Difference between revisions of "Sanitation Products"

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===Products===   
 
===Products===   
 +
Products are materials that are also called ‘wastes’ or ‘resources’. Some products are generated directly by humans (e.g., Urine and Faeces), others are required in the functioning of technologies (e.g., Flushwater to move Excreta through sewers) and some are generated as a function of storage or treatment (e.g., Sludge).
  
−
Products are materials that are also called ‘wastes’ or ‘resources’. Some Products are generated directly by humans (e.g. urine and faeces), others are required in the functioning of Technologies (e.g. flush water to move excreta through sewers) and some are generated as a function or storage or treatment (e.g. faecal sludge).   
+
For the design of a robust sanitation system, it is necessary to define all of the products that are flowing into (inputs) and out of (outputs) each of the sanitation technologies in the system. The products referenced within this text are described below.   
  
−
For the design of a robust sanitation system, it is necessary to define all of the Products that are flowing into (Inputs) and out (Outputs) of each of the sanitation Technologies in the system. The Products referenced within this text are described below.
+
 
 +
====Anal Cleansing Water====
 +
{| align="left"
 +
|style="width:20px; background:#dbd096;"|  
 +
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 +
|}
 +
Anal cleansing water is water used to cleanse oneself after defecating and/or urinating; it is generated by those who use water, rather than dry material, for anal cleansing. The volume of water used per cleaning typically ranges from 0.5 L to 3 L.
  
  
−
====Urine====
+
====Biomass====
 
{| align="left"
 
{| align="left"
−
|style="width:20px; background:#e1f85e;"|  
+
|style="width:20px; background:#145314;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|}
 
|}
−
Urine is the liquid waste produced by the body to rid itself of urea and other waste Products. In this context, the urine Product refers to pure urine that is not mixed with faeces or water. Depending on diet, human urine collected during one year (ca. 500 L) contains 2–4 kg nitrogen. With the exception of some rare cases, urine is sterile when it leaves the body.  
+
Biomass refers to plants or animals cultivated using the water and/or nutrients flowing through a sanitation system. The term Biomass may include fish, insects, vegetables, fruit, forage or other beneficial crops that can be utilized for food, feed, fibre and fuel production.
  
  
−
====Faeces====
+
====Biogas====
 
{| align="left"
 
{| align="left"
−
|style="width:20px; background:#945941;"|  
+
|style="width:20px; background:#cc1515;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|}
 
|}
−
Faeces refers to (semi-solid) excrement without urine or water. Each person produces approximately 50 L per year of faecal matter. Of the total nutrients excreted, faeces contain about 10% N, 30% P, 12% K and have 107–109 faecal coliforms /100 mL.  
+
Biogas is the common name for the mixture of gases released from anaerobic digestion. Biogas is comprised of methane (50 to 75%), carbon dioxide (25 to 50%) and varying quantities of nitrogen, hydrogen sulphide, water vapour and other components. Biogas can be collected and burned for fuel (like propane).
  
  
−
====Anal cleansing water====
+
====Blackwater====
 
{| align="left"
 
{| align="left"
−
|style="width:20px; background:#dbd096;"|  
+
|style="width:20px; background:#4f5a5e;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|}
 
|}
−
Anal cleansing water is water collected after it has been used to cleanse oneself after defecating and/or urinating. It is only the water generated by the user for anal cleansing and does not include dry materials. The volume of water collected during anal cleansing ranges from 0.5 L to 3 L per cleaning.  
+
Blackwater is the mixture of Urine, Faeces and Flushwater along with Anal Cleansing Water (if water is used for cleansing) and/or Dry Cleansing Materials (see Figure 1). Blackwater contains the pathogens of Faeces and the nutrients of Urine that are diluted in the Flushwater.
  
  
−
====Dry Cleansing Materials====  
+
====Brownwater====
 
{| align="left"
 
{| align="left"
−
|style="width:20px; background:#FFB6C1;"|  
+
|style="width:20px; background:#a98674;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|}
 
|}
−
Solid materials used to cleanse oneself after defecating and/or urinating (e.g., paper, leaves, corncobs, rags or stones). Depending
+
Brownwater is the mixture of Faeces and Flushwater, and does not contain Urine. It is generated by Urine-Diverting Flush Toilets (U.6) and, therefore, the volume depends on the volume of the Flushwater used. The pathogen and nutrient load of Faeces is not reduced, only diluted by the Flushwater. Brownwater may also include Anal Cleansing Water (if water is used for cleansing) and/or Dry Cleansing Materials (see Figure 1).
−
on the system, Dry Cleansing Materials may be collected and separately disposed of. Although extremely important, a separate product name for menstrual hygiene products like sanitary napkins and tampons is not included in this Compendium. In general (though not always), they should be treated along with the solid waste generated in the household.
 
  
  
−
====Stormwater====
+
====Compost====
 
{| align="left"
 
{| align="left"
−
|style="width:20px; background:#6b9ea3;"|  
+
|style="width:20px; background:#6cbf53;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|}
 
|}
−
Stormwater is the general term for the rainfall runoff collected from roofs, roads and other surfaces before flowing towards low-lying land. It is the portion of rainfall that does not infiltrate into the soil.  
+
Compost is decomposed organic matter that results from a controlled aerobic degradation process. In this biological process, microorganisms (mainly bacteria and fungi) decompose the biodegradable waste components and produce an earth-like, odourless, brown/ black material. Compost has excellent soil-conditioning properties and a variable nutrient content. Because of leaching and volatilization, some of the nutrients may be lost, but the material is still rich in nutrients and organic matter. Generally, Excreta or Sludge should be composted long enough (2 to 4 months) under thermophilic
 +
conditions (55 to 60 °C) in order to be sanitized sufficiently for safe agricultural use. This temperature is not guaranteed in most Composting Chambers (S.8), but considerable pathogen reduction can normally be achieved.
  
  
−
====Greywater====
+
====Dried Faeces====
 
{| align="left"
 
{| align="left"
−
|style="width:20px; background:#bbc3c6;"|  
+
|style="width:20px; background:#5c1613;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|}
 
|}
−
Greywater is the total volume of water generated from washing food, clothes and dishware as well as from bathing. It may contain traces of excreta and therefore will also contain pathogens and excreta. Greywater accounts for approximately 60% of the wastewater produced in households with flush toilets. It contains few pathogens and its flow of nitrogen is only 10–20% of that in blackwater.  
+
Dried Faeces are Faeces that have been dehydrated until they become a dry, crumbly material. Dehydration takes place by storing Faeces in a dry environment with good ventilation, high temperatures and/or the presence of absorbent material. Very little degradation occurs during dehydration and this means that the Dried Faeces are still rich in organic matter. However, Faeces reduce by around 75% in volume during dehydration and most pathogens die off. There is a small risk that some pathogenic organisms can be reactivated under the right conditions, particularly, in humid environments.
  
  
−
====Flushwater====
+
====Dry Cleansing Materials====  
 
{| align="left"
 
{| align="left"
−
|style="width:20px; background:#7eafce;"|  
+
|style="width:20px; background:#FFB6C1;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|}
 
|}
−
Flushwater is the water that is used to transport excreta from the User Interface to the next technology. Freshwater, rainwater, recycled greywater, or any combination of the three can be used as a Flushwater source.  
+
Dry Cleansing Materials are solid materials used to cleanse oneself after defecating and/or urinating (e.g., paper, leaves, corncobs, rags or stones). Depending on the system, Dry Cleansing Materials may be collected and separately disposed of. Although extremely important, a separate product name for menstrual hygiene products like sanitary napkins and tampons is not included in this Compendium. In general (though not always), they should be treated along with the solid waste generated in the household.
  
  
−
====Organics====
+
====Effluent====
 
{| align="left"
 
{| align="left"
−
|style="width:20px; background:#6cbf53;"|  
+
|style="width:20px; background:#698f81;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|}
 
|}
−
Organics refers here to biodegradable organic material that could also be called biomass or green organic waste. Although the other Products in this Compendium contain organics, this term refers to undigested plant material. Organics must be added to some technologies in order for them to function properly (e.g. composting chambers). Organic degradable material can include but is not limited to leaves, grass and market waste.  
+
Effluent is the general term for a liquid that leaves a technology, typically after Blackwater or Sludge has undergone solids separation or some other type of treatment. Effluent originates at either a Collection and Storage or a (Semi-) Centralized Treatment technology. Depending on the type of treatment, the Effluent may be completely sanitized or may require further treatment before it can be used or disposed of.
  
  
−
====Blackwater====
+
====Excreta====
 
{| align="left"
 
{| align="left"
−
|style="width:20px; background:#4f5a5e;"|  
+
|style="width:20px; background:#a1692a;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|}
 
|}
−
Blackwater is the mixture of urine, faeces and flushwater along with anal cleansing water (if anal cleansing is practiced) and/or dry cleansing material (e.g. toilet paper). Blackwater has all of the pathogens of faeces and all of the nutrients of urine, but diluted in flushwater.  
+
Excreta consists of Urine and Faeces that is not mixed with any Flushwater. Excreta is small in volume, but concentrated in both nutrients and pathogens. Depending on the quality of the Faeces, it has a soft or runny consistency.
  
  
−
====Faecal Sludge====
+
====Faeces====
 
{| align="left"
 
{| align="left"
−
|style="width:20px; background:#9c9158;"|  
+
|style="width:20px; background:#945941;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|}
 
|}
−
Faecal Sludge is the general term for the raw (or partially digested) slurry or solid that results from the storage of blackwater or excreta. The composition of faecal sludge varies significantly depending on the location, the water content, and the storage. For example, ammonium (NH4-N) can range from 300–3000 mg/L while Helminth eggs can reach up to 60,000 eggs/L. The composition will determine the type of treatment that is possible and the end-use possibilities.  
+
Faeces refers to (semi-solid) excrement that is not mixed with Urine or water. Depending on diet, each person produces approximately 50 L per year of faecal matter. Fresh faeces contain about 80% water. Of the total nutrients excreted, Faeces contain about 12% N, 39% P, 26% K and have 107 to 109 faecal coliforms in 100 mL.
  
  
−
====Treated Sludge====
+
====Flushwater====
 
{| align="left"
 
{| align="left"
−
|style="width:20px; background:#6e673f;"|  
+
|style="width:20px; background:#7eafce;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|}
 
|}
−
Treated Sludge is the general term for partially digested or fully stabilized faecal sludge. The US Environmental Protection Agency has strict criteria to differentiate between degrees of treatment and consequently, how those different types of sludges can be used. ‘Treated Sludge’ is used in the System Templates and in the Technology Information Sheets as a general term to indicate that the sludge has undergone some level of treatment, although it should not be assumed that ‘treated sludge’ is fully treated or that it is automatically safe. It is meant to indicate that the sludge has undergone some degree of treatment and is no longer raw. It is the responsibility of the user to inquire about the composition, quality and therefore safety of the local sludge.  
+
Flushwater is the water discharged into the User Interface to transport the content and/or clean it. Freshwater, rainwater, recycled Greywater, or any combination of the three can be used as a Flushwater source.
  
  
−
====Excreta====
+
====Greywater====
 
{| align="left"
 
{| align="left"
−
|style="width:20px; background:#a1692a;"|  
+
|style="width:20px; background:#bbc3c6;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|}
 
|}
−
Excreta consists of urine and faeces that is not mixed with any flushing water. Excreta is small in volume, but concentrated in nutrients and pathogens. Depending on the quality of the faeces it is solid, soft or runny.  
+
Greywater is the total volume of water generated from washing food, clothes and dishware, as well as from bathing, but not from toilets. It may contain traces of Excreta (e.g., from washing diapers) and, therefore, also pathogens. Greywater accounts for approximately 65% of the wastewater produced in households with flush toilets.
  
  
−
====Brownwater====
+
====Organics====
 
{| align="left"
 
{| align="left"
−
|style="width:20px; background:#a98674;"|  
+
|style="width:20px; background:#228b22;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|}
 
|}
−
Brownwater consists of faeces and flushwater (although in actual practice there is always some urine, as only 70–85% of the urine is diverted). Brownwater is generated by urine-diverting flush toilets and therefore, the volume depends on the volume of the flushwater used. The pathogen and nutrient load of faeces is not reduced, only diluted by the flushwater.  
+
Organics refers to biodegradable plant material (organic waste) that must be added to some technologies in order for them to function properly (e.g., Composting Chambers, S.8). Organic degradable material can include, but is not limited to, leaves, grass and market waste. Although other products in this Compendium contain organic matter, the term Organics refers to undigested plant material.
  
  
−
====Dried faeces====
+
====Pit Humus====
 
{| align="left"
 
{| align="left"
−
|style="width:20px; background:#5c1613;"|  
+
|style="width:20px; background:#67703d;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|}
 
|}
−
Dried faeces are faeces that have been dehydrated at high temperatures (and high pH) until they become a dry, sanitized powder. Very little degradation occurs during dehydration and this means that the dried faeces are still rich in organic material. Faeces will reduce in volume by around 75%. There is a small risk that some organisms can be reactivated in the right environments.  
+
Pit Humus is the term used to describe the nutrient- rich, hygienically improved, humic material that is generated in double pit technologies (S.4-S.6) through dewatering and degradation. This earth-like product is also referred to as EcoHumus, a term conceived by Peter Morgan in Zimbabwe. The various natural decomposition processes taking place in alternating pits can be both aerobic and anaerobic in nature, depending on the technology and operating conditions. The main difference between Pit Humus and Compost is that the degradation processes are passive and are not subjected to a controlled oxygen supply, C:N ratio, humidity and temperature. Therefore, the rate of pathogen reduction is generally slower and the quality of the product, including its nutrient and organic matter content, can vary considerably. Pit Humus can look very similar to Compost and have good soil conditioning properties, although pathogens may still be present.
  
  
−
====Stored urine====
+
====Pre-Treatment Products====
 
{| align="left"
 
{| align="left"
−
|style="width:20px; background:#dac354;"|  
+
|style="width:20px; background:#551A8B;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|}
 
|}
−
Stored urine is urine that has been hydrolyzed naturally over time, i.e. the urea has been converted by enzymes into carbon dioxide and ammonia. Stored urine has a pH of approximately 9. After 6 months of storage, the risk of pathogen transmission is reduced considerably.
+
Pre-Treatment Products are materials separated from Blackwater, Brownwater, Greywater or Sludge in preliminary treatment units, such as screens, grease traps or grit chambers (see PRE, p. 100). Substances like fats, oil, grease, and various solids (e.g. sand, fibres and trash), can impair transport and/or treatment efficiency through clogging and wear. Therefore, early removal of these substances is crucial for the durability of a sanitation system.
−
 
 
  
  
−
====Effluent====
+
====Sludge====
 
{| align="left"
 
{| align="left"
−
|style="width:20px; background:#698f81;"|  
+
|style="width:20px; background:#9c9158;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|}
 
|}
−
Effluent is the general term for liquid that has undergone some level of treatment and/or separation from solids. It originates at either a Collection and Storage/Treatment or a (Semi-) Centralized Treatment Technology. Depending on the type of treatment, the effluent may be completely sanitized or may require further treatment before it can be used or disposed of.  
+
Sludge is a mixture of solids and liquids, containing mostly Excreta and water, in combination with sand, grit, metals, trash and/or various chemical compounds. A distinction can be made between faecal Sludge and wastewater Sludge. Faecal Sludge comes from onsite sanitation technologies, i.e., it has not been transported through a sewer. It can be raw or partially digested, a slurry or semisolid, and results from the Collection and Storage/Treatment of Excreta or Blackwater, with or without Greywater. For a more detailed characterization of faecal Sludge refer to Strande et al., 2014 (see Sector Development Tools, p. 9). Wastewater Sludge (also referred to as sewage Sludge) is Sludge that originates
 +
from sewer-based wastewater collection and (Semi-) Centralized Treatment processes. The Sludge composition will determine the type of treatment that is required and the end-use possibilities.
  
  
−
====Compost - EcoHumus====
+
====Stored Urine====
 
{| align="left"
 
{| align="left"
−
|style="width:20px; background:#67703d;"|  
+
|style="width:20px; background:#b2b200;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|}
 
|}
−
Compost/EcoHumus is the earth-like, brown/black material that is the result of decomposed organic matter. Generally Compost/EcoHumus has been hygienized sufficiently that it can be used safely in agriculture. Because of leaching, some of the nutrients are lost, but the material is still rich in nutrients and organic matter.  
+
Stored Urine is Urine that has been hydrolysed naturally over time, i.e., the urea has been converted by enzymes into ammonia and bicarbonate. Stored Urine has a pH of approximately 9. Most pathogens cannot survive at this pH. After 6 months of storage, the risk of pathogen transmission is considerably reduced.
  
  
−
====Biogas====
+
====Stormwater====
 
{| align="left"
 
{| align="left"
−
|style="width:20px; background:#cc1515;"|  
+
|style="width:20px; background:#6b9ea3;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|}
 
|}
−
Biogas is the common name for the mixture of gases released from anaerobic digestion. Typically biogas is comprised of methane (50–75%), carbon dioxide (25–50%) and varying quantities of nitrogen, hydrogen sulphide, water and other components.  
+
Stormwater is the general term for the rainfall runoff collected from roofs, roads and other surfaces before flowing towards low-lying land. It is the portion of rainfall that does not infiltrate into the soil.
  
  
−
====Forage====
+
====Urine====
 
{| align="left"
 
{| align="left"
−
|style="width:20px; background:#53a940;"|  
+
|style="width:20px; background:#e1f85e;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|style="background:#ffffff;"|  
 
|}
 
|}
−
Forage refers to aquatic or other plants that grow in planted drying beds or constructed wetlands and may be harvested for feeding livestock.
+
Urine is the liquid produced by the body to rid itself of urea and other waste products. In this context, the Urine product refers to pure Urine that is not mixed with Faeces or water. Depending on diet, human Urine collected from one person during one year (approx. 300 to 550 L) contains 2 to 4 kg of nitrogen. With the exception of some rare cases, Urine is sterile when it leaves the body.
  
  
−
==References==
+
===References===
  
 
* Elizabeth Tilley et.al (2008). [http://www.eawag.ch/organisation/abteilungen/sandec/publikationen/publications_sesp/downloads_sesp/compendium_high.pdf Compendium of Sanitation Systems and Technologies] ([http://www.eawag.ch/organisation/abteilungen/sandec/publikationen/publications_sesp/downloads_sesp/compendium_low.pdf low res version]). Department of Water and Sanitation in Development Countries ([http://www.sandec.ch/ Sandec]) at the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag).
 
* Elizabeth Tilley et.al (2008). [http://www.eawag.ch/organisation/abteilungen/sandec/publikationen/publications_sesp/downloads_sesp/compendium_high.pdf Compendium of Sanitation Systems and Technologies] ([http://www.eawag.ch/organisation/abteilungen/sandec/publikationen/publications_sesp/downloads_sesp/compendium_low.pdf low res version]). Department of Water and Sanitation in Development Countries ([http://www.sandec.ch/ Sandec]) at the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag).

Latest revision as of 02:53, 1 November 2014

Products

Products are materials that are also called ‘wastes’ or ‘resources’. Some products are generated directly by humans (e.g., Urine and Faeces), others are required in the functioning of technologies (e.g., Flushwater to move Excreta through sewers) and some are generated as a function of storage or treatment (e.g., Sludge).

For the design of a robust sanitation system, it is necessary to define all of the products that are flowing into (inputs) and out of (outputs) each of the sanitation technologies in the system. The products referenced within this text are described below.


Anal Cleansing Water

   

Anal cleansing water is water used to cleanse oneself after defecating and/or urinating; it is generated by those who use water, rather than dry material, for anal cleansing. The volume of water used per cleaning typically ranges from 0.5 L to 3 L.


Biomass

   

Biomass refers to plants or animals cultivated using the water and/or nutrients flowing through a sanitation system. The term Biomass may include fish, insects, vegetables, fruit, forage or other beneficial crops that can be utilized for food, feed, fibre and fuel production.


Biogas

   

Biogas is the common name for the mixture of gases released from anaerobic digestion. Biogas is comprised of methane (50 to 75%), carbon dioxide (25 to 50%) and varying quantities of nitrogen, hydrogen sulphide, water vapour and other components. Biogas can be collected and burned for fuel (like propane).


Blackwater

   

Blackwater is the mixture of Urine, Faeces and Flushwater along with Anal Cleansing Water (if water is used for cleansing) and/or Dry Cleansing Materials (see Figure 1). Blackwater contains the pathogens of Faeces and the nutrients of Urine that are diluted in the Flushwater.


Brownwater

   

Brownwater is the mixture of Faeces and Flushwater, and does not contain Urine. It is generated by Urine-Diverting Flush Toilets (U.6) and, therefore, the volume depends on the volume of the Flushwater used. The pathogen and nutrient load of Faeces is not reduced, only diluted by the Flushwater. Brownwater may also include Anal Cleansing Water (if water is used for cleansing) and/or Dry Cleansing Materials (see Figure 1).


Compost

   

Compost is decomposed organic matter that results from a controlled aerobic degradation process. In this biological process, microorganisms (mainly bacteria and fungi) decompose the biodegradable waste components and produce an earth-like, odourless, brown/ black material. Compost has excellent soil-conditioning properties and a variable nutrient content. Because of leaching and volatilization, some of the nutrients may be lost, but the material is still rich in nutrients and organic matter. Generally, Excreta or Sludge should be composted long enough (2 to 4 months) under thermophilic conditions (55 to 60 °C) in order to be sanitized sufficiently for safe agricultural use. This temperature is not guaranteed in most Composting Chambers (S.8), but considerable pathogen reduction can normally be achieved.


Dried Faeces

   

Dried Faeces are Faeces that have been dehydrated until they become a dry, crumbly material. Dehydration takes place by storing Faeces in a dry environment with good ventilation, high temperatures and/or the presence of absorbent material. Very little degradation occurs during dehydration and this means that the Dried Faeces are still rich in organic matter. However, Faeces reduce by around 75% in volume during dehydration and most pathogens die off. There is a small risk that some pathogenic organisms can be reactivated under the right conditions, particularly, in humid environments.


Dry Cleansing Materials

   

Dry Cleansing Materials are solid materials used to cleanse oneself after defecating and/or urinating (e.g., paper, leaves, corncobs, rags or stones). Depending on the system, Dry Cleansing Materials may be collected and separately disposed of. Although extremely important, a separate product name for menstrual hygiene products like sanitary napkins and tampons is not included in this Compendium. In general (though not always), they should be treated along with the solid waste generated in the household.


Effluent

   

Effluent is the general term for a liquid that leaves a technology, typically after Blackwater or Sludge has undergone solids separation or some other type of treatment. Effluent originates at either a Collection and Storage or a (Semi-) Centralized Treatment technology. Depending on the type of treatment, the Effluent may be completely sanitized or may require further treatment before it can be used or disposed of.


Excreta

   

Excreta consists of Urine and Faeces that is not mixed with any Flushwater. Excreta is small in volume, but concentrated in both nutrients and pathogens. Depending on the quality of the Faeces, it has a soft or runny consistency.


Faeces

   

Faeces refers to (semi-solid) excrement that is not mixed with Urine or water. Depending on diet, each person produces approximately 50 L per year of faecal matter. Fresh faeces contain about 80% water. Of the total nutrients excreted, Faeces contain about 12% N, 39% P, 26% K and have 107 to 109 faecal coliforms in 100 mL.


Flushwater

   

Flushwater is the water discharged into the User Interface to transport the content and/or clean it. Freshwater, rainwater, recycled Greywater, or any combination of the three can be used as a Flushwater source.


Greywater

   

Greywater is the total volume of water generated from washing food, clothes and dishware, as well as from bathing, but not from toilets. It may contain traces of Excreta (e.g., from washing diapers) and, therefore, also pathogens. Greywater accounts for approximately 65% of the wastewater produced in households with flush toilets.


Organics

   

Organics refers to biodegradable plant material (organic waste) that must be added to some technologies in order for them to function properly (e.g., Composting Chambers, S.8). Organic degradable material can include, but is not limited to, leaves, grass and market waste. Although other products in this Compendium contain organic matter, the term Organics refers to undigested plant material.


Pit Humus

   

Pit Humus is the term used to describe the nutrient- rich, hygienically improved, humic material that is generated in double pit technologies (S.4-S.6) through dewatering and degradation. This earth-like product is also referred to as EcoHumus, a term conceived by Peter Morgan in Zimbabwe. The various natural decomposition processes taking place in alternating pits can be both aerobic and anaerobic in nature, depending on the technology and operating conditions. The main difference between Pit Humus and Compost is that the degradation processes are passive and are not subjected to a controlled oxygen supply, C:N ratio, humidity and temperature. Therefore, the rate of pathogen reduction is generally slower and the quality of the product, including its nutrient and organic matter content, can vary considerably. Pit Humus can look very similar to Compost and have good soil conditioning properties, although pathogens may still be present.


Pre-Treatment Products

   

Pre-Treatment Products are materials separated from Blackwater, Brownwater, Greywater or Sludge in preliminary treatment units, such as screens, grease traps or grit chambers (see PRE, p. 100). Substances like fats, oil, grease, and various solids (e.g. sand, fibres and trash), can impair transport and/or treatment efficiency through clogging and wear. Therefore, early removal of these substances is crucial for the durability of a sanitation system.


Sludge

   

Sludge is a mixture of solids and liquids, containing mostly Excreta and water, in combination with sand, grit, metals, trash and/or various chemical compounds. A distinction can be made between faecal Sludge and wastewater Sludge. Faecal Sludge comes from onsite sanitation technologies, i.e., it has not been transported through a sewer. It can be raw or partially digested, a slurry or semisolid, and results from the Collection and Storage/Treatment of Excreta or Blackwater, with or without Greywater. For a more detailed characterization of faecal Sludge refer to Strande et al., 2014 (see Sector Development Tools, p. 9). Wastewater Sludge (also referred to as sewage Sludge) is Sludge that originates from sewer-based wastewater collection and (Semi-) Centralized Treatment processes. The Sludge composition will determine the type of treatment that is required and the end-use possibilities.


Stored Urine

   

Stored Urine is Urine that has been hydrolysed naturally over time, i.e., the urea has been converted by enzymes into ammonia and bicarbonate. Stored Urine has a pH of approximately 9. Most pathogens cannot survive at this pH. After 6 months of storage, the risk of pathogen transmission is considerably reduced.


Stormwater

   

Stormwater is the general term for the rainfall runoff collected from roofs, roads and other surfaces before flowing towards low-lying land. It is the portion of rainfall that does not infiltrate into the soil.


Urine

   

Urine is the liquid produced by the body to rid itself of urea and other waste products. In this context, the Urine product refers to pure Urine that is not mixed with Faeces or water. Depending on diet, human Urine collected from one person during one year (approx. 300 to 550 L) contains 2 to 4 kg of nitrogen. With the exception of some rare cases, Urine is sterile when it leaves the body.


References

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