Processing of Human Feces Using Beanstalk and Sawdust as Matrix in a Composting-Type Eco-Toilet

Abstract:

This study aims to investigate the changing of operational parameters and waste reducing rate, as well as the possibility of using produced composts as organic fertilizer in an on-site composting-type eco-toilet filled with mixed materials of beanstalk and sawdust as reaction matrix. During the 23-week period, change of pH was divided into three phases: acid phase (6.63-7.00), alkaline phase (9.00-9.71) and stable phase (8.10-9.00). With continuous input of feces and urine, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and total potassium contents was increased to reach 4.3%, 1.06% and 2.03%, respectively. Organic matter content decreased from 95.6% to 76.2% and the total reduction rate of dry weight increased gradually from 46.93% to 92.29%. The composts could be used as organic fertilizer at suitable concentrations. The suitable concentration for cucumber, cabbage and rape growth was obtained to be at compost ratios of 1:15-1:30, 1:15-1:20 and 1:25-1:40, respectively. Microbial utilization efficiency of human feces and urine could be improved when the mixed material of beanstalk and sawdust was used as reaction matrix in an on-sit composting-type eco-toilet. The mixed materials with beanstalk and sawdust at a volume ratio of 1:1 was found to be efficient to transform human feces and urine into organic fertilizer rich in the elements of N, P and K.

References

[1] B. Du, Y.A. Si and Y.L. Sun: Water Wastewater Engineer. Vol. 29 (2003), p.60.

[2] N. Nakagawa, M. Otaki, S. Miura, H. Hamasuna and K. Ishizaki: J. Environ. Sci. Vol. 18 (2006), p.1088.

[3] K.M. Lamichhane: Water Sci. Technol. Vol. 55 (2007), p.433.

[4] L.E.D. Rosenquist: J. Environ. Psychol. Vol. 25 (2005), p.335.

[5] L.M. Ren, F. Schuchardt, Y.J. Shen, G.X. Li and C.P. Li: Waste Manage. 30 (2010), pp.885-892.

[6] M.A. Lopezzavala, N. Funamizu and T. Takakuwa: Proceedings of the 1st International Symposium on Sustainable Sanitation (Nanjing, China) Oct 18-19 (2003), p.33.

[7] L.L. Liu, X. Qian and G.F. Lu: Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium on Sustainable Sanitation (Xi'an, China) Oct 18-20 (2005), p.113.

[8] X.X. Zhang, D.Y. Zhao, Z.X. Wang, B. Wu, W.X. Li and S.P. Cheng: Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol. Vol. 6 (2009), p.69.

[9] M.C. Gao, B. Li, A. Yu, F.Y. Liang, L.J. Yang and Y.X. Sun: Bioresource Technol. 101 (2010), p.1899.

[10] M. Husseien, A.A. Amer, A. El-Maghraby and N.A. Taha: Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol. Vol. 6 (2009), p.123.

[11] P.N.S. Mnkeni and L.M. Austin: Water SA Vol. 35 (2009), p.133.

[12] C. Niwagaba, R.N. Kulabako, P. Mugala and H. Jonsson: Waste Manage. Vol. 29 (2009), p.2214.

[13] X. Guo, J.H. Kim, S.K. Behera and H.S. Park: Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol. Vol. 5 (2008), p.527.

[14] M.C. Gao, F.Y. Liang, A. Yu, B. Li and L.J. Yang: Chemosphere 78 (2010), p.614.

[15] J.R. Banu, S. Kaliappan and I.T. Yeoni: Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol. Vol. 4 (2007), p.363.

[16] Y. Feng, J. Behrendt, C. Wendland and R. Otterpohl: Water Sci. Technol. Vol. 53 (2006), p.253.

[17] V.I. Kefeli: Inter. J. Environ. Pollut. Vol. 29 (2007), p.383.

[18] B.H. Sheng, L.M. Gao, X. Qian, G.F. Lu, G.X. Ning and Z.M. Huang: Jiangsu Environ. Sci. Technol. Vol. 20 (2007), p.15.

[19] J.D. Cheng, L.M. Gao, X. Qian, G.F. Lu, G.L. Wang and Z.M. Wang: Environ. Sci. Technol. Vol. 31 (2008), p.59.

[20] J. Du, X. Qian and L.L. Liu: Environ. Sci. Technol. Vol. 21 (2008), p.64.

[21] H.F. Yan and L.M. Gao: Ecol. Econ. Vol. 9 (2008), p.139.

[22] H.F. Yan, L.M. Gao, X. Qian and G.F. Lu: J. Anhui. Agr. Sci. Vol. 36 (2008), p.10620.

[23] L.M. Gao, G.X. Ning, X. Qian, G.F. Lu, Y. Mei, Z.M. Huang and B.H. Sheng: J. Agro-Environ. Sci. Vol. 27 (2008), p.359.

[24] G.X. Ning, L.M. Gao, X. Qian, G.F. Lu, Y. Mei, J.D. Cheng and G.L. Wang: J. Anhui. Agr. Sci. Vol. 36 (2008), p.93.

[25] S.E. Agarry and B.O. Solomon: Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol. Vol. 5 (2008), p.223.

[26] W. Green and G. Ho: Water Sci. Technol. Vol. 51 (2005), p.29.