Drying Kinetics Characteristics of Human Fecal Matter For the Development of Onsite Sanitation Technologies

TitleDrying Kinetics Characteristics of Human Fecal Matter For the Development of Onsite Sanitation Technologies
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2021
AuthorsK.L Sellgren, Blessing Makununika, Brendon Lynch, Santiago Septien, Konstantina Velkushanova, Jon Pocock, Mikayla Stoner, Tate Rogers, Jeff Piascik, Chris Buckley, and Brian Stoner
JournalThe Journal of Solid Waste Technology and Management
Volume47
Issue1
Pagination120 - 130
Date PublishedJan-02-2021
ISSN1088-1697
KeywordsCONDITIONING, DRYING KINETICS, FECAL SLUDGE, FRESH FECES, ON-SITE SANITATION
Abstract

This study aims to define the drying kinetics of two types of human fecal matter, stabilized sludge removed from South African pit latrines and unstabilized fresh fecal material collected from healthy donors in the United States. For the purposes of this study the effects of convection, temperature, and relative humidity on the overall drying kinetics were determined. The differences in drying kinetics observed between stabilized and unstabilized material are hypothesized to be related to increased free water content in the stabilized material. Additionally, we explored a fast and efficient method that could be utilized by in-situ waste treatment technologies to increase the free water content of fresh fecal matter to decrease drying time. The outputs from this study are expected to provide insight for the development of onsite sanitation facilities with in-situ treatment of fecal matter and enable production of a stabilized product that is safe for transport or resource recovery.

URLhttps://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/10.5276/JSWTM/2021.120
DOI10.5276/JSWTM/2021.120
Short Titlej solid waste technol mngmnt