Characterisation of pit latrine sludge from Shackleton, a Peri-urban residential area of Zimbabwe

Abstract

The objective of this study was to characterise the physical and chemical properties of human faecal sludge from various pit latrines in relation to the differences in usage and management practices of each pit over time. Physico-chemical parameters were measured from the sludge collected from the top layers of six different pit latrines that were sampled six times at an interval of 40 days. Data were also collected on pit user habits and management practices. Multivariate statistical analyses were carried out to determine the variations in sludge physico-chemical characteristics among the pits and the associations between these and user habits and management practices. The results showed that the sludge characteristics from the six pits were significantly different from each other (global test sample statistic (R): 0.862 and p < 0.002). This study also indicated that user habits were important determinants of pit sludge characteristics. This study scientifically contributes to knowledge on how pit management and usage practices determine the potential value and quality of pit latrine sludge for various anaerobic digestion applications for resource recovery. The findings also contribute the knowledge required for the management and treatment of pit latrine sludge, adoption and adaptation of new treatment technologies for local use.