Effect of solar drying of dewatered faecal sludge on co-compost quality (India)

The research aimed at understanding the bio-nutrient qualities and financial applicability of solar-dried faecal sludge to be used as a source of nutrients via co-degradation of FS and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Solar drying is a surfacing technology that is aimed at timely and efficiently treating faecal sludge by reducing the inherent moisture content in the faecal sludge and the pathogen levels while maintaining the nutrient qualities of the sludge that is currently being examined to understand the process and Co-composting is an efficient method to utilise and harness the important nutrients both from municipal waste and faecal sludge as well a viable strategy to utilise faecal sludge in the lieu of growing population as well as rapid urbanisation in the global south. The research was conducted in Dhenkanal, India and it focused on sourcing, characterizing, and determining the bio-nutrient potential of solar-dried faecal sludge when utilised with MSW. The research concluded that solar drying of FS is a relevant strategy to efficiently treat FS and Solar Dried FS can be utilised in co- compost to provide substantial improvements to the nutrient quality and the solar drying co-compost plant can be financially viable in the local economy with a self-supporting financial structure. Further research is recommended as follows; Efficiency of solar drying in different climatic conditions, the viability of solar-dried co-compost in lieu of higher availability & exposure.