Perspectives are different frameworks from which to explore the knowledge around sustainable sanitation and water management. Perspectives are like filters: they compile and structure the information that relate to a given focus theme, region or context. This allows you to quickly navigate to the content of your particular interest while promoting the holistic understanding of sustainable sanitation and water management.
Scientific article on advanced integrated wastewater pond systems.
GREEN, F.B. ; BERNSTONE, L.S. ; LUNDQUIST, T.J. ; OSWALD, W.J. (1996): Advanced Integrated Wastewater Pond Systems for Nitrogen Removal. In: Water Science and Technology : Volume 33 , 207-217. URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]
This project aimed to reduce drinking water consumption and wastewater amount to be discharged to sewer through recycling greywater for internal re-use in a four star hotel in Germany. A new greywater biological treatment technology was trailed and demonstrated for the first time: Greywater from baths/showers in the guest rooms is separately collected and transferred to settling tanks. After preliminary sedimentation the greywater is treated continuously in a six-stage Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) system.
GTZ (2006): Greywater recycling in Hotel Arabella Sheraton Am Buesing Palais Offenbach, Germany. (= data sheets for ecosan projects , 18 ). Eschborn: German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]
This master thesis was a part of a research program at Colorado School of Mines. The objectives are threefold. Initially, the purposes were to increase the state of the knowledge using MBR in wastewater treatment and evaluate a pilot-scale MNR during start-up and steady state conditions, in respect of nutrient and organic compounds removal and overall system performance. A second objective was to evaluate the performance of the MBR during different stress conditions (power failure, high loading rate and high flux) in respect of nutrient and organic compounds removal and overall system performance. A third objective was to investigate permeate quality with respect of nutrients and organic compounds after infiltration through soil columns. The purpose was to assess if the effluent quality was suitable for direct discharge into the underlying groundwater or surface water.
LARSSON, E. PERSSON, J. (2004): Viability of Membrane Bioreactor Technology as an Advanced Pre-Treatment for Onsite Wastewater Treatment. (= Master Thesis ). Lulea: University of Technology URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]
The information service on biogas technology has been developed and produced on the behalf of the GTZ project Information and Advisory Service on Appropriate Technology (ISAT). Volume I tells you all you need to get an overview on biogas sanitation systems, from history over process and operation parameters to social, political and cultural issues.
ISAT ; GTZ (1999): Biogas Basics. (= Biogas Digest , 1 ). Information and Advisory Services on Appropriate Technology (ISAT) and German Agency for Technical Cooperation GmbH (GTZ) URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]
Activated Sludge and Aerobic Biofilm Reactors is the fifth volume in the series Biological Wastewater Treatment. The first part of the book is devoted to the activated sludge process, covering the removal of organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus. A detailed analysis of the biological reactor (aeration tank) and the final sedimentation tanks is provided. The second part of the book covers aerobic biofilm reactors, especially trickling filters, rotating biological contractors and submerged aerated biofilters. For all the systems, the book presents in a clear and informative way the main concepts, working principles, expected removal efficiencies, design criteria, design examples, construction aspects and operational guidelines.
SPERLING, M. von (2007): Activated Sludge and Aerobic Biofilm Reactors. (= Biological Wastewater Treatment Series , 5 ). London: International Water Association (IWA) Publishing URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]
This paper discusses the Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) process and its suitability for Australian water reuse applications. With the current focus on water reuse projects and the role they play in the water cycle, the search for cost competitive advanced wastewater treatment technologies has never before been so important.
CHAPMAN, S. LESLIE, G. LAW, I. (n.y): Membrane Bioreactors (MBR) for Municipal Wastewater Treatment – An Australian Perspective. Sidney: The University of New South Wales (UNSW) URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]
This paper sets out a framework for the delivery of non-sewered sanitation services that last, are accessible to all and are at scale. The framework is based on IRC International Water and Sanitation’s (IRC) experience and lessons learnt from its engagement in non-sewered sanitation service at scale.
VERHAGEN, J. CARRASCO, M. (2013): Full-Chain Sanitation Services That Last. Non-Sewered Sanitation Services. The Hague: International Water and Sanitation Center (IRC) URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]
While Switzerland's wastewater treatment plants are of a high technical standard, the elimination of nutrients remains costly and energy-intensive. Eawag has now further developed a biological process, which simplifies the removal of nitrogen from sludge digester liquid, reducing costs by 50% for this treatment step.
EAWAG (2010): Reducing Wastewater Treatment Costs and Energy Consumption. Duebendorf: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (EAWAG) URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]
This article focuses on a few of the most exciting, very recent developments in the nitrogen cycle, summarises the changes and points out some questions to guide future research. The main processes of interest are anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox), aerobic nitrification by archaea, nitrogen fixation by unicellular marine cyanobacteria, and the issue of the balance and coupling between internal input and removal pathways.
WARD, B.B. ; CAPONE, D.G. ; ZEHR, J.P. (2011): What’s New in the Nitrogen Cycle?. In: Oceanography: Volume 20 , 101-109. URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]
Check out this pdf-presentation about an IFAS project, how it was designed, constructed and its performance.
FLAMMING, J. (n.y): Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge (IFAS) System for Additional Nitrification at the Coldwater WWTP. (= PDF Presentation ). Grand Rapids: Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. (FTC&H) URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]
Anaerobic ammonium oxidation processes with nitrite to N2 (anammox) has become a main focus and been widely introduced as a cost-effective biological nitrogen removal way in wastewater treatment. This paper reviews various patents, which were well developed to achieve this process, such as SHARON-Anammox, CANON, and OLAND.
LI, A. ; SUN, G. ; XU, M. (2008): Recent Patents on Anammox Process. In: Recent Patents on Engineering 2008: Volume 2 , 189-194. URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]
This paper shows the effectiveness and limitations of source control sanitation concepts with pre-treatment by pre-composting tanks (Rottebehaelter) to recover the particulate fraction of nutrients from household wastewater.
GAJUREL, D.R. ; LI, Z. ; OTTERPOHL, R. (2010): Investigation of the Effectiveness of Source Control Sanitation Concepts Including Pre-Treatment with Rottebehaelter. In: Water Science and Technology : Volume 48 , 111–118. URL [Accessed: 02.06.2019]
The following technologies were installed in the education centre “San Christoferus”: Constructed wetland for greywater treatment; compost filter for blackwater treatment; and double-vault urine diversion dehydration toilets. The aim of the project was to reduce water consumption and limit the wastewater flowing to the public sewer system, of which the largest part is discharged without treatment.
HOFFMANN, H. RUEN, S. SCHOEPE, A. (2009): Blackwater and greywater reuse system, Chorrillos, Lima, Peru. (= SuSanA - Case Studies ). Eschborn: Sustainable Sanitation Alliance (SuSanA) URL [Accessed: 02.06.2019]
This paper explains the problem of conventional sanitation systems and provides solutions. How can nutrients be reused, how can wastewater be treated ecologically and how should water be managed.
OTTERPOHL, R. (2000): Design of Highly Efficient Source Control Sanitation and Practical Experiences. Wageningen: EURO-Summer School DESAR URL [Accessed: 02.06.2019]
This third publication in the series aims to capture the current trends in waste management with the assistance of 20 case studies from around the world.
UN-HABITAT (2010): Solid Waste Management in the World’s Cities. Pre-publication presentation. Nairobi: United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) URL [Accessed: 01.06.2019]
This publication presents the findings of a research on “Promoting Composting as a Business for the Urban Poor” in the form of guidelines based on case studies from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Ethiopia.
ALI, M. (2004): Sustainable Composting Case Studies and Guidelines for Developing Countries. Leicestershire: Water Engineering and Development Centre, Loughborough University URL [Accessed: 01.06.2019]
This article presents the findings of a survey of 76 home compost bin users in Kathmandu, which was done about one year after the compost bins were sold at a subsidized rate to residents by Kathmandu Metropolitan City by the municipality.
TULADHAR, B. (2004): User Survey Indicates the Success of “Saaga” Home Compost Bins. In: ENPHO Magazine 2004: URL [Accessed: 01.06.2019]
This 8-page guide-book consists of information on need of composting and how to start composting at household level.
LAOIS COUNTY COUNCIL (n.y): Turn Spoil into Soil – A guide to Household Composting. URL [Accessed: 01.06.2019]