Sanitation research fund_NEW JULY

SUMMARYThe Sanitation Research Fund for Africa Programme aims to stimulate local competency and capacity in the sanitation sector in the Eastern and Southern African Regions, and to provide solutions based on good scientific evidence related to up-scaling dry sanitation technologies. The Programme was established through a USD 2.5 Million grant from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).

• Duration: Nov. 2012 - January 2017• Grant size: $2,499,982 (OPP1044943)• WRC Contribution: USD 0.3 Million (two South African-based projects)

Two key research areas identified for the project:• Characterisation of pit contents and developing a scientific understanding of processes oc-

curring in onsite dry pit latrines systems in low income urban areas• Developing innovative techniques for pit desludging and subsequent sludge management in

low income urban settlements

Twelve research contracts were awarded, on a competitive basis to research institutes or organi-sations in the targeted areas. The projects were executed using the WRC model of research and innovation generation and dissemination.

Six institutions/organisations were selected for developing innovative techniques for pit de-sludging and subsequent management:ATL-Hydro (South Africa - Dr. Wade Edwards)Water for People (Uganda – Ms. Cate Nimanya)Mzuzu University (Malawi - Dr. Rochelle Holm)Chinhoyi University of Technology (Zimbabwe - Dr. Kurazhi Bangira)Rhodes University (South Africa – Mr. Richard Laubscher)University of the North-West (Potchefstroom) (South Africa -Prof. Carlos Bezuidenhout)

Six institutions were offered research contracts to analyse various physico-chemical proper-ties of faecal sludge: University of Botswana (Botswana - Dr. P. Odirile)Jimma University (Ethiopia – Dr. Abebe Beyene)Egerton University (Kenya – Mr. Edward Muchiri)University of Malawi (Malawi- Dr. Bernard Thole)Makerere University (Uganda –Dr. Ahamada Zziwa)University of Zambia (Zambia - Professor Imasiku Nyambe)

Contact:Mr. Jay Bhagwan ([email protected])Dr. Sudhir Pillay ([email protected])

BACKGROUNDSubstantial progress has been made with regards to access to sanitation in the developing world. With the conclusion of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the United Nations (U.N) reported that Goal 7, Target 10 - to halve the world population which did not have basic sanitation by 2015 - was achieved with 2.1 billion gaining access to improved sanitation . However, these figures are based on infrastructure targets – there is little evidence on the condition of the toilets and how the waste is collected and managed.

The developing world is noted for the predominant usage of on-site sanitation technologies. When on-site sanitation systems fill up or becomes full, it is no longer an appropriate and hygienic system. In such a situation, it leads to the question: What Happens When the Pit is Full?

Faecal sludge – a mixture of human urine and faeces of varying stability and pollutant concentration – accumulates in on-site systems and needs to be regularly collected, emptied and disposed. Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) – the management of this supply chain - has gained prominence in recent years with the realisation that on-site sanitation is not a temporary solution for many developing countries.

The Water Research Commission (WRC) together with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) has strategically invested in growing the technical capacity and knowledge base needed to support FSM in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2013, the Sanitation Research Fund for Africa (SRFA) Programme was launched through this joint strategic initiative to provide solutions in FSM based on good scientific evidence collected from sub-Saharan Africa. Through the SRFA Programme, 12 sub-Saharan African institutions and organisations were provided exclusive research contracts of up to US$200,000 to: • Scientifically elucidating the treatment processes occurring in VIP latrines and their variants

and pit filling rates; or• Develop emptying and faecal sludge beneficiation technologies.

The overall goal of the SRFA Programme aligns with the development targets proposed through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely:

Goal 6: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all:• By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing

countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies

• Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management

And Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development, specifically:• Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in

developing countries to support national plans to implement all the sustainable development goals, including through North-South, South-South and triangular cooperation

1 United Nations (U.N) (n.d). We Can End Poverty: Millennium Development Goals and Beyond 2015. Retrieved from: http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/environ.shtml. [Date accessed 14 April 2016].

CAPACITY BUILDING DETAILSTwelve research teams were competitively-awarded research contracts for up to US$200,000. The Terms of Reference for the SRFA Programme had a requirement for post-graduate candidates, specifically MSc and PhD candidates. The research projects were managed through the WRC’s 45 year old Research and Innovation model which includes peer review from the world’s leading sanitation experts.

PIT CHARACTERISATIONSix research teams were selected to perform in-country analysis of the physico-chemical charac-teristics of faecal sludge:

Research Team Country Project LeaderUniversity of Botswana Botswana Phil OdirileJimma University Ethiopia Abebe BeyeneEgerton University Kenya Edward MuchiriUniversity of Malawi Malawi Bernard TholeMakerere University Uganda Ahmed ZziwaUniversity of Zambia Zambia Imasiku Nyambe

EMPTYING AND BENEFICIATION TECHNOLOGIESSix research teams were selected to develop pit emptying and faecal sludge beneficiation technol-ogies:

Research Team Country Project LeaderMzuzu University Malawi Rochelle HolmATL-Hydro South Africa Wade EdwardsRhodes University South Africa Richard LaubscherUniversity of North-West South Africa Carlos BezuidenhoutWater For People Uganda Uganda Cate NimanyaChinhoyi University Zimbabwe Kurazhi Bangira

NUMBER OF RESEARCHERS SUPPORTEDThe research contracts havefacilitated the support of 53 researchers and their support staff. There are twelve project leaders for each of the 12 research and development projects with two female project leaders.

8; 15%

Project Team (n=53)

Male Female

45; 85%

2; 17%

Project Team (n=12)

MalePL

FemalePL

10; 83%

In addition to the support staff, several partnerships have made with other institutions and organ-isations to add value to other research programmes:

Research Team Research Partner Partnership RoleMzuzu University North Carolina University Field-testing supportUniversity of Botswana University of KwaZulu-Natal Data supportUniversity of Zambia University of KwaZulu-Natal Co-ordination of BMGF Omni-

ingestor workshop in Zambia

NUMBER OF STUDENTSA total of 35 active postgraduate students were involved in research activities with 5 PhD and 30 MSc candidates. Female students represent 23% of the total.

MSc PhD

5; 14%

30; 86%

Post-Graduates (n=35) Post-Graduates (n=35)

8; 23%

27; 77%

Male Female

Osbert Otwijukye is a MSc Civil Eng candidate who has been leading the research for the Water For People Uganda’s Dewatering Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant.

Khumbo Kalulu is PhD candidate who is investigat-ing the characteristics of faecal sludge for subsequent co-composting and sand filter treatment in Malawi.

Scientific Evaluation of Pit Latrine Processes

TOPICS ON PIT PROCESSES

A range of topics relating to the characterisation of faecal sludge is being conducted in six coun-tries:

First Name Family Name Country Degree Topic

Mohau Moshoeshoe Botswana PhD Establishing a methodology for determination of sludge chemical properties

Innocent Thukwi Botswana MSc Impacts of sludge management practices and policy on characteristics of sludge

Dintwa Ontiretse Botswana MSc To be determined – coursework completed

Tshenyego Lamong Botswana MSc To be determined – coursework completed

Tamene Debela Ethiopia PhD Characterisation of dry toilets along their depth profile towards valorisation of their contents

Wakigari Gamu Ethiopia MSc Evaluation of biochar derived from faecal sludge: nexus approach towards sanitation, energy and soil amendment

Jayson Maingi Kenya MSc Assessing helminthic ova viability in faecal sludge and desludging practices in Nakuru county Kenya

Fredrick Gudda Kenya MSc Characterisation of faecal sludge and user activities of Pit latrines in peri-urban settlements of Nakuru county, Kenya

Khumbo Kalulu Malawi PhD Applicability of faecal sludge-solid waste co-composting and sand filter as treatment options for treatment of faecal sludge from pit latrines in unplanned areas in Blantyre City

Chancy Chavula Malawi MPhil Microbiological characterisation of sludge and potential pit sludge contamination to nearby water source in Mtandire Township in Lilongwe

Darlington Chimutu Malawi MPhil Examination of pit sludge management, chemical sludge characteristics and potential pit sludge-water interaction in Ntopwa, Blantyre

Charles Chirwa Malawi MSc Assessment of undrained faecal sludge shear strength in low income areas in Mzuzu city and the potential for its application in sanitation business

Maureen Nabulime Uganda MSc Evaluation of faecal sludge physiochemical and rheological properties influencing emptying of unlined pit latrines in Kampala slums

Yvonne Lugali Uganda MSc Modelling sludge accumulation rates in pit latrines: Case of Kampala city slums

Daniel Kimuli Uganda MSc Potential of nutrient recovery from pit latrines for soil enhancement: A case study of Kampala city.

Sylivia Nabateesa Uganda MSc Occurrence and survival of pathogens at different sludge depths in pit latrines and proximal groundwater sources and drainage water channels

James Tembo Zambia PhD Faecal sludge characterisation for enhanced sanitation provision in low income urban areas: A case of Lusaka's peri urban areas

Zamiwe Mbewe Zambia MSc Assessment of parasitic ova and oocysts in pit latrine faecal sludge: A case study of Chaisa, George, Kanyama and Madimba Compounds Of Lusaka, Zambia

PIT SAMPLING INNOVATIONSBy sampling through various layers of a pit latrine and analysing its contents, research teams aim to establish the processes occurring in pit latrines and subsequently have a better understanding of how to manage faecal sludge. Sampling was not an easy task – the majority of pit latrines en-countered by research teams had with no access ports or slabs. Innovative sampling devices were designed and manufactured by research teams to enable sampling without destroying the super-structure of the latrines. Sampling tools were customised to match the latrine design limitations in their respective study areas.

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN PIT LATRINES?

In Uganda – an easily assembled sam-pling device was manufactured

In South Africa– the standardised latrine design with access slab enabled the research team to gain easy access

to faecal sludge.

In Zambia – The “Drinker” proved to be best option.

In Kenya – a cone-shaped sampling device was used.

In Ethiopia – an easi-ly-assembled cone-shaped sampling device was used.

In Zambia – sample taken with a modified tube with

lid.

In Zimbabwe – a stick with cup and lid was used.

FAECAL SLUDGE CHARACTERISATIONResearch teams encountered a variety of latrines in the field. The lack of latrine design standardi-sation was common in the most study areas; researchers had to develop innovative techniques to access sludge. Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe were the exceptions – in these countries, large infrastructure programmes were implemented with standardised design features including access ports.

A range of parameters tested by research teams:

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN PIT LATRINES?

In Zambia – latrine sludge is accessed via hole (top left).

In Malawi – a pit latrine without a sturdy superstructure (top middle).

In Malawi – detritus removed from squat hole (top right).

Technologies accross the supply chain

INNOVATIONS ACROSS FAECAL SLUDGE MANAGEMENT CHAIN

A range of topics relating to innovations in the FSM supply chain is being evaluated across six countries:

First Name Family Name Country Degree Topic

Willy Chipeta Malawi MSc Investigation on new technologies for pit desludging in peri urban Mzuzu, Malawi

Daniel Nyrirenda Malawi MSc Faecal sludge management in peri-urban Malawi: An analysis of policy gaps

Rashid Chiposa Malawi MSc Situation analysis of pit latrines –A snapshot analysis of pit latrines in peri-urban area 1b

Gabriel Kapanda Malawi MSc Establishing the status of sanitation and faecal sludge management in Mzuzu; a focus on schools, markets, hospitals, bus depots and prisons

Chifundo Kayoka Malawi MSc CLTS and disability in Rumphi District, Malawi

Yaseen Salie South Africa

MSc Solar pasteurisation of faecal sludge using a trail-mounted parabolic reflector

Senta Berner South Africa

PhD Priority setting for the installation of sanitation systems integrating organic waste management

Liandi Bothma South Africa

MSc Study on the microbial community shift during co-fermentation of substrates

Bren Botha South Africa

MSc Anaerobic digestion of faecal sludge and associated microbial communities in batch reactors

Phindile Madikizela South Africa

MSc Investigation of the ADAPT (Anaerobic Digestion and Pasteurisation Treatment) process for the treatment and re-use of faecal sludge

George Otaka Uganda MSc Assessment of the performance of a decentralized faecal sludge treatment system and reuse potential of end products

Anthony Okucu Uganda MSc An investigation into the physical properties and the fluidisation of pit latrine sludge for improved emptying

Salome Ajuna Uganda MSc Development of a method for on-site treatment and dewatering of pit latrine faecal sludge in high water table areas

Habert Atayo Uganda MSc A motorised faecal sludge emptying device: pump and go.

Osbert Atwijuke Uganda MSc Faecal sludge dewatering and carbonisation to make briquettes

Munyaradzi Changara Zimbabwe Mphil Potential of anaerobically digested pit latrine sludge on soil properties and plant growth

Nathan Gubi Zimbabwe Mphil Feasibility of anaerobic digestion of pit latrine sludge: effect on methane production and pathogen composition

INNOVATIVE PEDESTALS AND SUPERSTRUCTURES

Water For People Uganda through their SaniHub Project demonstrated new pedestal designs and superstructures aimed at upgrading traditional latrines to pour flush alternatives. The purpose of the demonstrators was to provide an appealing product to customers which could limit trash through innovative P-Trap designs and which could be manufactured and erected quickly. The ultimate aim of the demonstrators was to de-skill the supply chain thereby creating a standardised product which should increase consumer confidence and uptake.

The pour flush system developed under Water For People Uganda’s SaniHub Project has been branded and marketed as Dura-San. The latrine superstructure was made from pre-fabricated interlocking concrete blocks to reduce the construction time and the level of skill needed for construction. Further it allowed the latrine superstructure to be easily disassembled in order to relocate the latrine. Such strategy also circumnavigates landlord-tenant issues allowing tenants to take the technology with them should they relocate.

The initial design was refined from a structure comprised of 40 blocks to a 1m x 1m structure consisting of just 24 blocks reducing the manufacturing cost and installation time. The same inter-locking blocks for the superstructure are used for the lining of an offset pit. Because of the Kam-pala’s seasonal high water table and risk of ground water contamination, Kampala City Capital Authority has stated that all new pit constructions should be impermeable. Sani-Hub is currently planning an investigation into using different block configurations to create low-cost septic tanks and their derivatives, such as baffled reactors.

NEW PEDESTALS AND UPGRADES

Interlocking concrete blocks Blow-out schematic of the Dura-San

An erected Dura-San supersturcture

Pour flush system made with interlocking blocks An installed off-set pour flush latrine pit

With a labour force of three men, all the concrete components of one latrine can be manufactured in one day. Assembly time takes around 4 hours per latrine. Ten Dura-San latrines have been installed in Mukono district, an 8-day operation in which on day one all the components for 10 latrines were loaded on to a 2 pick-ups and delivered to each of the 10 households. All 10 latrines were then successfully assembled over the following 7 days. The total cost for installation for one latrine was around US$343 including labour costs.

Customer feedback and performance surveys were carried out for technology. Over 90% of re-spondents indicated that the Dura-San was better than their current facility with over 80% indi-cating that the system was affordable at the market price of close to US$600.

Water For People Uganda also examined whether existing latrines could be upgraded to pour flush systems by installing an off-set pit adjacent to existing superstructure. A ceramic pan and P-Trap are then installed at existing slab level, and concrete is poured around the pan to raise the floor to pan level. As the upgrade system may not be suitable for all households, a set of criterion has been developed to assess a facility’s suitability for this upgrade. Innovative P-Traps products, such as the Flapper, have been installed in latrines to limit detritus.

NEW PEDESTALS AND UPGRADES

Schematic showing upgrade of traditional latrine to pour flush

Flapper upgrade installed

Model of traditional latrine before (bottom left) and after the renovation (bottom right).

PIT EMPTYING TECHNOLOGIESThe SRFA Programme has resulted in the development and testing of several desludging products. Mzuzu University, MalawiThe study area was the city of Mzuzu located in the northern part of Malawi. The city has a population of around 130,000 people with almost half of households occurring in informal settlements. There is no centralised sewerage system. Pit emptying is handled by private entrepreneurs. The research undertaken by Mzuzu University aims to review existing and new technological desludging options for the Mzuzu city with the purpose of improving the efficiency of pit emptying services. The solutions evaluated included the Pressure Washer and Sludge pump – commonly used in peri-urban areas; the Excrevator Auger System developed by North Carolina University, the Gulper and a treadle pump system developed by post-graduate students from locally-available parts. The development of pit fishing tools – tools to remove detritus from pits – proved to be important for pit emptying operations.

EMPTYING TECHNOLOGIES

The Mzuzu University research team remove detritus before testing

equipment

Exploratory designs for fishing tools were formulated and demonstration

tools tested

The North Carolina Excrevator Auger was tested by Mzuzu researchers

A Gulper powered by a treadle and manufactured entirely from local

spares

Water For People UgandaKampala is the capital city of Uganda and has around 1.6 million inhabitants. The sewerage net-work serves about 6% of the population and is limited to the central business district. Approxi-mately 94% of Kampala’s residents use on-site sanitation facilities of variable quality and effective-ness that require emptying from timeously. Simple Pit and VIP Latrines as the 2 common latrine types in Kampala. The emptying period may vary from 6 months up to 5 years depending on the nature of construction, height of the local water table, the amount of detritus deposited in the pit and the ground conditions. Water For People Uganda estimated the faecal sludge demand for Kampala to be 937 m3/day. The research activities target semi-manual pit emptying entrepreneurs by providing them with more efficient emptying devices that reduce emptying time.

EMPTYING TECHNOLOGIES

A synthetic sludge formulation was developed by the team to safely test equipment under a

range of shear strengths.

The Nibbler – Device that has motor bike chain onto which

circular discs are welded to scoop viscous sludge.

The Gulper – a simple direct lift pump to reach 1.5m into pit.

The Rammer – a modified Gulper with a butterfly valve that can be

extended to 3.0 m inside a pit.

Water For People Uganda providing operator feedback to pit

emptying entrepreneurs.

Field-testing of the Rammer in Kampala.

TRANSPORTWater For People Uganda developed and tested several innovative containerised and loading devices aimed at improving the operations for pit emptying entrepreneurs through increased convenience and reducing loading time to transport faecal sludge to point of disposal.

TRANSPORT

The Shlifter (left) - an easily assembled and transportable barrel lifting device that works on the simple principle of counterweight. The product aims to reduce loading times.

The Handcart (right) – aims to provide a simple lifting device to enable pit emptiers to deliver more sludge to transport vehicle. The maximum weight that can be carried by the

device is 250 kg.

A clamp device (left) was developed to reduce spillage from 220 ℓ transport drums. Previous metal clamps would warp lids and slip off.

The Grappler (right) - a small con-tainerised device that is used by two

pit emptying operators to carry a 50 ℓ barrel. The products targets high-den-sity settlements which are not suitable

for the Handcart.

BENEFICIATIONIn this section, the beneficiation products developed through the SRFA Programme are presented.

Water For People UgandaWater For People Uganda has been promoting pit emptying business using low-cost locally fabricated equipment. This business has attracted entrepreneurs but the challenge in making the business profitable was the long distances to safely dispose of faecal sludge. The research team investigated the possibility of introducing Decentralised Faecal Sludge Treatment (DeFAST) units that could be installed in close proximity to emptying services. The beneficiation of dewatered faecal sludge using carbonisation techniques, vermicomposting and black soldier fly digestion has been explored by the research team.

BENEFICIATION TECHNOLOGIES

Carbonisation products and briquettes.

Vermicompost using Tiger worms.

Black Solider Fly larvae colonies established.

Schematic of the DeFAST system in Lubaga, Kampala. Loading platform for semi-mechanised emptying services.

The liquid supernatant from faecal sludge collect and disposed at the DEFAST system undergoes a staged anaerobic treatment process. The dewatered faecal sludge is then placed on drying beds. Plastic tanks

enable the system to be installed quickly.

The planted gravel filter provides secondary treatment to the anaerobically-treated faecal sludge

supernatant. The combined process enabled COD, BOD5 and Faecal coliforms removals over 90%, 70%

and 96%, respectively.

The pilot results have informed the upscaling of two DeFAST demonstration facilities funded by the Interchurch Organization for Development Cooperation (ICCO) and Kole District Local Government. This new project will serve as a demonstration model for the sustainable scaling up of semi-mechanised pit emptying services linked to beneficiation in other regions of Uganda.

ATL-Hydro, South AfricaThe business model developed by ATL-Hydro South Africa is based on a closed-loop, point-of-use dry sanitation entrepreneurship model linking a solar pasteuriser and associated faecal sludge beneficiation technologies with servicing of toilet units.


Training provided to new semi-mechanised pit emptiers.

The new DeFAST facility built in Kole District .

The mobile solar pasteuriser developed by ATL-Hydro. Temperatures of close to 300oC can be reached without

sludge input. The innovation has undergone several iterations to enable greater efficiency. These modifica-tions include the inclusion of improved feeding inlet

using a modified mincer, lubricants to prevent scouring of sludge within heating tube, and installation of a glass tube around the sludge transfer tube to reduce

heat loss.

The research team developed a gasification stove which integrates the design of a top-lit updraft (TLUD) stove

and a rocket stove to re-use solar pyrolysed treated sludge for heating purposes. The stove was introduced to rural communities to evaluate uptake of the tech-nology and user acceptance of re-use of faecal sludge

products.

Rhodes University, South AfricaRhodes University, based in Grahamstown, South Africa, evaluated the concept of Anaerobic Di-gestion and Pasteurisation Treatment (ADAPT) for beneficiation of faecal sludges from pit latrines into agricultural products. Two types of anaerobic digester experiments were performed; one set with a pilot-scale anaerobic system and the other with a series of bench-top experiments using modified Schott bottles as mini-anaerobic digesters. The experiments aimed at determining opti-mising the biogas output for re-use in the pasteurisation process. Co-digestion with other organic feeds and pathogen die-off experiments were also performed. Greenhouse agricultural trials using pasteurised faecal sludge products provided useful information on the potential for re-use.


Bench-top anaerobic tests performed with faecal sludge and / or algae, paper, sewerage and manure co-feeds (left). Algae co-feeds were found to improve biogas production the most.

A hand-cranked laboratory-scale anaerobic digester used to measure gas

yields from investigations (right).

Faecal sludge pasteurisation tests on a gas plate using LPG as a proxy combus-tible gas in place of biogas for heating (left). The gas usage was determined by weight loss from the gas cylinder. The equivalent volume of biogas that would be required to pasteurise 1 kg of faecal sludge is 5.5 m3.

Pasteurised faecal sludge was evalu-ated as an agricultural product. The

photo to the right shows the response of garden cress to various strength

fertilisers derived from anaerobically digested faecal sludge.

University of the North-WestIn Potchefstroom, South Africa, the University of the North-West’s Integrated Faecal Sludge Man-agement (iFSM) Project aims to establish whether anaerobic co-digestion could be used to treat faecal sludge with other organic waste streams. Although the majority of the population is ser-viced by waterborne sanitation in the study area, there is approximately 15% of the population which rely on on-site systems. The research activities support Tlokwe City municipality’s strate-gy to integrate faecal sludge management into existing municipal infrastructure including their wastewater treatment works digesters.


Batch reactors are used to determine gas yields from various organic substrates available within the study area, including agricultural products such as pig slurry (left).

The batch reactors consist of Schott bottles with a gas outlet.

The outlet is connected to gas bag with push-lock T-connector and Hoffman clamp (middle right)

Two continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTR) have been used in order to investigate the influence of variation in organic loading on gas production (bottom left). Co-diges-tion tests were performed using a combination of faecal sludge with sewerage sludge, food waste and

grass cuttings.

Chinhoyi UniversityHistorically, Zimbabwe has always pursued a dual sanitation system, with the urban sector relying on waterborne sewerage networks designed to the highest international standards and the use of the pit latrines, of which the Blair Ventilated Pit Latrine (BVIP) is the most common, in rural areas. The informal and peri-urban settlements in and around the capital city, Harare, show that the distinguishing feature of these settlements is lack of land-use planning and water and sewer reticulation systems. In these areas, the great majority of residents rely on pit latrines and their variants for sanitation. In central northern Zimbabwe, Chinhoyi University is evaluating anaero-bic technology for treatment of faecal sludges in these peri-urban and rural areas with agricultural beneficiation envisaged following treatment.


Samples were collected from pit latrines located in Hatcliffe and Shackelton. Faecal sludge samples were analysed from pit latrines in the study area to complement other characterisation studies in the SRFA Programme. A 3.5kg moist faecal sludge sample was weighed and placed into laboratory-scale anaerobic reactors.

The optimum HRT was found to be 25 days with variation in degradation rates noted between different pit latrines. The

anaerobic process was able to statistically reduce the number of pathogen indicator

bacteria but the process could not achieve the WHO guidelines for unrestricted land

application.

A sequence of pilot biogas digester development starting from top left: (A) Laying foundation, (B) An almost complete dome-shaped bio-digester. The three men on the mid top photo are standing on the site of the toilet. The pipe from the rectangular toilet box connects to the bio-digester, (C) a completed dome-shaped bio-digester with the gas delivery pipe at the centre, (D) cattle rumen contents being loaded onto the lorry as a start-up material. The rumen is co-digested with faecal material from the toilet, (F) The delivery pipe was connected to a valve which, in turn was connected to the gas delivery pipe which passed through a (D) desulphuriser. (H) The gas is connected to a two-plate LPG gas stove.

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENTThis section provides an overview of the knowledge management for the SRFA Programme.

CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGSA total of 22 conference presentations were made by research teams. The SRFA Programme was able to contribute 10 presentations towards the FSM3 Conference in Hanoi, Vietnam. A further 3 presentations were made at various WEDC Conferences.

SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONSA total of 6 scientific journals have been published through the SRFA Programme with a further 5 in the journal review stage. Further scientific publication is anticipated as the SRFA Programme concludes.

OTHER PUBLICATIONSIn 2015, the WRC through independent contractor, Sarah Slabbert, compiled The Status of Faecal Sludge Management in Eight Southern and East African Countries from deliverable reports from each research team. The report provided useful insight into the general state of sanitation, and the FSM policies and practices in study areas. The Sanitation Matters 2014 magazine produced by the WRC also provided brief highlights from the SRFA Programme and other sanitation programmes in Africa.

Conferences (n=22)

7; 32%

FSM3 WEDC Conf.

IWA Other

10; 45%

2; 9%

3; 14%

Journal Publicaon (n=11)

5; 45%

Published

6; 55%

Submission

WRC Research Report KV340 by Sarah Slabbert (2015).

Sanitation Matters Magazine (2014).

Brochures detailing activities and results for research teams (2016).

WORKSHOPS A total of 6 workshops were held by the WRC and its contracted researchers; two of the work-shops were Annual Reference Group meetings aimed at assisting and guiding the research teams in achieving the objectives of their project. SRFA Researchers and WRC staff members have also participated and / or assisted in arrangements for workshops of strategic importance, including the BMGF Omni-ingestor workshop 24-29 April 2016.

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT

Dr. Rochelle Holm presents the Mzuzu University research outputs at the 1st Annual Reference Group meeting in Johannesburg, 30-31 January 2014.

Mr. Jay Bhagwan from the WRC thanks Reference Group members

Prof. Thammarat Koottatep and Prof. Katrik Chandran for their guidance at

the 1st Annual Reference.

Mzuzu University’s Centre of Excellence in Water and Sanitation hosted a faecal sludge management review workshop, 24 August 2014. The purpose of the workshop was to bring Malawian stakeholders together to understand the challenges associated with faecal sludge management in the country and to showcase some of work progress under the SRFA Programme.

Water For People Uganda hosted a work-shop on sustainable sanitation technologies

during AfricaSan Dakar, 25 May 2015. A model of the DeFAST system was presented

at the workshop together with emptying devices. Various other technologies from Water For People Uganda and the SRFA

Programme were also presented.

AWARDSIndividuals and research teams’ have been recognised for their contribution to FSM Research and Development. This section provides a summary of awards.

Organisation / University Representative Title of Award Date

Water For People Samuel Malinga 2nd prize at the Civil Society Innovation 2016

University of Malawi Khumbo Kalulu Student Sanitation Prize at WISA-IWA YWP, Pretoria

2015

Water For People Samuel Malinga Finalist Royal Academy of Engineering 2014

In 2014, Water For People Uganda was one of 12 finalists for The Royal Academy of Engineering Africa Prize. This prize recognises sub-Saharan African researchers from all disciplines to develop scalable solutions to local challenges for improved quality of life and economic development. Water For People Uganda also claimed 2nd Place at the Civil Society: Water Innovation Award 2016, which was announced at the WASH Futures Conference Dinner, 17 May 2016.

University of Malawi researcher and PhD candidate Mr. Khumbo Kalulu was awarded the Jay Bhagwan Sanitation Award for the Highest Scoring Sanitation Themed Presentation or Poster at the WISA-IWA Young Water Professionals Conference in Pretoria, South Africa 18 November 2015

The WRC’S 45-YEAR R&D MODELA fundamental guiding framework is the construct of the WRC Knowledge Tree. The ‘tree’ met-aphor reflects strength in foundation - ‘roots’ firmly embedded in sound knowledge - & strong growth - ‘branches & leaves’ - each having its contribution to development targets, either directly or indirectly. The goals are not mutually exclusive.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

For more information contactJay Bhagwan at [email protected]

www.wrc.org.za

Sanitation research fund_NEW JULY

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