Characterizing Anaerobic Degradation Pathways in Containment of Non Sewered Sanitation Systems

Non-sewered sanitation (NSS) technologies are common forms of improved and primarily onsite sanitation technology. It is estimated that globally, 40% of the population is served by these onsite sanitation systems. Research on NSS technologies lags substantially behind that of conventional wastewater treatment. The design and construction of these systems assumes the passive biodegradation of accumulated human waste (i.e., fecal matter) in containment, which should reduce the frequency of emptying. Understanding the (assumed) mechanisms of the anaerobic degradation pathways in containment is required prior to the development of engineered solutions. To be considered sustainable, these solutions will require proper management and planning that consider climate impacts such as greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation and capture.
The overall objective of this project is to characterize anaerobic degradation pathways in containment of NSS.
1. Understand the microbial community composition and physiology within heterogeneous spatial zones in NSS containment across variable geographic regions.
2. Identify the active pathways of substrate conversion by methanogens in sludge to final end products.
3. Develop an improved conceptual model for NSS containment that is based on quantitative field and laboratory data to inform GHG mitigation strategies and management recommendations in globally relevant settings.

Faculty Supervisor:

Caetano Dorea

Student:

Partner:

Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Environmental Science and Technology; Sustainability & the Environment

University:

University of Victoria

Program: