by elemental analysis, TG/DTG, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX. The Shrinking Core Model (SCM) was applied to the experimental data to determine if the diffusion of PQ within the beads depended on clay content. The effective diffusion coefficient (Dp) in the adsorbent increased from 7 × 10−12 to 1 × 10−10 m2 s−1 with increasing clay content, suggesting that diffusion into the interior depended on interaction with the mineral.This investigation also demonstrated that the synthesis of beads at different gelation times does not impact either the adsorption capacity or the adsorption rate of the herbicide on the materials. These results indicate that diffusion depends solely on the interaction of the cationic herbicide with the clay encapsulated within the bead hydrogel.

Building a sustainable sanitation culture in indigenous people of Malaysia: A systematic literature study

The sanitation challenges faced by indigenous Malaysian communities are driving an urgent paradigm shift in sanitation approaches. This article highlights the journey toward the formation of a sustainable sanitation culture among indigenous Malaysians. Against the background of poor sanitation conditions in these communities, the main problems raised were a lack of access to adequate sanitation facilities and low awareness of hygiene practices. The aim of this study is to identify and analyze normative and empirical approaches that can be used to improve sanitation conditions. The research method uses a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and qualitative analysis to understand the traditional sanitation paradigm of indigenous societies. The process follows the PRISMA circuit, involving the identification, selection, and in-depth analysis of articles from a number of databases, such as Scopus and Google Scholar, focusing on the cultural values and sanitation practices that shape their sanitation paradigm. The results show that strong partnerships between governments, NGOs, and civil society are key to achieving significant changes in the sanitation culture. The recommendations of this article include the need for investment in better sanitation infrastructure, development of inclusive education and public awareness programs, and strengthening of public participation in the planning and implementation of sanitation programs. Thus, this article provides in-depth insights into concrete efforts to create a positive transformation in sanitation culture among Malaysian natives.

Stakeholder perceptions, challenges, and sustainable solutions for achieving safely managed sanitation in Kazakhstan: a case study from a cold region

ABSTRACT In this paper, we present survey results from 30 sanitation stakeholders across the public and private sectors, professional associations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and households in the two coldest cities of Kazakhstan. The objectives were to identify the perceived sanitation challenges, document innovative, and traditional solutions employed by the stakeholders to manage sanitation challenges during the cold season, and to propose initiatives and policy interventions to alleviate pressing sanitation issues. Commonly encountered problems included improper installation of septic tanks (e.g. above the frost line) by non-professionals and the difficulty of households to access latrines during heavy snowfall events. Ninety-three percent of respondents expressed that foul odours and sewage overflows were their primary concerns, with only 7% reporting health impacts as a primary concern. There were significant differences in the viewpoints of the respondents regarding the extent of sanitation infrastructure maintenance or upgrades needed in the two cities, suggesting regional differences across the country rather than a uniform national situation. In the context of Kazakhstan, local NGOs were identified as playing a key role in engaging with households to co-devise affordable and sustainable sanitation solutions that are suitable for cold regions, which can then be communicated to other sanitation stakeholders, including the public sector.

A novel strategy for enhancing high solid anaerobic digestion of fecal slag and food waste using percolate recirculation and dosage of nano zero-valent iron

To speed up reaching UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 for safe sanitation by 2030, integrating high-solid anaerobic digestion (HSAD) into decentralized systems could recycle fecal slag (FS) and food waste (FW), aiding a circular economy and toilet revolution. In this study, a percolate recirculation system and conductive material were used to improve mass transfer, stability, and enhance methane production in HSAD of FS and FW. This setup consists of a percolate tank and a digester tank, where nano-zero valent iron (nZVI) was dosed in the percolate tank (PnZVI in P) and the digester tank (PnZVI in D) and compared with a control with no additive (PControl). The highest cumulative methane yield of 519.43 mL/gVS was achieved in PnZVI in D, which was 4.52 and 3.59 times higher than that of PControl (144.59 mL/gVS) and PnZVI in P (114.96 mL/gVS). This finding demonstrates that the dosing strategy of PnZVI in D facilitated effective interaction among organic matter, microbial communities, and nZVI, resulting in organics removal efficiencies of 67.42 % (total solid) and 77.22 % (volatile solid). Moreover, microbial community analysis supported the efficacy of the PnZVI in D strategy, revealing the enrichment of Clostridium sensu stricto 1 (46.91 %), which potentially engaged in interspecies electron transport (Interspecies hydrogen transfer (IHT) and direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET)) with Methanobacterium (81.19 %) and Methanosarcina (17.11 %). These interactions contribute to enhanced methane yield and stability maintenance in the HSAD system with percolate recirculation. The findings of this study demonstrate that the implementation of HSAD of FS and FW, coupled with percolate recirculation and the addition of nZVI, holds promise for enabling sustainable sanitation practices in developing regions. Moreover, this approach not only facilitates resource recovery but also eliminates the requirement for water.

Swachh Bharat Mission and Municipal Reforms in India

As India advances toward its aspirations of a cleaner nation, integrating the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) with effective municipal reforms will be critical in ensuring sustainable sanitation practices that benefit all citizens, ultimately leading to improved public health and enhanced quality of life. The SBM is closely intertwined with municipal reforms, which are essential for the efficient implementation of sanitation programs at the local level. This editorial explores the SBM’s objectives, its impact on municipal reforms, the challenges faced, and the way forward.

Unveiling the Hidden Power of Water Services Development Plans

South African Water Services Authorities (WSAs) have been grappling with the challenge of providing sustainable water and sanitation services which is a product of the sector’s inadequate planning and practices systems. Consequently, many communities which are the end-users endure inadequate access to sustainable water and sanitation services. Thus, establishing effective planning mechanisms becomes crucial to ensure the provision of adequate and sustainable water and sanitation services, and this is the central problem of analysis and prescription for this paper. Notably, the paper recommends an already existing systems approach to local governance that takes advantage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to drive the modernisation of water and sanitation planning processes which are the Municipal Strategic Self-Assessment (MuSSA) and the Water Services Development Plan (WSDP). Through an emic perspective, systematic search of literature, and document analysis, this paper examines the 2022 MuSSA reports of Western Cape and Gauteng, to identify the challenges faced by the provinces. The findings reveal deficiencies in the Western Cape's investment in asset renewal, infrastructure management, reduction of non-revenue water, and adherence to national standards. Similarly, Gauteng requires comprehensive reforms to address financial instability, asset management, and regulatory compliance. The paper also examines the progress of WSDP development in the 2022-2027 cycle, specifically focusing on the 2022-2023 financial cycle to assess WSAs' compliance. Results indicate that, of 25 WSAs in the Western Cape, only 10 have initiated WSDP development, while 15 lag behind. In Gauteng, only 2 of 9 WSAs have begun the process. Notably, both provinces are behind schedule, having been expected to initiate WSDP development in 2022. The findings of this paper, give an invaluable snippet of the water services planning mechanisms at the local government to ensure proper monitoring and adequate intervention at a local level whilst ensuring the streamlining of resource allocation and recommends that the national government reflects on its shortcomings of ensuring legislative compliance by local government.

A case study of economic development through sanitation interventions in African countries

AbstractThe novelty of the study is based on the empirical examination of the impact of water and sanitation improvements on economic development outcomes in selected African countries. While previous research has primarily focused on the macroeconomic effects of water resources or broad development indicators, this study takes a more granular and comprehensive approach to unpack the nuanced relationship between various water and sanitation variables and a range of economic development outcomes. This study's aim is threefold: first to examine the influence of different dimensions of water and sanitation improvements (e.g., access, quality, reliability) on economic development; second; focus on the potential mediating factors that water and sanitation interventions affect economic development; finally, propose policy implications for designing sustainable water and sanitation programs to promote inclusive and resilient economic growth in less developed countries. By addressing these questions, the findings of this research paper contribute significantly to the academic understanding of the water‐sanitation‐economic development nexus, particularly in the understudied African context. The study provides valuable, context‐specific insights that can inform policymakers, practitioners, and researchers seeking evidence‐based strategies to foster sustainable development through targeted water and sanitation interventions. This research highlights the positive association between water and sanitation improvements and a range of economic development outcomes, including GDP, employment, foreign investment, and tourism. The results underscore the substantial potential economic benefits of investing in sanitary infrastructure and reliable sanitation systems, making a stronger case for prioritizing water and sanitation as key drivers of sustainable development in less developed countries. Overall, this research paper fills an important gap in the literature and offers crucial insights to promote inclusive and resilient economic growth through water and sanitation interventions in Africa and beyond.

An eco-friendly approach harnessing Trichoderma lixii ORT2 for reducing chemical phosphatic fertilizer dependency and groundwater phosphorus management through integrated in silico, in vitro and omic studies

Groundwater pollution has become an escalating global issue, with excessive application of phosphorus (P) fertilizers emerging as a major contaminant. The overuse of chemical phosphatic fertilizers has intensified the problem of P infiltration into water table, compromising soil health and exacerbating groundwater pollution. This underscores the urgent need to explore sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers to safeguard groundwater and soil health. The enzyme alkaline phosphatase (ALP) plays important role in efficient P-solubilization achieved by Trichoderma sp. a soil fungus known for its gradual transportation of P from fixed sources to plants. This mechanism not only minimizes P leaching into groundwater but also reduces dependency on fertilizers. To investigate the active role of fungal ALP in P-solubilization, amino acid/gene sequences of enzyme from 20 Trichoderma strains were retrieved from NCBI. Molecular docking revealed strong catalytic interaction (−6.93 kcal/mol) between complex-bound P and the ALP, involving two hydrogen bonds and key residues Gln286 and Arg340. To confirm ALP-mediated P-solubilization, 12 newly isolated Trichoderma spp., were assessed in vitro using media amended with tri-calcium phosphate (TCP), zinc phosphate (Zn3(PO4)2), or ferric phosphate (FePO4) as sole phosphorus source. Trichoderma lixii ORT2 demonstrated highest P-solubilization, yielding 547.40 μg/mL phosphate from TCP, 538.6 μg/mL from Zn3(PO4)2, and 423.45 μg/mL from FePO4, in 72 h. Solubilization was accompanied by simultaneous expression of ALP and siderophore in the same aliquot. TCP induced maximum expression of ALP (9.47 U/mL), followed by Zn3(PO4)2 and FePO4 showing 8.65 and 5.64 U/mL, respectively, in culture filtrates at 72h, that was further confirmed through proteomic analysis. FESEM micrographs confirmed P binding and biosorption into fungal mycelia as P-globules. Furthermore, Cicer arietinum inoculated with Trichoderma lixii ORT2 bio-formulations showed significant enhancement in growth parameters in TCP amended soil as compared to di-ammonium phosphate (DAP). The integrated approach of microbial P-solubilization and further utilization by plants for their growth as major nutrients merges microbial and phyto-remediation to address sustainability issues related to the management of soil health and phosphorus contamination. This strategy aims to substitute chemical phosphatic fertilizers, which are significant contributors to rising dissolved total phosphorus (DTP) in groundwater. This approach directly supports SDG 6 by reducing P leaching and improving groundwater quality, ensuring sustainable water and sanitation management for all.

Comprehensive strategies for effective fecal sludge management in Humanitarian Settings: A case study of Cox’s Bazar Rohingya Response

The influx of Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) into Bangladesh has necessitated the development of robust Fecal Sludge Management (FSM) strategies in Cox’s Bazar to ensure safe and sustainable sanitation solutions. Effective fecal sludge management (FSM) is crucial in humanitarian settings for public health, environmental protection, and dignity. This study investigates comprehensive FSM strategies in Cox’s Bazar Rohingya refugee camps, one of the largest and most complex humanitarian crises. Using a mixed-methods approach, it combines quantitative data from surveys and field observations with qualitative insights from interviews and document analysis to examine the FSM value chain, including sludge production, containment, collection/emptying, transport, treatment, and disposal/reuse. Findings show high sludge production rates require frequent desludging, with challenges in containment due to structural weaknesses and privacy concerns. Collection and emptying face logistical and health issues, while transport is hindered by difficult terrain and limited vehicle availability. Treatment facilities are often inadequate, leading to operational challenges and environmental risks. Despite these issues, disposal and reuse practices in agriculture show promise but need safety and community acceptance improvements. The study recommends increasing desludging capacity, enhancing containment designs, improving transport infrastructure, expanding treatment facilities, and promoting safe disposal and reuse practices. Emphasizing community engagement, technological innovations, and coordinated efforts among stakeholders is crucial for sustainable FSM systems. Future research should focus on innovative technologies, long-term sustainability, and scalability of FSM strategies across contexts. This research provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for improving sanitation in similar emergency contexts worldwide.

Framework Model for Financing Sustainable Water and Sanitation Infrastructure in Zimbabwe

Financing frameworks for Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) are lacking in developing countries. This study aims to develop a financing framework for adoption for water and sanitation PPP infrastructure projects in Zimbabwe. Using data covering a 25-year period from 1996 to 2021, Tobit econometric models are applied to the secondary data collected from both international and domestic sources. The results of this study confirm that capital market variables, bank market development, and economic affluence drive the financing of water and sanitation Public–Private Partnership infrastructure projects in Zimbabwe. It was also established that both public and private sources of finance are instrumental in financing water and sanitation PPP projects. The results inform our eventual framework model, which integrates the Public–Private Partnership (PPP) models, sources of finance for water and sanitation PPPs, and the drivers of water and sanitation PPP finance. This study recommends the application of the developed framework in the water and sanitation Public–Private Partnership infrastructure financing policy of developing countries so as to capitalise on the strengths, resources, and networks of the respective stakeholders in the PPPs.

Holistic citywide sanitation for an urban area in the Global South: A case study of the Noakhali Pourashava of Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Urban areas currently grapple with the consequences of poor sanitation systems and a burgeoning population. The issue remains acute for developing nations where financing and governance structures for urban sanitation remain inadequate. Using cutting-edge techniques such as shit flow diagrams (SFDs), city service delivery assessments (CSDAs), and SWOT analysis, this study provides an in-depth exploration of the sanitation scenario in the Noakhali Pourashava of Bangladesh. The study reveals a critical lack of sanitation infrastructure and inadequate fecal sludge management, with implications for public health and environmental sustainability. Findings indicate that only 3% of excreta enters the sewer system, while 88% is improperly disposed of through SFDs and CSDAs, highlighting areas for improvement. Recommendations include increased investment in sanitation infrastructure, public awareness campaigns, adoption of innovative technologies, improved stakeholder coordination, and addressing cultural and behavioral barriers. These insights aim to inform policy and decision-making processes to achieve sustainable and inclusive urban sanitation, ultimately improving public health and environmental outcomes in Noakhali and similar coastal urban areas.

Low-cost solar septic tanks as sustainable sanitation solution: A case study implemented in Cambodia

ABSTRACT The integration of a solar septic tank (SST) system with an economically viable solar water-heating apparatus comprising polyethylene (PE) and copper (Cu) pipes, as well as a lightweight structural framework, has been conceptualized and implemented. Two variants of low-cost SSTs were subjected to empirical scrutiny within authentic settings, encompassing public toilets and residential establishments in Cambodia. Both the PE pipe and Cu pipe solar water-heating devices demonstrated efficacy in consistently maintaining temperatures within the system above ambient levels. Although the parameters do not conform to Cambodia's effluent requirements, the results of this study suggest that the SST is effective in reducing organic loads and provides a significant improvement over conventional septic tank effluent. This underscores the potential applicability of the developed system for the treatment of toilet wastewater, thereby mitigating pollution concerns and public health risks. Harnessing solar energy to elevate septic tank temperature, this system's cost varies but includes materials, tools, and miscellaneous components, with a total estimated cost ranging from $600 to $2500, depending on size and complexity.

Factors Influencing Management of Human Excrement through Biogas Technology in Mukuru Kwa Njenga Slums, Nairobi City County Kenya

One of the factors influencing the achievement of sustainable sanitation is the proper disposal of human excrement. The problem is most prevalent in informal settlements, where sewerage systems are rare. One of the approaches considered sustainable is the conversion of human excrement into renewable energy via biogas technology. The purpose of the study, which was guided by Roger's theory of innovation diffusion, was to investigate the key factors that influence human excrement management through biogas technology. Mukuru Kwa Njenga slums were chosen as a study area. A sample of 100 people was selected using systematic random sampling. Data were analysed using a social science statistics package. Multiple linear regression was used to determine demographic factors that influence technology adoption. The Chi-square test was used to examine the relationship between various variables. Tables and charts were used to present the data. The study revealed that gender (p=.001) and education level (p=.000) significantly influence the use of biogas technology in the management of human excrement. Technology failure ((χ2= 10.301, p=.036) and lack of technical skills ((χ2= 7.518, p=.128) have no significant effect on the technology adoption rate. Cultural beliefs (χ2= 23.665, P=.000) have a significant effect on the use of biogas produced from human excrement. The ability of technology to prevent overflowing of faecal matter during heavy rainfall (χ2= 23.937, P=.000) and the prevention of odour from sanitation facilities (χ2=17.983, p= .001) has encouraged many residents to use the technology. The study concludes that technical and socio-economic factors, as well as its relative advantage over other excrement disposal methods, influence its adoption rate

Water Governance: Challenges and Prospects for the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal Six in Nigeria

The primary objective of this study is to review all Nigerian National Water and Sanitation Policies implemented since 1993. The aim is to assess their performance, efficiency, and alignment with the targets set forth in UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). This review provides a contextual understanding of the challenges and opportunities for implementing SDG 6 in Nigeria. We conducted a critical appraisal and qualitative analysis of the 2016 Nigerian National Water Resources Policy, the most recently published policy, in relation to the targets of SDG 6. Our findings indicate that seven out of the eight SDG 6 targets are addressed in the policy. These include safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, pollution reduction, water-use efficiency, trans-boundary cooperation, and protection of water-related ecosystems. However, the policy falls short in involving local communities in water and sanitation management, which is the eighth requirement of SDG 6. Specifically, only 28 states have a dedicated Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), and few local government areas have Water Supply and Sanitation Hygiene Departments (WASH) as required by SDG 6. Our assessment of the policy's implementation and practices is based on secondary data sources, notably from the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the National Bureau of Statistics. We argue that by developing effective implementation strategies that involve local communities, the 2016 National Water Resources Policy can significantly contribute to achieving sustainable water and sanitation management for all Nigerians by 2030.

Analysis of Individual Aspects in Riverbank Slums on Sustainable Sanitation Development, Case Study: Bima City, NTB, Indonesia

Currently, 24.5% of the population of Bima City lack access to sanitation. The issue is predominantly concentrated in densely populated urban slums along the riverbanks, influenced by the cultural and societal context of Indonesian society. From 2021 to 2022, a comprehensive mixed-method study was conducted in three urban slums, applying the Integrated Framework for Sanitation Services (IFSS) to explore individual aspects within a socio-cultural context. Combining quantitative and qualitative methods, the research involved a household questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews (IDI). The study revealed that individual aspects are shaped by perceptions of the convenience of open defecation and latrine use as well as experiences with shared latrines, driving the adoption of private latrines. Challenges such as financial constraints and limited construction capabilities in urban slum communities often hinder latrine construction, though cultural and traditional values (adat) in the Bima community in urban slums help to alleviate these obstacles. A recommendation is made to enhance the monitoring of sanitation adoption progress, focusing on the sanitation system’s functioning and adherence to the sanitation hierarchy. Despite awareness of the importance of safe disposal, its impact on sanitation behavior in Bima City’s urban slums has been constrained, underscoring the imperative for effective behavior change communication strategies.

Effects of biogenic sulfuric acid on simulated concrete septic tanks

Concrete is the major construction material for infrastructure development. Concrete sewer septic tanks are Constructed using the conventional ordinary portland cement (OPC) and the Portland pozzolana cement (PPC). However, OPC based concrete sewer systems are susceptible to biological, mechanical, and chemical degradation. Degradation of the concrete septic leads to their failure hence imposing tremendous environmental problems. The aftermath is the emergence of sanitation-related diseases. The wastewater from failing septic systems leads to contamination of the groundwater or the surface water resulting in the pollution of drinking water. Therefore, the need to explore other possibilities and potential construction materials to achieve sustainable sanitation is inevitable. The use of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) in the construction of degradation-resistant concrete sewer septic systems has not been well explored in Kenya. LC3 concrete is resistant to the deterioration effects of aggressive media such as acids, chlorides, and sulfates. This paper presents experimental performance and findings of LC3 in aggressive media vis a vis OPC. The LC3 was formulated by mixing clinker, Calcined clay, limestone, and gypsum at percentages of 50 %, 30 %, 15 %, and 5 % respectively. Compressive strength, Sorptivity, and weight loss during the wet and dry cycles for both LC3 and OPC were evaluated. Simulated concrete septic tanks made of LC3 and OPC were made by casting cubes at water cement ratio of 0.5 and cured in fresh water at ambient temperature for 28 days. These cubes were passed through a regime of W-D cycles in the 3% concentration of Biogenic sulfuric acid. It was observed that after 28 days of curing OPC cubes had slightly higher compressive strength than LC3. However LC3 concrete cubes are expected to have higher compressive strength than the OPC. Cubes curing time increases due to increased pozzolanic activity. Biogenic sulphuric acid attacks on hydrated cement products cause a decrease in compressive strength. The water absorption profile of LC3 cubes was lower as compared to OPC cubes. In conclusion, LC3 cubes had a high potential of resisting degradation as compared to OPC cubes. LC3 show more impressive performance, hence LC3 It’s a potential binder for use in the construction of sewer system.
 Keywords: Septic tank, Sorptivity, compressive strength, wet-dry cycles, biological, mechanical, and chemical degradation, sustainable sanitation, LC3.

Envisioning sustainable sanitation planning: a unified approach of diffusion of innovation and theory of planned behavior in predicting ecosan toilet adoption in Arba Minch City, Ethiopia

This study explores the adoption of ecological sanitation (ecosan) toilets in Arba Minch City, Ethiopia, using an integrated approach combining the diffusion of innovation (DOI) model and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The research aims to understand the complex associations between DOI variables (relative advantage, complexity, compatibility, trialability, and observability) and TPB constructs (attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control) in predicting residents’ behavioral attitudes and intentions. Applying Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and bootstrapping techniques, the study investigates direct and indirect effects, offering a comprehensive analysis of the adoption process. The objectives include examining the influence of TPB and DOI constructs on residents’ intentions, unraveling direct and indirect effects on these intentions, and investigating variations among users of different toilet types in the city. The result of the study shows that attitude and perceived behavioral control are central to shaping intentions, aligning with TPB principles. Contextual factors like compatibility, relative advantage, and trayability reveal nuanced insights, deviating from conventional patterns. The study identifies attitude as a key moderator between DOI constructs and behavioral intention, enriching our understanding of the adoption process. In conclusion, the integrated DOI and TPB model provides nuanced perspectives on factors influencing behavioral attitudes and intentions toward ecosan toilet adoption. The crucial roles of perceived behavioral control and attitude underscore the importance of tailored interventions. The study’s insights are relevant for policymakers, practitioners, and development organizations working on sustainable sanitation practices in urban areas, contributing to broader sustainable development objectives.

Analisis Potensi dan Kemajuan dalam Pengelolaan Air Bersih dan Sanitasi Berkelanjutan (SDGs 6) di Indonesia

The aim of this research is to provide an analysis of how efforts have been made to achieve Sustainable Development Goal number six (SDGs 6), namely Clean Water and Sanitation. The main focus of this research is to assess the implementation of policies and projects related to water and sanitation and understand the impact they will have on society and the environment. This study collects data from government reports and other relevant research. Universal access to clean drinking water, adequate sanitation, efficient water use, and protection of water ecosystems are the main indicators of SDGs 6. The research results show great progress in achieving SDGs 6 in several aspects. Access to clean water has increased and many sanitation projects have been implemented successfully. Challenges remain, especially in achieving sanitation goals in rural areas and in managing water quality. Integrated water resource management and protection of water ecosystems are highlighted in this analysis. The research also underscores the need for international cooperation and community participation in addressing clean water and sanitation challenges. Data limitations and unequal access continue to be important issues that need to be addressed. Therefore, this study recommends increased detailed data collection and capacity building of local communities. By detailing the challenges and potential solutions, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of achieving SDGs 6. The implications of these findings can help civil society in designing more effective policies and projects to achieve clean water and sustainable sanitation.