Use of drying beds for faecal sludge/septage pre-treatment (monitoring a pilot system at Buobai-Kumasi)
Loading...
Date
2002-12-14
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This study looks at the efficiency of drying beds for the pre-treatment of faecal sludge and septage.
Pilot plant studies on drying beds for this purpose have been undertaken. The main aims of the study were to operate and monitor the dewatering process, and to recommend design and operation and maintenance guidelines for the operation of such a system.
The study looked at the efficiency of the beds with regard to solids liquid separation. Influent parameters monitored include, TVS, BOD, COD, TS, MC, SS and Helminths. Parameters monitored in the bio-solids include TS, MC, TVS and Helminth eggs. Daily sludge depths were also monitored. The beds were desudged when the sludge had been sufficiently dewatered to be spadable. This corresponds to a moisture content of about 80%. Dewatering periods of up to a maximum of two weeks were obtained when rainfall is sporadic. In the rainy periods however, the drying period increased to over five weeks.
The percentage reduction in the physico-chemical parameters studied i.e.
COD, BOD, SS and TS was around 90% and there was complete removal of
Helminth in the effluent.
The bio-solids produced have a TVS content of 67%, which can be inferred to mean a high organic content and hence its suitability for the production of compost. The reduction of helminth eggs in the bio-solids is negligible. The beds act as a filter storing the eggs.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Board of Postgraduate Studies,
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, in partial
fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Master of Science degree in Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation, 2002