Library

Lessons from a Médecins Sans Frontières Program

Dorion,S., Hunter,P.R., Van den Bergh,R., Roure,C., Delchevalerie, P., Reid, T., Maes,P.

2012

PLOS ONE

With an increasing move towards outpatient therapeutic feeding for moderately and severely malnourished children, the home environment has become an increasingly important factor in achieving good program outcomes. Infections, including those water-borne, may significantly delay weight gain in a therapeutic feeding program. This study examined the relationship between adequacy of water supply and children’s length of stay in a therapeutic feeding program in Niger.

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Trends Shaping the Market for Urban Sanitation

Schaub-Jones, D.

2012

Stockholm Environment Institute, BPD Water & Sanitation

It does seem that the term sanitation as a business is gaining some momentum. Perhaps sanitation is not yet sexy, but it is certainly gaining more attention than it did a few years ago. This paper tries, by looking more closely at one specific sanitation market, to tease out some of the broader trends affecting the sanitation sector and, in particular, unsewered sanitation. It looks at how this market is structured, where value exists and how this is monetised and suggests how this market is evolving. It also looks at how outsiders are looking to support the development and professionalization of the market. This paper also addresses some broader trends that shape markets in unsewered sanitation. While a dramatic change in approach in developing countries is highly unlikely, even a marginal shift towards alternatives to centralised sewer systems could have significant ramifications for developing countries. In Africa at least, few countries have succeeded in putting in place sewerage networks of any great scale. Many inherited their networks at independence and these have not always been well maintained (never mind kept pace with rapid urbanisation). Yet attention to other forms of waste management has been minimal; mostly those ‘without’ have been left to fend for themselves. Research and development into alternatives has been minimal and when it comes to technical choices, engineering approaches and norms and standards, professionals in the sector have generally taken their lead from developed countries.

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A transdisciplinary project of urine diversion

Mitchell, C., Fam, D., Abeysuriya, K.

2013

Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney

This research project was initiated and delivered by the Institute for Sustainable Futures(ISF) at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). ISF’s mission is to create change toward sustainable futures that protect and enhance the environment, human well-being and social equity. For further information visit www.isf.uts.edu.au. The goal of the UTS Sustainable Sanitation project was to open up the space for urine diversion to become a viable concept in the urban environment.

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Various documents on results from research grant

McGuire, D.

2013

New Life International, Inc., Underwood, Indiana, USA

This library entry contains background documents for a grant that Duvon McGuire is leading and which is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Further information and a discussion is available on the SuSanA discussion forum: http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/105-processing-technologies-for-excreta-or-faecal-sludge/3936-overcoming-a-strategic-roadblock-to-idealized-sanitation-new-life-international-usa Goal(s): The goal of this project is to strategically tackle the critical technological roadblock of needed compressed air for “idealized sanitation solutions”. Objectives: 1- Determine the feasibility of creating a developing world appropriate “liquid ring type compressor/aerator”. 2- Determine whether a liquid ring type compressor can be created such that it can operate in the horizontal plain instead of the conventional vertical plain. 3- Design the resulting compressor/aerator such that it is “designed for manufacturing” and “tool-able” using low cost injection molding techniques to help insure global access. 4- Redefine “appropriate technology” and “sustainability” as something that not only works, but lasts.

Various documents on results from research grant

Wang, J.

2013

Frontier Environmental Technology, Rolla, Missouri, USA

This library entry contains background documents for a grant that Jianmin Wang is leading and which is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Further information and a discussion is available on the SuSanA discussion forum: http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/98-resource-recovery-from-excreta-or-faecal-sludge/4209-biogas-generator-powered-by-self-sustaining-mixing-mechanism-frontier-environmental-technology-usa Goal(s): The goal of this project is to develop a high-efficiency biogas generator capable of producing the quantity of biogas and quality of effluent typical of advanced biogas generators, but without their inherent power or maintenance requirements. Objectives: (a) to develop a mixing device that uses the biogas generated from the lower portion of the biogas generator to automatically mix the generator content, without external energy input and mechanical moving parts; (b) to preliminary test the performance improvement of the biogas generator that integrates the self-mixing capability with the conventional biogas generators. How does it work? Overall, I have a mixing device within the reactor. This device collects gas bubbles from the lower portion of the tank. At a certain gas volume, the entire amount of the gas is released all together, creating a suction from the tank bottom and mixing the reactor. It uses the lifting power of the biogas bubbles created within the reactor therefore it does not need external power to drive it. Also, it does not have any mechanical moving parts, and all function is accomplished hydraulically. Therefore it is expected to be maintenance-free. Possible applications: We intend to use this unit for family use to replace old, large non-mixing digesters, because the old systems are so large that they have to be built on-site with causes lots of issues. Since our self-mixing units are small we can fabricate them in a central location to reduce cost and improve product quality. Major frustrations: Our project has a very good start but we were disappointed that we did not get follow up funding for continued development and testing. Since this technology is so different than conventional thinking it may take some time to understand. The majority of the work during the research is to make the self-mixing biogas generator mechanically functional and to prove the self-mixing concept. Therefore, the actual biogas data is very limited. I really wished to have more funding to continue this research with a more realistic reactor, but it did not happen yet. We are welcoming supports from funding agencies and collaborators to continue this work. Authors: Canter, T., Wang, J., Atkinson, M (2012) +++++++++++ Documents available for download below: 1- Self-Mixing Biogas Generator (Presentation at FSM2 Conference in Durban, South Africa, Oct. 2012) 2- Self-Mixing Biogas Generator (Poster at FSM2 Conference in Durban, South Africa, Oct. 2012)

Various documents on results from research grant

Maradufu, A.

2013

University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, Kenya

This library entry contains background documents for a grant that Asafu Maradufu is leading and which is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Further information and a discussion is available on the SuSanA discussion forum: http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/97-enabling-environment-and-others/4427-using-senecio-lyratipartitus-extract-after-anal-ablution-university-of-eastern-africa-kenya#4427 Short description of the project: In the early stages of this project, it was established that water kept in pans, pots and buckets for anal ablution after defecation was replete with diarrhea causing pathogens. Hands used for anal ablution were definitely contaminated with pathogens through the contaminated water. Individuals taking no measures to disinfect their hands were carrying and spreading the pathogens to members of their households and others through hand shaking and in their various duties such as cooks in hotels and as vendors of food items. The plant S. lyratus (lyratipartitus)could be used to disinfect hands and thus stop or reduce incidences of diarrhea which causes about 2 million deaths worldwide among children below the age of five. More plant materials are required to test this hypothesis on a wider scale and also mount campaigns to educate people of the findings. Goal(s): The goal of this project is to produce a gel-based disinfectant from plant extracts of Senecio lyratipartitus which can be applied to hands. This disinfectant will reduce contamination associated with the practice of anal ablution among certain communities. Objectives: To develop an affordable hand sanitizer from the senecio lyratipartitus which can be applied on hands after anal ablution and thus prevent or reduce cases of diarrhea not only within a given household but also in a wider population. To sensitize populations practicing anal ablution of the inevitable dangers of spreading diarrhea through undisinfected hands to individuals and a given population. Authors: Maradufu, A., Obey, J. K., Sang, B. C., Khang’ati, J. E. (2012) +++++++++++ Documents available for download below: 1- Using Senecio Lyratipartitus as a hand disinfectant after anal ablution (Presentation at FSM2 Conference in Durban, South Africa, Oct. 2012) 2- Using Senecio Lyratipartitus as a hand disinfectant after anal ablution (Presentation at FSM2 Conference in Durban, South Africa, Oct. 2012)

Various documents on results from research grant

Robbins, D.

2013

RTI, International, North Carolina, USA

This library entry contains background documents for a grant that David Robbins is leading and which is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Further information and a discussion is available on the SuSanA discussion forum: http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/105-processing-technologies-for-excreta-or-faecal-sludge/3856-using-cocopeat-for-treating-septic-tank-effluent-rti-usa-philippines-indonesia-vietnam-and-other-countries Short description of the project: Commercialize the cocopeat biofiltration technology for rapid scale up through prototyping, testing in controlled and operational environments, and then launching the products through a market-based sales and distribution model. Goal(s): The goal of this project is to test and commercialize next generation low cost and sustainable wastewater treatment systems using an innovative biofilter medium harvested from crushed coconut shells. Cocopeat, the dust that remains after the coir (fibers) are removed, is proving to be an effective medium for treating wastewater. The project team is testing the cocopeat biofilters on septic tank effluent, the effluent from community biodigesters, and greywater from residential and commercial sources. Simplified construction and installation techniques are also being explored and documented for the eventual commercialization and scaling up of the technology. Objectives: a) To introduce cocopeat biofiltration technology as a viable wastewater management choice that may be lower in cost, require less area, quicker set up time and simpler operation and maintenance than other secondary wastewater systems, such as constructed wetlands or sand and gravel filters. b) to provide business opportunities to local service providers that wish to expand their services to include this low cost technology c) to help spur economic development and job creation in coconut producing areas by introducing a new product and new paradigm of low cost sanitation improvement. Research or implementation partners: o Muntinlupa City, Municipal Government, Philippines o Can Tho University, Vietnam o Instut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia o Duke University, North Carolina USA o Eram Scientific, India o Quanics, Inc. USA o Innovative Waste Consulting Services, USA +++++++++++ Documents available for download below: 1- Lessons Learned in Fecal Sludge Management: Experiences from the Philippines (Paper at FSM2 Conference in Durban, South Africa, Oct. 2012) 2- Lessons Learned in Fecal Sludge Management: Experiences from the Philippines (Presentation at FSM2 Conference in Durban, South Africa, Oct. 2012)

Various documents on results from research grant

Linden, K.

2013

University of Colorado, Boulder, USA

This library entry contains background documents for a grant that Karl Linden is leading and which is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Further information and a discussion is available on the SuSanA discussion forum: http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/105-processing-technologies-for-excreta-or-faecal-sludge/3960-sol-char-toilet-using-concentrated-solar-energy-to-treat-fecal-waste-and-produce-a-valuable-soil-amendment-colorado Project Description: Last September, our team here at the University of Colorado, Boulder took on the BMGF challenge to reinvent the toilet with a novel approach that utilizes concentrated solar energy to safely and efficiently char fecal waste without the need for intensive pre-drying. As a quick overview, our toilet – the Sol-Char Toilet – is a waterless, self-contained toilet that functions off-the-grid. Concentrated sunlight is delivered to fiber optic bundles located at the focus of parabolic concentrators (see Concept Sketch). The fiber optic cables are fed to the reaction compartment of the Sol-Char where the various individual cables are terminated at an outer or “solar” lid positioned over the waste collection container. The innovative transmission of concentrated solar power illuminates the inner collection container and disinfects the waste though conduction, convection, and radiation heat transfer. The reaction compartment comprises two or more containers that are alternated between “collection” and “reaction” modes via a simple carousel system that can be automated (powered with photovoltaic energy) or manually controlled. The reactor is designed to achieve high temperatures (300oC to 750oC) and produces a safe and useable product. Research Goal: Our goal during this phase 1 of research is to develop a functioning toilet prototype that will provide a scientific basis for utilizing concentrated solar energy to safely disinfect and transform human waste into valuable end products (such as char for agricultural soil application). On-going research activities include: • Solar collection and transmission optimization • Reactor modeling and fabrication • Char product evaluation and testing o Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and dry pyrolysis chars will be compared o Dry pyrolysis will also be evaluated with mixed waste and urine diversion to determine the best utilization of nutrients o Adsorption studies will be conducted in the liquid and gas phase to determine if the char can be further enriched with NPK • Means for odor control, gas utilization, and final product storage • User interface and safety features Our prototype development is underway and we are excited to further advance this technology. We welcome your feedback and comments! +++++++++++ Documents available for download below: Solar Biochar Toilet (Presentation at FSM2 Conference in Durban, South Africa, Oct. 2012)

Briefing Note

Lennon, S.

2011

SHARE (Sanitation and Hygiene Applied Research for Equity) and WaterAid, UK

The link between a lack of access to water and sanitation facilities and sexual violence against women is not well known and to date has received insufficient attention. This document attempts to highlight this link within the context of urban slums in Delhi, and suggests how this problem can be addressed. Access to water and sanitation services and the fulfilment of these fundamental human rights is experienced differently by men and women. The lack of access to sanitation and drinking water affects women and girls disproportionately, by impacting on their health and dignity, contributing to their vulnerability, and thereby frustrating efforts to empower women to lead a healthy and economically productive life. Women without water supplies and toilets within their homes are potentially vulnerable to sexual violence when travelling to and from public facilities, when using public facilities and when they have to defecate in the open in the absence of any amenities.

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Various documents on results from research grant

Deshusses, M.

2013

Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA

This library entry contains background documents for a grant that Marc Deshusses is leading and which is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Further information and a discussion is available on the SuSanA discussion forum: http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/105-processing-technologies-for-excreta-or-faecal-sludge/2952-effective-sewage-sanitation-with-low-co2-footprint-duke-university-in-durham-north-carolina-usa#2952 Short description of the project: The overall objective of our project is to develop and demonstrate the proof of concept a novel self-contained and energy neutral sanitation technology that relies on anaerobic digestion of the wastes to generate biogas and utilization of the biogas thus produced to heat-sterilize the treated effluent. The system utilizes simple and reliable equipment so that it does not require a skilled operator or any special maintenance regime. Goal: Provide proof of concept of anaerobic digestion coupled with heat sterilization for a self-sanitizing system for developing communities Activities and objectives The project has been divided in two main parts: a) The anaerobic reactor (lab scale): design and performance b) The heat sterilization system (full-scale or near full-scale): design, construction and proof of concept to heat-sterilize the treated sewage effluent The main goal of the lab anaerobic reactor is to prove the suitability of a mixture of feces and urine to serve as a substrate for the anaerobic process focused mainly in the yield and rate of biogas production. The concern is mainly to achieve usual biogas yields and obtain suitable rates of biogas production. Regarding the heat sterilization system, the challenge is to design a simple and low-cost system with virtually no moving parts, that can effectively deployed, e.g., as a replacement of pit latrines. Research or implementation partners: Chepkoilel University, Eldoret, Kenya Further authors: Deshusses, M., Colon, J., Forbis-Stokes, A. +++++++++++ Documents available for download below: 1- Effective sewage sanitation with low CO2 footprint (Paper at FSM2 Conference in Durban, South Africa, Oct. 2012) 2- Effective sewage sanitation with low CO2 footprint (Presentation at FSM2 Conference in Durban, South Africa, Oct. 2012)