Assessing odor issues and control strategies for the RTTC (Reinvent the Toilet Challenge)

Purpose

Development of odor control and mitigation solutions for various Reinvented Toilet systems and fecal sludge management (FSM)

Activities

This project seeks to improve the adoption rate of sustainable sanitation services and their intrinsic health benefits through the development of odor control and mitigation solutions for various “Reinvented Toilet” (RT) systems and fecal sludge management (FSM) technologies. Cleaner smelling toilets will be more successful at overcoming a key barrier to broader public uptake of new sanitation solutions.

Malodor nuisance is a major risk factor in the adoption of effective fecal sludge management. It has been reported that filthy and smelly latrines motivate people to practice open defecation in areas with poor sanitation. This project focuses on what can be done to address the odor issue. The challenges of mitigating odor nuisances are very significant, owing to the highly odorous nature of fecal matter, the multiple ways that odorants can be released to the atmosphere, and the very low concentrations at which these odorants cause nuisance. Malodor can be released, evolve and cause nuisance at the source directly in toilets, during storage, handling, processing and disposal of fecal waste. Effective methods for preventing, capturing and destroying odors are required for successful adoption of any toilet or sanitation technology being developed.

Countries of activity

Location of main activity

Objectives

(1) Survey the malodor landscape in FSM using an on-line survey, (2) Adsorption studies (Boulder team), (3) Biofiltration Studies (Duke team), and (4) Filling knowledge gaps and preparing for pilot testing and field trials in locations yet to be determined.

Filter tags

Behaviour change Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Fundamental research and engineering Global Health and hygiene North America Product design and engineering Technology comparisons Toilets or urinals (user interface) University, education or research institution

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