Resource recovery from faecal sludge treatment (India)

The study aimed to understand existing practices being followed for faecal sludge management (FSM) in the Indian context by analysing prevailing resource recovery patterns from faecal sludge in some selected urban and rural areas in India. The study is motivated by the fact that there is extensive research on waste treatment processes for usual solid and liquid wastes. The physical, chemical, and biological features of faecal sludge generated in various Onsite Sanitation Systems (OSTs) as they change with age are not well understood. To gather information about FSM in both urban and rural areas, a field survey has been carried out.

Interviews with FSM stakeholders, sampling, and questionnaires were used to gather the necessary data. Treatment efficacy data were gathered through a few field visits to Faecal Sludge and Septage Treatment Plants (FSTPs). The current pattern of resource recovery was analysed. Finally, different treatment technology options available for Faecal sludge are assessed by taking into consideration of five criteria such as economics, viability, acceptance, availability of materials, and technical aspects. Four potential options were considered for resource recovery from sludge. These options are: (i) use as fuel in some selected industries, (ii) compost fertilizer in organic farming, (iii) production of biogas through anaerobic digestion, and (iv) its usage as additives in construction materials. This study demonstrates how resource recovery from faecal sludge would be helpful for revenue generation and will also play a significant role in developing better sanitation infrastructure to achieve sustainable development goals for the community.