Time course assessment of decomposition and pathogens die-off in nightsoil from pit latrines

  • Đỗ Hồng Anh Khoa Kỹ thuật Môi trường, Trường Đại học Xây dựng
  • Nguyễn Việt Anh Khoa Kỹ thuật Môi trường, Trường Đại học Xây dựng
  • Đinh Thúy Hằng Viện Vi sinh vật và Công nghệ sinh học, Đại học Quốc gia, Hà Nội
  • Lệ Trọng Bằng Khoa Kỹ thuật Môi trường, Trường Đại học Xây dựng

Abstract

Composting latrines are commonly used in rural areas in Vietnam, including the areas where excreta have been reused as fertilizer in agriculture. In the present study, the assessment of decomposition process was carried out in selected pit latrines in Ha Nam province in the Red River delta. The results obtained from field surveys and laboratory experiments simulating latrines in plastic cylinders filled with excreta and with or without added bulking materials (such as ash and lime) have revealed that the decomposition process occured slowly. After 9 months of observation, the TS value in all experiment variants was almost unchanged, whereas the total COD and total nitrogen decreased respectively for 41% and 28% when bulking materials were added, and for 60% and 64% when bulking materials were absent. After the periods of 9 and 12 months, the content of pathogens and helminth eggs in decomposed excreta decreased, however still did not meet the WHO guidelines for the safe reuse of excreta in agriculture.

Keywords: Latrine; decomposition; pathogens; adding material.

Received: July 25th, 2014, revised: August 18th, 2014, accepted: September 10th, 2014

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Published
10-09-2014
How to Cite
Anh, Đỗ, Anh, N., Hằng, Đinh, & Bằng, L. (2014). Time course assessment of decomposition and pathogens die-off in nightsoil from pit latrines. Tạp Chí Khoa Học Công Nghệ Xây Dựng (TCKHCNXD) - ĐHXDHN, 8(3), 66-74. Retrieved from https://stce.huce.edu.vn/index.php/vn/article/view/599
Issue
Vol 8 No 3 (2014)
Section
Research Papers

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