The functional ecology of on-site sanitation systems

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Many of the technical challenges in on-site sanitation are thought to result from a lack of adequate design guidelines. It is assumed that human waste (i.e. faecal sludge) entering such systems undergo anaerobic degradation, decreasing their accumulation rates and reducing the frequency of pit emptying. Current conceptual and numerical models of pit latrine biodegradation mechanisms are based on a supposition that such systems function analogously to anaerobic reactors with acetoclastic pathways being the principal mode of methanogenesis. Yet, recent studies on methanogenic activity assays on sludge from passive systems question the premises on which the understanding of such systems are based on. The overall objective of this programme is to better understand biodegradation mechanisms in onsite passive sanitation systems through the identification and characterisation of their relevant functional ecology. Additionally, this programme will also address other issues relative to the characterisation of faecal sludge to facilitate field research and the operation of sanitation systems as well as sustainable planning of faecal sludge management. This work challenges current assumptions on the functional ecology of passive on-site sanitation systems. The results will lead to a clearer understanding of relevant degradation mechanisms in on-site systems. Once such systems move from being poorly-understood "holes in the ground" that only capture and store human waste to engineered "reactors" that can (at least partially) treat faecal sludge, their public and environmental health benefits can be bolstered through an extended service life. This will set a new paradigm from which novel rational designs can be based on and applied to other on-site sanitation systems. The impact of this project will also benefit Canadian isolated residences and indigenous communities, where decentralised sanitation is considered a cost-effective solution for areas suffering from lack of wastewater treatment.  This programme will provide a bespoke training for HQPs including both technical (e.g. chemical/microbiology analyses, analytical skills, etc.) and professional (e.g. writing, presentation, etc.) competencies. This training plan will be conducted in a highly collaborative research environment with several disciplines (engineering, microbiology, biochemistry, etc.), interaction with diverse collaborators (in academia, industry, government, and NGOs), and in a variety of geographical/cultural settings. Prof. Dorea has over 15 years of experience at the crossroads of environmental and public health engineering leading collaborative research in the the development and evaluation of water and sanitation/wastewater technologies, field and operator appropriate water/wastewater/faecal sludge quality analytical methods, and functional ecology characterisation of biological treatment systems for safeguarding the health of the public and the environment.