Urine Diversion Dry Toilet Research Articles

Water and nutrient recovery from stored urine by forward osmosis with an ammonium bicarbonate draw solution

Forward osmosis with an ammonium bicarbonate draw solution was investigated as a low energy non-sewered sanitation solution, to recover nutrients and water from source separated urine. Stored urine collected from Urine Diversion Dry Toilets in the eThekwini Municipality (Durban), South Africa was used as the feed solution. Water recoveries of up to 45.9% with water fluxes up to 6.0 L m−2 h−1 were achieved using undiluted stored urine over an 8-h operating period with a 2.5 M draw solution. Rejections of up to 95% for phosphates, 85% for nitrogen and chlorides, and 75% for potassium and sodium were achieved. Low fouling of the membrane was observed after multiple runs and cleaning the membrane by circulation of deionized water or by osmotic backwash was sufficient to recover >95% of the original water flux. Little irreversible fouling was detected, assumed to be caused by carbonate calcium scaling from SEM-EDX analysis. This study suggests that forward osmosis with an ammonium bicarbonate solution could be integrated as a closed loop nutrient recycling technology for source separated urine with the prospect of clean water and draw solution recovery that could use waste heat from, for example, fecal sludge combustion.

Addendum of data related to drying of faecal sludge from on-site sanitation facilities and fresh faeces

The present document consists of an addendum of data to the Handbook of Methods for Faecal Sludge Analysis. It is part of a project funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates (BMGF) through the OPP1164143, untitled “Characterization of faecal material during drying”. This project was granted for funding after the 5-years Transformative Technologies convening at the BMGF headquarters in 2016, where drying was recognized as a gap in the transformative technologies for the implementation of innovative sanitation technologies. The addendum of data compiles the results from experiments directly related to drying or having indirect implications in the process. The data was obtained from experimental work conducted from 2013 to date, and involving several research institutions. As the addendum of data is an initiative led by the Pollution Research Group at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, most of the data come from this research group. Partner institutions adhered to this initiative and shared their data, including: (i) Swansea University through the SPECIFIC research group; (ii) Cranfield University through their Bioenergy laboratory; (iii) Duke University through their WASH-AID centre; (iv) Laval University through their Civil and Water Engineering department; (v) Victoria University through their Public & Environmental Engineering laboratory; (vi) Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (EAWAG) through their Sanitation, Water and Solid Waste for Development (SANDEC) department. In the addendum, the data is organized in datasheets that are categorized in different thematics according to the content. In each datasheet, the data is displayed as graphs and includes an interpretation. In addition to this, the datasheets contain the basic information that is required to understand how the data was obtained, including the information about the feedstock, laboratory equipment, experimental conditions and performed analysis. The datasheets also offer the bibliographic references about where the results can be found in literature and the hyperlink to access to the raw files with the data. Moreover, this document includes a background with a landscape about faecal sludge drying, description of the fundamentals aspects from faecal sludge drying to understand better the significance and applicability of the data, and a summary of the analysis from results from the datasheets with their practical implications in the field. The datasheets were categorized into eight groups: thermodynamics, kinetics, physiochemical properties, morphology, mechanical properties, dewaterability, disinfection, gas emission. Different types of faecal samples were involved on the generation of the data: fresh faeces and faecal sludge from various types of onsite sanitation facilities, among which ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines, urine diversion dry toilets (UDDT), anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) from a decentralized wastewater treatment plant (DEWAT).

Optimising pyrolysis conditions for high-quality biochar production using black soldier fly larvae faecal-derived residue as feedstock

The disposal of feacal matter from Urine Diversion Dry Toilets is a significant challenge due to limited land availability, possible underground water contamination, and the risk of spreading diseases. The collected faecal matter can be fed to Black Soldier Fly Larvae to produce protein-rich larvae used as animal feed. The disposal of the leftover waste (BSFL residue) is still a problem due to the risk of residual pathogen contamination. The BSFL residue contains residual plant nutrients and can be further processed into biochar. Faecal matter biochar offers an exciting value proposition where the pyrolysis process guarantees a 100% pathogen elimination. It also results in significant waste reduction in transport, storage weight, and volume. A preliminary study was conducted to (i) optimise pyrolysis conditions (optimal temperature treatment and residence time) for biochar production using residue obtained after faecal matter from urine diversion dry toilets was fed to black soldier fly larvae as feedstock; and (ii) determine the physicochemical and morphological characteristics of biochar produced. The residue was pyrolysed at 300, 400, and 500 °C and characterised for chemical, biological and physical characteristics. Surface area (6.61 m2 g−1), pore size, and C: N (9.28) ratio increased at 500 °C for 30 min. Exchangeable bases, (Calcium) Ca, (Magnesium) Mg, (Potassium) K, and (Sodium) Na increased with increasing pyrolysis temperature. The increase in basic cations resulted in an increase in pH from 6.7 in the residue to 9.8 in biochar pyrolysed at 500 °C. Biochar pyrolysed at 500 °C can therefore be used to improve acidic soils. Phosphorus increased with increasing pyrolysis temperature to 3 148 mg kg−1 at 500 °C. Biochar produced at 500 °C for 30 min had desirable characteristics: surface area, exchangeable bases, and pH. Also, biochar can be used as a phosphorus source with potential for crop production, although an external nitrogen source is needed to meet crop nutrient requirements.

Isothermal drying characteristics and kinetics of human faecal sludges.

Background: Drying is an important step for the thermochemical conversion of solid fuels, but it is energy-intensive for treating highly moist materials. Methods: To inform the thermal treatment of faecal sludge (FS), this study investigated the drying characteristics and kinetics of various faecal wastes using thermogravimetric analysis and isothermal heating conditions. Results: The findings show that FS from the anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) and ventilated improved pit latrines (VIP) exhibit similar drying characteristics, with maximum drying rates at 0.04 mg/min during a constant rate period that is followed by a distinct falling rate period. On the contrary, fresh human faeces (HF) and FS from urine diversion dry toilets (UDDT) exhibited a falling rate period regime with no prior or intermittent constant rate periods. The absence of a constant rate period in these samples suggested limited amounts of unbound water that can be removed by dewatering and vice versa for VIP and ABR faecal sludges. The activation energies and effective moisture diffusivity for the sludges varied from 28 to 36 kJ/mol and 1.7·10 -7 to 10·10 -7 m 2/s at 55°C and sludge thickness of 3mm. The Page model was consistent in modelling the different sludges across all temperatures. Conclusions: These results presented in this study can inform the design and development of innovative drying methods for FS treatment.

Acceptability of urine diversion dry toilets in Dollo Ado refugee camp, Ethiopia.

Given the increasing frequency and duration of humanitarian emergencies worldwide, there is a need to identify a greater range of effective and contextually appropriate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions. Typical sanitation systems may be poorly suited for some of the conditions in which humanitarian emergencies can occur, such as in drought-prone regions. Urine-diversion dry toilets (UDDTs) are one potential alternative sanitation option which can be used in these conditions. Between 2014 and 2016, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) partnered with local agencies to evaluate the acceptability of UDDTs in a refugee camp in Ethiopia. The overall goals were to provide evidence regarding the level of adoption and satisfaction with UDDTs in this emergency context and the factors associated with satisfaction. Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted 18-months apart, using a stratified design to sample UDDT and latrine users for comparison. The proportion who reported to use their UDDT consistently was 88.8% (95% CI 85.1-92.5) in the first survey and 93.4% (95% CI 90.6-96.2) in the second survey. Reported satisfaction levels were significantly higher among respondents in the second survey (p<0.0001), where 97.0% (95% CI 95.1-98.9) of respondents stated either that they were mostly or very satisfied with their UDDT. There was no significant difference detected in satisfaction between UDDT and latrine users (p=0.28). Using a multivariable logistic regression model, we identified several factors associated with a higher level of satisfaction with UDDTs. Those who had previously (before coming to the camp) used a pit latrine (AOR=4.2; 95% CI 1.4-12.7) or had no sanitation system (AOR=2.4; 95% CI 1.3-4.4) relative to a pour-flush toilet, had a clean UDDT (AOR=2.8; 95% CI 1.7-4.6), had been in the camp for a longer time period (AOR=2.3; 95% CI 1.7-3.0), did not share their UDDT (AOR=1.8; 95% CI 1.0-3.0) and had used their UDDT for a longer time period (AOR=1.7; 95% CI 1.2-2.4) had higher odds of satisfaction. The findings demonstrate that UDDTs have been effectively introduced and utilized in this context and this may have implications for other humanitarian settings where they can be similarly managed.

Pre-Implementation Perceptions Among Teachers on the Use of Ecological Sanitation and Application of Human Urine as Fertilizer

Although human urine contains nutrients for plant growth, very few community schools in Nepal use a urine diversion dry toilet (UDDT) and apply the human urine as fertilizer in their school garden. Using human urine in agriculture reduces the use of chemical fertilizers, thus saving the expenditure associated with it. Application of human urine improves the soil fertility and may contribute to increased food security among school children if the school can supply the canteen with food for mid-day meals. This study adopted a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach in order to understand stakeholder perspectives and involve them in the planning and implementation of urine diverting toilets. The data for this study were collected from five teachers&amp;rsquo; focus group discussions. This paper presents teachers&amp;rsquo; perceptions of the urine diversion dry toilet system and use of human urine as a fertilizer for the school garden. Only a few teachers accepted that human urine could be used as fertilizer, however, they were not willing to use it on their crops since it was considered impure. Due to a perceived bad odor and the uncomfortable sitting position on the UDDT, particularly for females, teachers disliked this toilet and they felt using urine as fertilizer was unnecessary. One of the key lessons drawn from the study is that schools, in collaboration with local governments, should employ participatory approaches to understanding and engaging local stakeholders, including teachers, to minimize negative perceptions prior to the application of human urine as fertilizer in the school garden.

Isothermal drying characteristics and kinetics of human faecal sludges

Background: Drying is an important step for the thermochemical conversion of solid fuels, but it is energy-intensive for treating highly moist materials. Methods: To inform the thermal treatment of faecal sludge (FS), this study investigated the drying characteristics and kinetics of various faecal wastes using thermogravimetric analysis and isothermal heating conditions. Results: The findings show that FS from the anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) and ventilated improved pit latrines (VIP) exhibit similar drying characteristics, with maximum drying rates at 0.04 mg/min during a constant rate period that is followed by a distinct falling rate period. On the contrary, fresh human faeces (HF) and FS from urine diversion dry toilets (UDDT) exhibited a falling rate period regime with no prior or intermittent constant rate periods. The absence of a constant rate period in these samples suggested limited amounts of unbound water that can be removed by dewatering and vice versa for VIP and ABR faecal sludges. The activation energies and effective moisture diffusivity for the sludges varied from 28 to 36 kJ/mol and 1.7·10 -7 to 10·10 -7 m 2/s at 55°C and sludge thickness of 3mm. The Page model was consistent in modelling the different sludges across all temperatures. Conclusions: These results presented in this study can inform the design and development of innovative drying methods for FS treatment.

An investigation into the stickiness of faecal sludge: Preliminary investigation of VIP and UDDT sludge with varying moisture content at ambient temperature

The document is preliminary results for the experimental analysis of the stickiness of faecal sludge using the texture analyser. the document is the first set of results obtained from the procedure. Faecal sludge samples from ventilated improved pit Latrines (VIP) and urine diversion dry toilets (UDDT) from eThekwini Municipality were analyzed to quantify their stickiness. The moisture content of the faecal sludge was varied within the experiments from 40 to 80 wt% to find the effects of moisture content on stickiness. The stickiness was determined using a Stable microsystems TA. XT express texture analyzer. Rheology of the faecal sludge was evaluated using MR51 Anton Paar rheometer.

Inactivation of Ascaris for thermal treatment and drying applications in faecal sludge

Abstract Ascaris lumbricoides is the most common helminth of human health importance, and the most resilient helminth found in faecal sludge. There are numerous types of sludge treatments; however, heating and drying are most commonly used for pathogen inactivation. Ascaris suum eggs were heated in a water bath at 40–55 °C for 10 seconds to 60 minutes in water, as well as heated in both urine diversion dry toilet and ventilated improved pit latrine sludge at 40 °C, 60 °C and 80 °C for times ranging from 5 seconds to 120 minutes. Eggs were also spiked into sludges of different moisture contents and incubated over 12 weeks at 25 °C, with samples analysed weekly. Overall, we concluded that eggs were inactivated at temperatures &amp;gt;50 °C, that the temperature–time relationship directly impacted the efficacy of heat treatment, that suspension medium had no effect, and that eggs survived better in wet rather than dry sludges.

Drying characteristics of faecal sludge from different on-site sanitation facilities

Drying is one of the treatment techniques used for the dual purpose of safe disposal and energy recovery of faecal sludge (FS). Limited data are available regarding the FS drying process. In this paper the drying properties of FS were investigated using samples from ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines and urine diversion dry toilets (UDDT) and an anaerobic baffle reactor (ABR) from a decentralized wastewater treatment systems. Moisture content, total solids content, volatile solids content, water activity, coupled thermogravimetry & differential thermal analysis (TGA-DTA) and calorific value tests were used to characterize FS drying. Drying kinetics and water activity measured at different moisture content during drying (100 °C) were similar for the samples from different on-site sanitation facilities. Experimental heat of drying results revealed that FS requires two to three times that of the latent heat of vaporization of water for drying. Drying temperature was more significant than the sludge source in determining the final volatile solids content of the dried samples. This was reinforced by the dynamic TGA that showed considerable thermal degradation (2–11% dry solid mass) near 200 °C. Below 200 C, the calorific value of the dried samples exhibited no significant difference. The average calorific values of VIP, UDDT and ABR samples at 100 °C were 14.78, 15.70, 17.26 MJ/kg dry solid, respectively. This suggests that the fuel value of FS from the aforementioned sanitation facilities will not be significantly affected by drying temperature below 200 °C. Based on this study, the most suitable temperature for drying of FS for a solid fuel application was found to be 150 °C.

Reviewing the Potential and Constraints of Modified Technology Options for Faecal Sludge Management in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Cities in the developing world face the challenge of safe management of faecal sludge because of rapid population growth that overwhelms the sanitation infrastructure and services. In developing countries, only 50% of faecal sludge (FS) generated is safely managed the remaining portion is haphazardly disposed of in the environment risking public health and environment. In response to the urgent need for safely managed sanitation services, technological options for containment, desludging and transportation of FS are being modified. This paper reviewed current desludging practices and the potential of modified technological options for addressing FSM at containment, desludging, and transportation in Dar es Salaam unplanned urban settlements. The paper reviewed; water seal squat pan, Urine Diversion Dry Toilet (UDDT), split slabs, pre-installed suction hose, and the container-based sanitation (CBS) for containment stage. Others are the hand tools, sludge digger, the excrevator, rammer, and the eVac for desludging; and small pick-up truck and motorized tricycle and transfer stations for transfer and transportation of FS. Based on technical feasibility, social and environmental context of Dar es Salaam, the reviewed modified technology options have the potential of addressing FSM challenges in unplanned urban settlements in Dar es Salaam. However, institutional arrangement particularly the absence of the modified technologies in the menu of recommended technological options affects their upscaling. Paradoxically, most of the technologies have not been vigorously tried in the field to inform policy choice. Improvement of FSM with the application of modified technological options will require improvement in enabling environment for their operation and continuous modification. The major research gaps have also been identified in this review.

Economic cost analysis of low-cost sanitation technology options in informal settlement areas (case study: Soweto, Johannesburg)

In Urban Africa, water and sanitation utility companies are facing a huge backlog of sanitation provision in the informal settlement areas. In order to clear this backlog, new investment is required. However, to select appropriate sanitation technologies, lifecycle costs need to be assessed. The aim of this research was to establish lifecycle costs for appropriate sanitation technologies in informal settlement areas. Three sanitation options were compared: simplified sewerage, urine diversion dry toilet (UDDT) and Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrine. Three scenarios for simplified sewerage were considered; gravity flow into existing conventional sewers with treatment; new-build with pumping and treatment; and new-build gravity flow with treatment. The study revealed that simplified sewerage is the cheapest option for Soweto informal settlement, even when the costs of pumping and treatment are included. Gravity simplified sewerage with treatment is cheaper than the UDDT system and VIP latrine at all population densities above 158 and 172 persons/ha, respectively. The total annual cost per household of simplified sewerage and treatment was US$142 compared to US$156 and US$144 for UDDT and VIP latrine respectively. The costs of simplified sewerage could be recovered through a monthly household surcharge and cross-subsidy summing US$5.3 The study concluded that simplified sewerage system was the first choice for Soweto informal settlement areas, given the current population density.

Conceptual environmental impact assessment of a novel self-sustained sanitation system incorporating a quantitative microbial risk assessment approach

In many developing countries, including South Africa, water scarcity has resulted in poor sanitation practices. The majority of the sanitation infrastructures in those regions fail to meet basic hygienic standards. This along with the lack of proper sewage/wastewater infrastructure creates significant environmental and public health concerns. A self-sustained, waterless “Nano Membrane Toilet” (NMT) design was proposed as a result of the “Reinvent the Toilet Challenge” funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. A “cradle-to-grave” life cycle assessment (LCA) approach was adopted to study the use of NMT in comparison with conventional pour flush toilet (PFT) and urine-diverting dry toilet (UDDT). All three scenarios were applied in the context of South Africa. In addition, a Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) was used to reflect the impact of the pathogen risk on human health. LCA study showed that UDDT had the best environmental performance, followed by NMT and PFT systems for all impact categories investigated including human health, resource and ecosystem. This was mainly due to the environmental credits associated with the use of urine and compost as fertilizers. However, with the incorporation of the pathogen impact into the human health impact category, the NMT had a significant better performance than the PFT and UDDT systems, which exhibited an impact category value 4E + 04 and 4E + 03 times higher, respectively. Sensitivity analysis identified that the use of ash as fertilizer, electricity generation and the reduction of NOx emissions were the key areas that influenced significantly the environmental performance of the NMT system.

Human urine as a source of nutrients for maize and its impacts on soil quality at Arba Minch, Ethiopia

Abstract A pot experiment was conducted at Arba Minch, Ethiopia to study the effects of urine on soil properties and yield of maize in natural settings. The pot treatments consisted of 500, 800, 1,000 and 1,200 ml of neat human urine collected from a UDDT (Urine Diversion Dry Toilet) added at different portions and control. The results showed that the response of the maize for most of the variables was very well expressed or significantly different at the application rate of 500 ml of urine; however, there was no significant difference between the 500 ml and the rest of the application. A significant increase in height, diameter, and length of leaf of maize was found in the urine treated soils. An improvement in soil phosphate chemical properties was noticed with increasing addition of urine; however, there was no significant increase in the ammonium nitrogen content and pH. The salinity of treated soil significantly increased at the bottom of the pot when compared with the control. In order to limit the increase in salinity of the soil and to get optimum maize growth in natural conditions, 500 ml urine addition per maize is recommended. The findings encourage the use of urine as fertilizer and a possible sink for UDDT waste.

The cost of urban sanitation solutions: a literature review

Abstract The main objective of this paper is to review the literature on and compare the lifecycle costs of full sanitation chain systems in developing cities of Africa and Asia. Overall, financial cost reporting methodologies have been inconsistent and many studies only focus on capital costs or do not report cost data on desludging, transport and treatment. In addition, a comparative analysis of raw cost data across cities and countries would be of low utility, owing to the numerous determinants of costs (e.g. density, level of service) and their high sensitivity to local contexts. To circumvent this, this paper compares the cost ratios between different sanitation systems analysed in a same study. It concludes that conventional sewer systems are in most cases the most expensive sanitation options, followed, in order of cost, by sanitation systems comprising septic tanks, ventilated improved pit latrines (VIP), urine diversion dry toilets and pour-flush pit latrines. The cost of simplified sewer systems is found to be lower than both conventional sewer systems and septic tank-based systems, but lack of data prevented further comparisons with other types of sanitation solutions.

Lactic acid fermentation of human urine to improve its fertilizing value and reduce odour emissions

During storage of urine, urea is biologically decomposed to ammonia, which can be lost through volatilization and in turn causes significant unpleasant smell. In response, lactic acid fermentation of urine is a cost-effective technique to decrease nitrogen volatilization and reduce odour emissions. Fresh urine (pH = 5.2–5.3 and NH4+-N = 1.2–1.3 g L−1) was lacto-fermented for 36 days in closed glass jars with a lactic acid bacterial inoculum from sauerkraut juice and compared to untreated, stored urine. In the lacto-fermented urine, the pH was reduced to 3.8–4.7 and the ammonium content by 22–30%, while the pH of the untreated urine rose to 6.1 and its ammonium content increased by 32% due to urea hydrolysis. The concentration of lactic acid bacteria in lacto-fermented urine was 7.3 CFU ml−1, suggesting that urine is a suitable growth medium for lactic acid bacteria. The odour of the stored urine was subjectively perceived by four people to be twice as strong as that of lacto-fermented samples. Lacto-fermented urine induced increased radish germination compared to stored urine (74–86% versus 2–31%). Adding a lactic acid bacterial inoculum to one week old urine in the storage tanks in a urine-diverting dry toilet reduced the pH from 8.9 to 7.7 after one month, while the ammonium content increased by 35%, probably due to the high initial pH of the urine. Given that the hydrolyzed stale urine has a high buffering capacity, the lactic acid bacterial inoculum should be added to the urine storage tank of a UDDT before urine starts to accumulate there to increase the efficiency of the lactic acid fermentation.

Harnessing the plurality of actor frames in social-ecological systems: ecological sanitation in Bolivia

ABSTRACTThis article uses a case study on ecological sanitation as a basis for lessons on identifying and harnessing the plurality of actor frames in social-ecological systems, thereby moving beyond the advocacy positions often taken by implementing NGOs. The study aimed to explore how perspectives between the implementing agencies of an ecological sanitation project in rural Bolivia and the owners of a urine-diverting dry toilet (UDDT) relate to each other, and how this influenced the outcome of the project. The article provides key elements and an example methodology for social learning in the context of multiple interpretative frames in development projects.

Urine diversion dry toilets in eThekwini Municipality, South Africa: acceptance, use and maintenance through users' eyes

This study was part of the VUNA project aimed to develop an affordable sanitation system that produces a valuable fertiliser, reduces pollution of water resources and promotes health. Urine diversion dry toilets (UDDTs) simplify the on-site hygienisation of faeces and allow for nutrient recovery from urine. Social acceptance is vital for the implementation of the UDDT, because sanitation is only effective if the system not only provides a well-designed toilet and effective waste management, but also offers users a facility that caters to their needs and is sensitive to their cultural lifestyle. This study used qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate acceptance, use and maintenance of UDDTs. Key findings indicate lower levels of acceptance of UDDTs among the elderly, who are accustomed to traditional pit toilets. The users aspire to own a flush toilet, perceived to be indicative of household wealth. A dominant concern was emptying the pit and the quality of the building material. Community interventions are required that will promote acceptance, understanding and encourage proper use and maintenance of the UDDT, and may need some technology modification. There is an urgent need for increased community participation to address users’ perceptions, attitudes and behaviour concerning the UDDT.

Estimating the Health Risk Associated with the Use of Ecological Sanitation Toilets in Malawi.

Use of Ecological Sanitation (EcoSan) sludge is becoming popular due to increasing price of organic fertilizers in Malawi; however, there is little evidence on the associated risks. Quantitative microbiological risk assessment (QMRA) was done to determine health risks associated with use of EcoSan. Pathogens considered included Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, and soil transmitted helminths (STHs). Exponential and Beta Poisson models were used to estimate the risk from helminthic and bacterial pathogens, respectively. Main exposure pathways were through poor storage of sludge, contamination of foods during drying, walking barefoot on the ground contaminated with sludge, pit emptying without protection, and application of sludge in the fields. Estimated annual risk for Ascaris lumbricoides, Taenia, and hookworms was approximately over 5.6 × 10−1 for both Fossa Alternas (FAs) and Urine Diverting Dry Toilet (UDDTs). Risk from E. coli and Salmonella was 8.9 × 10−2 and above. The risks were higher than WHO acceptable risk for use of faecal sludge in crops of 10−4 infections per year. Promoters and users of EcoSan latrines need to consider advocating for strict guidelines to reduce the risk.

Farmers’ Perceptions on the Agricultural Use of Human Urine in the Central Amazon

El Sanitario Seco con Separación de Orina (SSSO) es una tecnología alternativa para los desafíos ambientales en la Amazonia, teniendo la ventaja de no utilizar agua en sus procesos. Para verificar su viabilidad, sin embargo, es necesario comprender el comportamiento de los usuarios con relación al uso de los subproductos de los sanitarios. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la percepción de los agricultores sobre el uso de orina humana como fertilizante para cultivos agrícolas en la Amazonía Central. Se entrevistaron setenta y tres agricultores familiares de una villa rural de Tefé y del mercado municipal de agricultores de Tefé. Se verificó que el 12% de los agricultores tienen conocimiento del uso de orina humana en la agricultura y que más de un tercio consideran posible usar orina en sus jardines y cultivos. Sin embargo, más de la mitad no consideró la posibilidad del uso de orina, manifestando preocupaciones sobre el desarrollo de las culturas y dudas en cuanto a la eficacia de su uso como fertilizante. Pero los informantes creen que los cultivos irrigados con orina son adecuados para el consumo humano. Se concluye que la orina humana tiene potencial para ser utilizada en la agricultura en la región de estudio y entendemos que los sanitarios secos no deben ser tomados como la única alternativa para saneamiento en la Amazonia.