Faecal Sludge Treatment Research Articles

The Status Quo of Fecal Sludge Treatment Plant at Khulna and Its Future Prospec-tive About Biomass Energy (Briquette)

As many developing countries are moving towards increased sanitation coverage, Bangladesh has been striding successfully towards full sanitation coverage with the proper management of fecal sludge city-wide. Following the situation, Khulna City Corporation built a Fecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) with six units of CW (constructed wetlands) and six units of drying beds in 2017. The main objective of this study is to discuss the current situation of Khulna FSTP based on treatment efficiency and its future perspective on biomass energy (briquette). In Khulna FSTP, the collected fecal sludge from septic tanks and pits is treated, and finally, its effluent is discharged into the environment, satisfying the disposal standards. The removal efficiency of final effluent for Biochemical Oxygen Demands (BOD5) and Total Solids was found to vary between 97.8% - 97% and 98% - 93% in the previous year to the present, respectively. Total Suspended Solis and Fecal Coliform never exceeded the allowable limit 100gm/L and 1000 N/100ml in final effluent. Furthermore, dried sludge is used as handmade processing biomass energy (briquette) without further treatment, which has some procedural problems such as loose compaction and pathogenic contamination.

Feasibility study of faecal sludge treatment by Geotube and jute tube-based technologies.

The decentralized standalone treatment of faecal sludge is a generally cumbersome, energy-intensive, and expensive process. Particle size enlargement, dewatering, and disinfection are the crucial unit operations that contribute to the major portion of the operational expenditure. Therefore, the present study took up the task to investigate and yield a natural alternative to each of the above-delineated unit operations. Crushed seed powders of Moringa, Guilandina bonduc, Nirmali, tamarind, soap nut, nutmeg, jackfruit, and custard apple were experimented as natural coagulants, while a double-stitched cow dung-lined jute tube was utilized as the media for solid-liquid separation. Finally, the powder of Neem and custard apple seed and leaf were considered herbal disinfectants for the separated liquid and solid fractions, respectively. The findings of the physicochemical and biological analyses of the above unit operations were compared with a conventional polymer-based Geotube-driven treatment scheme. The natural alternatives registered some promising outcomes. However, the combined treatment efficiency of 79.32% (mean value of TS, TSS, TDS, COD, and BOD percentage removal) for pollutant removal and disinfection could not exceed the value of 97.98% offered by the conventional method. Further, the financial comparison for processing a 10 KL batch of FS indicates that the conventional scheme is considerably cheaper (USD 7.95) than the herbal alternate (USD 22.1). Therefore, though the present findings depict promising alternatives for sustainable and eco-friendly faecal sludge treatment, the authors advocate conducting further research to address the existing challenges to facilitate their seamless implementation on a field-scale level.

Operational Risk Management and Project Success in Rwanda, A Case Study of Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project (LVWATSAN) in Nyagatare District, Rwanda

Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project (LVWATSAN) operations in Nyagatare District were particularly aimed at constructing a faecal sludge treatment plant with the ability to treat dirt water not only in Nyagatare District but also other two secondary cities namely, Nyanza, Kayonza (MINIFRA, 2015). The general objective of this study was to assess the impact of operational risk management on project success of LVWATSAN in the Nyagatare District; Specifically, the objectives of the study were to examine the impact of operational risk identification on the success of LVWATSAN project; To assess the impact of operational risk monitoring on the success of LVWATSAN project; To determine the impact of operational risk mitigation on the success of LVWATSAN project. The target population of the study was 42 respondents sourced from all the staff members undertaking project activities including project manager, engineers and operators; a census method was used where all 42-target population were considered as a sample size. The study used primary and secondary data collection methods. Primary data was collected using a survey questionnaire while secondary data was sourced from published and unpublished sources from library and peer- reviewed articles from journals of project management databases. Data was processed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics in frequencies, percentages, standard deviations and means. Correlation and regression analysis were used to evaluate the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. After analysing the data, findings concluded that the project lacked effective risk planning procedures due to the weaknesses in the approval and reviews of the risk management framework, had an outlined risk mitigation plan, however, the project team appeared unaware of the mitigation measures to adopt should risks present themselves. The study concluded that there is a significant relationship between operational risk management - identification, monitoring as well as mitigation and project success in terms of timely completion, cost performance and stakeholder’ satisfaction. The study recommended that; the senior leadership in Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation project should adopt operational risk management as a methodology and knowledge field when they start implementing new project. Keywords: Operational risk management, project success, LVWATSAN, Rwanda

Fecal sludge characterization, treatment, and resource recovery options: a state-of-the-art review on fecal sludge management.

A rise in population and urbanization demanded that a robust fecal sludge management (FSM) value chain be used to restructure the sanitation system throughout the world securely. A significant global need exists to adopt efficient and sustainable FSM. On-site sanitation systems (OSS) produce fecal sludge (FS). FS is produced when excreta and blackwater are combined and stored or treated, either alone or in combination with greywater. FS can be semisolid or slurry and raw or partially digested. Critical examination of FS characteristics, i.e., biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total solids (TS), and pathogen count, varies from 600-56,836mg/l, 6656 to 201,200mg/l, 830-123,000mg/l, and 105 to 109 E. coli/l of FS respectively. Helminth eggs range from 2500-25,000/l of FS. Public health and the environment are negatively impacted by septic tank overflows and the careless discharge of FS into open spaces affecting groundwater quality, water bodies, irrigation fields, open drains, places outside villages, etc. Thus, deciding on a proper treatment technology for FS before discharging it into open land or reusing FS is essential to create a pollution-free environment. This paper highlights the practices adopted for FSM under its different processes, such as collecting, characterization, treating, and reusing of on-site FS and bibliometric analysis on documents on fecal sludge. A thorough analysis has been carried out by reviewing all important literature available globally.

Fecal sludge management practices and associated factors among residents living in Baidoa, Somalia

Background: Excreta is a normal part of life, but if it is not appropriately controlled, it can lead to waterborne diseases, most low- and middle-income countries lack adequate fecal sludge treatment and management (FSM) service coverage. The study's main goal was to assess fecal sludge management practices and associated factors among communities in Baidoa, Somalia. Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional study design. The collected data was analyzed using statistical software for social sciences (SPSS) version 21. Descriptive statistics and chi-square were used. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed. Results: The study identified that 66% of the Baidoa fecal sludge produced is not well managed. Regarding community perceptions, 75.80% of the assessed communities don’t understand poor sanitation while 30.1% don’t know the relationship between poor sanitation and health risk. Results showed a statistically significant association between education level and access to latrines, [χ2 (4, n=385=50.672, p<0.001)] study participants' community resident status and access to FSM services ( (23, n=385=148.82, p<0.001)); HH monthly income is significant in access to FSM services [χ2 (64, n=385=113.180, p<0.001)]. Conclusions: There are gaps in FSM management and residents are at risk of health hazards/disease outbreaks. The key recommendation is the development of strategic sanitation service delivery planning in view of FSM service chain and formulation of regulations to govern FSM service provision by different actors to safeguard the health safety of living, learning, and working environments.

Sustainability assessment of faecal sludge treatment technologies for resource recovery in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Selection of appropriate sustainable treatment technologies involves satisfying user requirements, quality standards on treatment and products, and specific socio-technical constraints in the intended context. Using locally adapted multi-criteria assessment (MCA), this study investigated faecal sludge treatment technologies that enable resource recovery in Phnom Penh. A four-step structured approach was applied, involving i) identification of available options, ii) prerequisite screening, iii) MCA and iv) stakeholder discussions and ranking. Data were collected in a literature review, stakeholder interviews and an online survey. Lists of suitable primary (n = 7) and secondary (n = 13) treatment technologies were compiled based on the literature. Four secondary treatment technologies (solar drying, co-composting, vermicomposting, black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) composting) were retained after prerequisite screening and subjected to MCA. Co-composting was ranked highest in MCA, since it performed well in multiple aspects, especially for health criteria. However, when economic return on investment was prioritised and a lower treatment class was accepted, e.g. USEPA Class B biosolids, the highest ranking was achieved by vermicomposting or BSFL composting. If institutional criteria were included in the assessment, solar drying would likely be the highest-ranked option, since this simple technology requires less logistically complex stakeholder arrangements than co-composting. These results show that the ranking obtained for different sludge treatment options depends on criteria weighting and trade-offs. Considering secondary treatment options is crucial during early planning for faecal sludge management in a city of low-and-middle income countries, as the primary treatment must yield appropriate feedstock quality for the secondary treatment step.

Microbial hazards in real-world alternating dual-pit latrines treated with storage and lime in rural Cambodia

Abstract Achieving safely managed sanitation (SMS) in rural areas has spurred innovation in toilet designs that provide on-site treatment of fecal sludge (FS), including the development of International Development Enterprise (iDE)’s alternating dual-pit latrine upgrade (ADP). ADPs treat FS by inactivating pathogens using storage treatment with lime; however, ADPs’ reduction in pathogenicity (and thus their associated public health benefit) has not yet been described in real-world pits at scale. We thus enumerate the fecal indicator bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) and fecal coliforms in 147 pits after two years of storage treatment with lime and compare detected concentrations to relevant standards. E. coli and fecal coliform concentrations indicated a risk to human health in 31% and 42% of sampled pits, respectively. Regression models described relationships between fecal indicator bacteria concentrations and measured factors (e.g., sludge pH, temperature) but did not reveal any meaningful associations. High rates of pit ineligibility also indicate that many ADPs are not operated as recommended. Results indicate a one-in-three chance that a household emptying their own pit would be exposed to health hazards and call into question the effectiveness of the standard two-year storage treatment in real-world applications. To improve rural SMS, various evidence-based recommendations are made.

Development, Characterisation, and Performance Evaluation of Some Indigenous Plants for Faecal Sludge Treatment in Ghana

The search for alternative solutions for sustainable management of faecal sludge in the area of dewatering with biocoagulants/bioflocculants remains unfulfilled. Some available and accessible indigenous plants in the northern part of Ghana have been characterised and subsequently evaluated in their suitability for use as biocoagulant/bioflocculants. The Yila (Crossopteryx febrifuga) and the Voulo (Grewia mollis) plants were the indigenous plants used in this study. Three applications from the Yila wooden stem, the Yila bark, and the Voulo at different treatment concentrations with faecal sludge were monitored. The Yila wooden stem gave a potential of pollutant removal up to about 83.99%, 93.79%, and 91.54% for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and turbidity, respectively. Application of the Yila bark gave a respective removal efficiency of up to about 77.39%, 82.02%, and 54.60% for COD, TSS, and turbidity. The efficiency of the Voulo plant obtained for COD, TSS, and turbidity was up to about 80.43%, 86.83%, and 72.55%, respectively. No cyanogenic or toxic compounds were identified in the characterised raw materials used for this study. The study has revealed the potential of producing biocoagulants that can perform as effectively as synthetic/chemical coagulants using locally natural raw materials but the use of it at large scale will only be applicable for batch or semi-batch systems. Some interesting constituents identified in the plants under consideration, such as trialkyl bismuthine and furan derivative, can open up opportunities to elucidate the potential applications of these identified plants in the areas of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, glass and ceramics, rubber production, and other applicable medicinal advantageous areas.

Isolasi dan Identifikasi Awal Bakteri Patogen pada Kolam Maturasi IPLT Supit Urang Kota Malang

The sanitation problem in Malang City is a serious problem. The Supit Urang Fecal Sludge Treatment Plant (IPLT) is intended to improve the processing of fecal waste so that is suitable for disposal into the environment. This study aims to isolate and identifyx the initial types of pathogenic bacteria contained in fecal waste effluent found in maturation ponds. The method used is descriptive exploratory xto provide an overview of the presence of pathogenic bacteria in maturation ponds. The data obtained was then analyzed descriptively in form of data tabulations in tables and diagrams. The result showed that there were four genera of pathogenic bacteria identified in maturation ponds. The four genera are xmembers of the Enterobacteriaceae family, including Escherichia, Salmonella, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter. Microscopically, bacteria were found to be gram-negative with bacilli, cocci, and spiral cell shapes. The presence of pathogenic bacteria in the maturation ponds is thought to be due to thex depth of the pond and the detention time exceeds the standard. Treatment of fecal waste in maturation ponds is not optimal because it still contains harmful pathogenic bacteria, so it needs more intensive processing to make it suitable for disposal into the river.Keywords: fecal sludge, IPLT, maturation pond, pathogenic bacteria

Phytoremediation of a Combination of Water Clover (Marsilea crenata) and Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) for Fecal Wastewater

The Fecal Sludge Treatment Plant (IPLT) is a wastewater treatment system that aims to treat fecal waste so it does not pollute the environment. One of the fecal waste water treatment processes at IPLT Supit Urang uses a phytoremediation process. This study aims to determine the phytoremediation ability of the combination of Water clover (Marsilea crenata) and Java fern (Microsorum pteropus) on fecal waste water in the Fecal Waste Treatment Plant. This research is an experimental research method using 3 repetitions and observed 5 times within 5 weeks with the tested parameters being total dissolved solids (TDS), Electrivc conductivity (EC), and total suspended solids (TSS). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the ability of the combination of Microsorum pteropus and Marsilea crenata to reduce faecal waste between weeks of observation. The results showed that in general the combination of the two plant species was less effective in reducing TDS, EC and TSS content. There were significant differences in the content of the three physical parameters of water quality between weeks of observation.Keywords: Phytoremediation, Fecal waste treatment, Water Clover (Marsilea crenata), Java ferns (Microsorum pteropus)

Performance Evaluation of Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant

Performance Evaluation of Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant

Use of Alcaligenes faecalis to Reduce Coliforms and Enhance the Stabilization of Faecal Sludge

The disposal of human faecal sludge (FS) is one of the biggest environmental problems. It can be solved by using FS as an agricultural fertilizer. However, this is hampered by the presence of pathogenic microflora and high organic matter content in FS. This paper proposes a novel treatment approach for FS to address these issues. It consists of the preliminary aerobic incubation of FS with the bioaugmentation of bacterial culture Alcaligenes faecalis DOS7. A. faecalis has been shown to inhibit the growth of various microorganisms, including coliforms (Escherichia coli). For the treatment of FS, three tanks with a volume of 1 m3 each, equipped with a mixing and aeration system, were used. A. faecalis culture was introduced into two experimental tanks at a concentration of 106 and 6.5 × 106 cells/mL. The 11-day incubation in the experimental tanks resulted in the decomposition of organic matter in the FS that was several times faster than in the control (p < 0.05). Total suspended solids decreased 2.5–5-fold, chemical oxygen demand decreased 1.8-fold, 5-day biochemical oxygen demand decreased 1.5–2-fold. At the same time, after 4 days of incubation, no coliforms were detected in the experimental tanks, and in the control, coliforms accounted for 13.9% of the total number of cells after 11 days of incubation. The proposed method of FS pretreatment is a real alternative to the existing ones and can be used both individually and in combination with other methods, for example, composting.

Optimization of the design and operation of faecal sludge dewatering stations

Population growth and urbanization have encouraged the whole world to revamp the sanitation system safely through proper BV management value chain. The objective of this paper was to estimate the potentialities of adaptation in West Africa under a Sudano-Sahelian climate of a process for the treatment of fecal sludge by unplanted drying bed as well as the practical modalities of its implemented to achieve reliable and efficient processing with this type of device. This study was carried out in Togo more precisely in the municipality of Kozah 1. Experimentally, the study is carried out on a pilot system with an area of 0.2 m2. The determining parameters in the management of faecal sludge have been taken into account at the physical, chemical and microbiological level. The acceptable average organic load after 32 days of drying is 165 Kg DM/year/m2 with raw sludge and biosolids having respectively the physico-chemical characteristics: 960 mgO2/L, 384 mgO2/L for COD; 2814 mgN/L, 1620 mgN/L for NTK; 174.4 mg P/L, 73 mgP/L for P-PO43-. The volume relative humidity remaining after 32 days of regular monitoring is 12%. Microbiological germs such as E. coli, CF, SF, Salmonella, Clostridia and Listeria were the subject of this study. The rate of their elimination is respectively: 57%, 100%, 43%, 57%, 100%, 66%. These results show that the system put in place is effective.

Faecal Sludge Management and Appropriate Technology for Faecal Sludge Treatment- A Review

-The primary objective of this study is to identify the issues due to faecal sludge or septage issues in villages and cities, effects on water bodies, resources, human being and other species like animals, birds and water animals. In many countries, the large numbers of septic tanks have been constructed in rural and urban areas recently but as there is no faecal treatment facility provided. Also identify the appropriate low cost and eco-friendly technologies available in market for treating the faecal sludge or septage and reduce or avoid spreading diseases and control Environmental Pollution. Key Words: Faecal Sludge Management, Septage, Treatment, Water Bodies, Villages and Cities, Vermifilter, Earthworm, Tiger Biofilter

FSM by Novel Approach of Vermifiltration Adapted to Rural Area: A Case Study of Nachane Village- Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra

-The primary objective of this case study to analysis population and sanitation coverage data for workout and design calculations for Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) Capacity, appropriate low cost & eco-friendly technology i.e., Tiger Biofilter Technology finalization with appropriate Process Units to treat Faecal Sludge properly and final outlet within limit as per recommended norms by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) for selected cluster villages from Ratnagiri Block, Ratnagiri District. After Construction of FSTP, conclusion includes that before and after installation of FSTP scenario of the villages related to Environment. Key Words: Faecal Sludge Management (FSM), Septage, Treatment, Vermifilter, Earthworm, Tiger Biofilter (TBF), Ratnagiri, FSM Chain

Optimizing Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) Management through Implementation of Scheduled Faecal Sludge Serviced (SFSS) (Case Study: Suwung FSTP and Kuta District, Bali)

Indonesia has achieved 79,53% access to improved and safely managed sanitation in 2020. The government has mandated an improvement in sanitation access to 90% through National Mid-Term Development Plan in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Province of Bali has not managed sanitation safely. One of the government's efforts to achieve safely managed sanitation is implementing a septic tank regular desludging program named the Scheduled Faecal Sludge Service (SFSS) system. This research aims to formulate SFSS implementation strategy by assessing user, financial, and technology aspects. The research methodology used are interview using questionnaires; Interactive Septage Management toolkit; and technology audit method combined with pairwise comparison method. Questionnaires were given to 100 respondents who live in Kuta District and it was found that 87.13% strongly agree with SFSS program, WTP is lower than ATP. Financial analysis show the service rate is Rp. 9.722,-/month. Technology audit result are technoware (72.22%), humanware (86.67%), infoware (90.28%), and orgaware 76.67% and involves 13 key informants. Scenario analysis shows that should SFSS has been implemented in the study area. The results of the Strength-Weakness-Opportunity-Threat (SWOT) analysis show establishing partnerships with the private sector, integrating data management with a centralized system, improving services, and making regulation. Keywords: technology audit, Kuta District, SFSS, pairwise comparisons, SWOT

Plant seed–based bio-coagulant development and application for fecal sludge treatment and biogas production improvement

Plant seed–based bio-coagulant development and application are promising for fecal sludge treatment and biogas production improvement. However, improving methane yield in anaerobic digestion processes is an important research direction. This work addresses the development and application of Cucumeropsis mannii and Luffa acutangula seed proteins as novel bio-coagulants for fecal sludge concentration to increase the biogas yield. Their seeds’ protein content was determined and extracted using 1 M (NaCl), then isolated and precipitated by ammonium sulfate [(NH4)2 SO4], and purified using a dialysis process. Their coagulation/flocculation was compared to Moringa oleifera and Cucurbita pepo seeds as the primary treatment for the fecal sludge concentration. Optimal coagulant dosages of 20 mg/L at pH 7.25 increased the total solids from 0.4 to 2.8% and obtained 180 to 340 mL/L of fecal sludge volume per liter. Their bio-coagulant effect on the supernatant water reduced 76.48 to 96.88% of turbidity, 71.20 to 88.76% of COD, and 81.33 to 95.30% of ammonia–nitrogen. The biomethane potential result has shown that plant seed–based bio-coagulants are effective and produce substrates potentially favorable to increased methane yield in anaerobic digestion with 350.5 to 465.3 NmL CH4/gVS, by a ratio 2:1 on VS, compared to the FS without bio-coagulant treatment with a specific methane yield of 192.8 NmL CH4/gVS.

Application of black soldier fly larvae in decentralized treatment of faecal sludge from pit latrines in informal settlements in Kampala city

Introduction: Faecal sludge management (FSM) in urban areas of low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) is not properly implemented due to inaccessibility of sanitation facilities and high faecal sludge (FS) emptying costs, amongst others. Unlike in solid waste and fresh human excreta, use of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) in treatment of FS from pit latrines - which are the most common sanitation facilities in urban areas of LMICs - has not yet been explored. Moreover, the optimal conditions for efficient FS degradation, such as moisture content, feeding rate and larval density are not yet well known. Against this backdrop, the overarching aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of BSFL in treating FS under different conditions of moisture content, feeding rate and larval density. Also, the quality of residue left after treatment was assessed.Methods: FS samples were collected from lined and unlined pit latrines in Bwaise I parish in Kampala, Uganda and experiments were set up to feed 10-day old larvae.Results and Discussion: The optimum feeding rate, larval density and moisture content were found to be 50 mg/larvae/day, 1.33 larvae/cm2 and 60%, respectively. The reduction efficiency at optimum conditions were 72% and 66% for FS from lined and unlined pit latrines, respectively. It was further noted that BSFL can feed on FS from pit latrines without dewatering it, hence there is no need for a dewatering unit. The properties of the residue left after treatment were within the allowable limit for use as compost except for helminth egg concentration. Thus, in informal urban settlements, BSFL can be applied for effective treatment of FS from pit latrines while generating good quality residue thereby providing an additional value chain in FSM.

Application of black soldier fly larvae in decentralized treatment of faecal sludge from pit latrines in informal settlements in Kampala city

Application of black soldier fly larvae in decentralized treatment of faecal sludge from pit latrines in informal settlements in Kampala city

Valuable Material Recovery-protein from Faecal Sludge Collected during Sars-cov-2 Period from Bengaluru-rural

This study describes the extraction of protein from faecal sludge as a valuable commodity or recovery of valuable. Recovery of valuable materials from waste would give rise to business opportunities which will pave way for feasible and sustainable sanitation. Sludge samples collected from Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant were used to extract proteins from faecal sludge. The Protein was extracted using simple alkali treatment followed by quantification of the protein by Lowry Assay using Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) as standard.