Development of a Bioprocess to Reduce Pathogenic Load and Malodor of Human Night Soil

Abstract

Managing solid waste, especially fecal matter is a growing challenge worldwide. According to WHO, 2.6 billion people lack access to adequate sanitation. Only 26-50 % of Indian population has access to proper sanitation facilities. The problem of untreated human excrement or night soil is not only restricted to urban development’s or defense camps; even religious gatherings are affected by the lack of sanitation. Religious event such as annual pilgrimage of Pandharpur is one such glaring example. Such defecated matter, if left untreated will cause environmental pollution and serious health hazards, which is evident from the offensive mal odor and associated pathogenic load. In the present investigation, we have described a bioprocess that uses a defined formulation comprising of microorganisms and harmless chemicals. The said bioprocess results in accelerated degradation of organic matter that reduces the environment polluting organic load associated with fecal excreta. The bioprocess also inhibits the health compromising microbial pathogens that are inhibited by various metabolites produced by Lactobacillus component of microbial formulation. The bioprocess also results in the generation of methane gas subsequent to organic matter deg-radation and can be used as a source of fuel. The process also generates or-ganic slurry that can be used as fertilizer/ organic manure. Thus, the present investigation has described a process for treatment of fecal excreta in closed or open environment to inhibit pathogens, mal odor, pollution associated with untreated fecal excreta.