Furlong, C., Templeton, M. R., Gibson, W. T. (2014) Processing of human faeces by wet vermifiltration for improved on-site sanitation

The use of a vermifilter containing Eisenia fetida to degrade human faeces in a continuous wet system was explored. This paper aimed to understand the formation of vermicompost within the system, the quality of the effluent produced, and the effect of different bedding matrices. Eight filters were constructed, utilising four different bedding materials: four of these systems were seeded with 400 g of worms (vermifilters) […]

Furlong, C., Gibson, W. T., Oak, A., Patankar, R. (2015) Faecal sludge treatment by vermifiltration proof of concept

The objective of this study was to determine if composting worms and their cocoons are able to survive in and digest faecal sludge. Eighteen vermifilters with different worm and cocoon densities were set-up, fed with faecal sludge (from portable pour-flush toilets) and ran for 38 days. Samples of the sludge, effluent and vermicompost were analysed for pH, total solids, chemical oxygen demand, faecal coliforms and […]

Rothenberger, S., Zurbrügg, C., Enayetullah, I., Sinha, A.H.M. (2006) Decentralised Composting For Cities Of Low-And Middle-Income Countries A Users’ Manual

This manual has been prepared for use by local nongovernmental and community-based organisations (e.g. resident initiatives) and relevant persons in urban local governments. Private organisations or entrepreneurs interested in organic waste recycling may also benefit from this book. It may also help development agencies and other government sectors in planning waste management and composting programmes. It can be used as a basic source of information […]

Heinss, U., Larmie, S. A., Strauss, M. (1999) Characteristics of Faecal Sludges and their Solids-Liquid Separation

Based on the Field Report Entitled "Sedimentation Tank Sludge Accumulation Study" Prepared by S.A. Larmie WRI (Dec. 1994).

U.S. EPA (2000) Wastewater Technology Fact Sheet Trickling Filter Nitrification

Nitrogen is one of the principal nutrients found in wastewater. Discharges containing nitrogen can severely damage a water resource and it’s associated ecosystem. As a result, several chemical, physical and biological processes have been used to promote the removal of nitrogen. Nitrification and denitrification are two suggested processes that significantly reduce nitrogen levels in wastewater. This fact sheet will primarily focus on the nitrification process […]

Groupe Macrophytes (2005) Treatment of Domestic Wastewater by Filters Planted with Macrophytes (in French) Épuration des Eaux Usées Domestiques par Filtres Plantés de Macrophytes

Dotro G., Langergraber G., Nivala J., Puigagut J., Stein O.R., Von Sperling, M. (2017) Biological Wastewater Treatment Series Treatment Wetlands

Treatment wetlands are natural treatment technologies that efficiently treat many different types of polluted water. Treatment wetlands are engineered systems designed to optimise processes found in natural environments and are therefore considered environmentally friendly and sustainable options for wastewater treatment. Compared to other wastewater treatment technologies, treatment wetlands have low operation and maintenance (O&M) requirements and are robust in that performance is less susceptible to […]

Kayombo, S., Mbwette, T. S. A., Katima, J. H. Y., Ladegaard, N., Jorgensen, S. E. (2004) Waste Stabilization Ponds and Constructed Wetlands Design Manual

This manual provides comprehensive technical information about the planning, design, construction and operation of WSPs and CWs for a wide range of applications. To understand and design WSPs and CWs requires the involvement of expertise in a variety of fields, including chemistry, hydrology, soil science, plant biology, natural resources, environmental management, ecology, environmental engineering, surveying, and project management.

Von Sperling, M., De Lemos Chernicharo, C. A. (2005) Biological Wastewater Treatment in Warm Climate Regions

The implementation of wastewater treatment plants has been so far a challenge for most countries. Economical resources, political will, institutional strength and cultural background are important elements defining the trajectory of pollution control in many countries. Technological aspects are sometimes mentioned as being one of the reasons hindering further developments. However, as shown in this book, the vast array of available processes for the tretament […]

Von Sperling, M. (2007) Waste Stabilisation Ponds Biological Wastewater Treatment Series

The present series of books has been produced based on the book "Biological wastewater treatment in warm climate regions", written by the same authors and also published by IWA Publishing. In this version, the books aim at presenting consolidated technology based on worldwide experience available at the international literature. However, it should be recognised that a significant input comes from the Brazilian experience, considering the […]

EPA Ireland (1997) Waste Water Treatment Manuals Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Treatment

This manual on Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Treatment sets out the general principles and practices which should be followed by those involved in the treatment of urban waste water. It provides criteria and procedures for the proper management, maintenance, supervision, operation and use of the processes and equipment required for the secondary treatment of wastewater. The Agency hopes that it will provide practical guidance to […]

EPA (2009) Managing Stormwater with Low Impact Development Practices: Addressing Barriers to LID

This fact sheet seeks to address potential concerns and barriers regarding LID techniques, compared to conventional stormwater management practices.

WHO (1991) Surface water drainage for low income communities

Many low-income communities in developing countries consider stormwater dra inage to be their most urgent need as far as urban infrastructure is concerned. This is partly because their houses are often built on unsuitable land. In areas sufficiently close to the city centre for the journey to work to be affordable, land prices tend to be beyond their means. The only land they can afford, […]

Bjerregaard, M., Meekings, H. (2008) Low cost drainage for emergencies

Effective drainage is important in emergencies when there is a risk of flooding or there is a risk of poor environmental health conditions developing from standing water, muddy conditions, or erosion. It would not usually be the first priority in the initial stages of an emergency, but should be considered after the immediate water, sanitation and hygiene needs have been met. Sites which have natural […]

Mara, D. D., Sleigh, A., Tayler, K. (2001) PC-Based Simplified Sewer Design

Simplified sewerage is an important sanitation option in peri-urban areas of developing countries, especially as it is often the only technically feasible solution in these high-density areas. It is a sanitation technology widely known in Latin America, but it is much less well known in Africa and Asia. It is the purpose of this Manual to disseminate this technology more widely in the developing world, […]

EPA (2002) Collection Systems Technology Fact Sheet Sewers Conventional Gravity

Sewers are commonly referred to according to the type of wastewater that each transports. For example, storm sewers carry stormwater; industrial sewers carry industrial wastes; sanitary sewers carry both domestic sewage and industrial wastes. Another type of sewer, known as a combined sewer, is prevalent in older communities, but such systems are no longer constructed. Combined sewers carry domestic sewage, industrial waste, and stormwater. This […]

Malambo, D. (2014) Sanitizing Faecal Sludge using Lactic Acid Bacteria in Emergencies

Providing safe excreta collection and disposal in emergency situations has remained one of the most urgent priorities in the disaster relief effort. This is because of the high risk to human health that exposed and unsanitized human excreta pose. With an increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters in recent years, humanitarian aid and related organisations worldwide are currently exploring sustainable low cost […]

Ligocka, A., Paluszak, Z. (2004) Capability of lactic acid bacteria to inhibit pathogens in sewage sludge subject to biotechnological processes.

The investigation included 30 isolates of lactic bacteria originating from different sources (composted green materials, EM “Greenland” preparation as well as Lactobacillus brevis and L. plantarum cultures), and the following pathogens: Salmonella sp., Listeria monocytogenes, L. innocua, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis and Bacillus cereus. Lactic bacteria were inoculated pointwise and incubated under anaerobic conditions, then covered with a layer […]

González P., M. E. (2014) Sanitising faecal sludge with ammonia (from urea) in the context of emergency situations Master thesis

In an emergency situation, the collection, treatment and disposal of the human excreta and waste in a safe way is one of the biggest challenges to face, regardless the type of disaster. When it comes to faecal sludge management, the traditional desludging methods can often not be appropriate in an acute emergency phase. Consequently, relief organisations aim to apply new and simple approaches and modular […]

Nordin, A., Nyberg, K., Vinneras, B. (2009) Inactivation of Ascaris Eggs in Source-Separated Urine and Feces by Ammonia at Ambient Temperatures

Sustainable management of toilet waste must prevent disease transmission but allow reuse of plant nutrients. Inactivation of uterus-derived Ascaris suum eggs was studied in relation to ammonia in source-separated urine without additives and in human feces to which urea had been added, in order to evaluate ammonia-based sanitation for production of safe fertilizers from human excreta. Urine was used concentrated or diluted 1:1 and 1:3 […]