Evaluation of conceptual model and predictors of faecal sludge dewatering performance in Senegal and Tanzania. (15th December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ward, Barbara J.; Traber, Jacqueline; Gueye, Amadou; Diop, Bécaye; Morgenroth, Eberhard; Strande, Linda
• Is Part Of: Water research. Volume 167(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-12-15
• Subjects: Fecal sludge -- EPS -- CST -- Stabilization -- Public toilet; Water -- Pollution -- Research -- Periodicals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.115101
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0043-1354

Abstract

Abstract: Unpredictable dewatering performance is a barrier to the effective management and treatment of faecal sludge. While mechanisms of dewatering in sludges from wastewater treatment are well understood, it is not clear how dewatering of faecal sludge fits into the framework of existing knowledge. We evaluate physical-chemical parameters, including EPS and cations, and demographic (source), environmental (microbial community), and technical factors (residence time) as possible predictors of dewatering performance in faecal sludge, and make comparisons to the existing conceptual model for wastewater sludge. Faecal sludge from public toilets took longer to dewater than sludge from other sources, and had turbid supernatant after settling. Slow dewatering and turbid supernatant corresponded to high EPS and monovalent cation concentrations, conductivity, and pH, but cake solids after dewatering was not correlated with EPS or other factors. Faecal sludges with higher EPS appeared less stabilised than those with lower EPS, potentially a result of inhibition of biological degradation due to high urine concentrations. However, distinct microbial community compositions were also observed in samples with higher and lower EPS concentrations. Higher EPS faecal sludge was comparable in dewatering behaviour and EPS content to anaerobically digested and primary wastewater sludges. However lower EPS faecal sludges had different dewatering behaviour than wastewater sludges and may be governed by different mechanisms. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Dewatering time and turbidity are related to EPS concentration in faecal sludge. Dewatered cake solids not linked to EPS in faecal sludge, in contrast to wastewater. Higher EPS faecal sludge comparable to digested or primary wastewater sludge. EC, pH, and cations correlated with dewatering time and turbidity. Demographic data can be a predictor of dewatering time.