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.
These terms of references define the legal regulations in Switzerland concerning the water protection and air pollution control for the use of nutrients and fertilisers in agriculture.
BAFU ; BLW (2012): Nährstoffe und Verwendung von Düngern in der Landwirtschaft. Ein Modul der Vollzugshilfe Umweltschutz in der Landwirtschaft. Bern: Bundesamt für Umwelt (BAFU) / Bundesamt für Landwirtschaft (BLW) URL [Accessed: 27.05.2019]
In the Flintenbreite in Luebeck, Germany, blackwater is collected in vacuum toilets. Together with organic wastes from the kitchen it is converted to biogas. Greywater is treated in a reed-bed filter. The project demonstrated the consistent utilisation of ecological building materials, the use of self-sustaining, integrated energy and wastewater concepts, and the implementation of innovative energy saving technologies, with a minimisation of interference in nature, and a responsible, integrative and active cohabitation of the inhabitants.
OTTER-WASSER (2009): Ecological housing estate, Flintenbreite, Luebeck, Germany - draft. (= SuSanA - Case Studies ). Eschborn: Sustainable Sanitation Alliance (SuSanA) URL [Accessed: 27.05.2019]
Complete report on the pilot scale struvite reactor developed and operated in the Kathmandu Valley.
ETTER, B. (2009): Optimization of low-cost struvite recovery. (= Master thesis ). Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) URL [Accessed: 27.05.2019]
Decentralized anaerobic digestion is a promising technology to handle the large organic fraction of the municipal solid waste (e.g. kitchen waste) with the additional benefit of producing biogas as well as fertilizer. This paper evaluates the suitability of the ARTI Compact biogas system as a decentralised low-tech treatment option for the organic fraction of household waste in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
LOHRI (2009): Research on Anaerobic Digestion of Organic Solid Waste at Household Level in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. (= Bachelor Thesis ). Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) URL [Accessed: 27.05.2019]This is homepage of the EAWAG project on fertiliser production form urine (NOVA 6) presents results form pot test and field experiments of the application in agriculture and steps forward for scaling up.
Presentation on experiences with the use of urine (and faeces) in agriculture including research results, conducted taste tests and calculations on the fertiliser value.
DAGERSKOG, L. SuSanA (2009): Urine and Faeces as Fertilizers in the CREPA Network. pdf presentation. (= SuSanA presentation WG , 5 ). Ouagadougou: Sustainable Sanitation Alliance URL [Accessed: 27.05.2019]
Different strategies and methods to achieve the target of recovering phosphorus from sludge are discussed based on reports from the Swedish environment protection agency (SEPA) and with special emphasis on extraction of phosphate from wastewater, sludge and ash at central plants. Some possible improvements are briefly discussed, such as the use of certain comparatively clean sludge fractions and use of two-stage technology for the recovery.
HULTMAN, B. LEVLIN, E. PLAZA, E. STARK, K. (n.y): Phosphorus Recovery from Sludge in Sweden - Possibilities to meet proposed Goals in an efficient, sustainable and economical Way. URL [Accessed: 27.05.2019]
The aim of this paper, which is based on a literature review, is to discuss the various options to recover energy from sewage sludge and to assess qualitatively these options with respect to the development stage, potential of energy recovery, and expected future developments. In this evaluation the effect of the presence of toxic organic and inorganic components in the sludge is also assessed.
RULKENS, W. (2007): Sewage Sludge as a Biomass Resource. In: Energy & Fuels 2008: Volume 22 , 9–15. URL [Accessed: 27.05.2019]
Brochure explaining the construction and functioning of the struvite reactor.
EAWAG (2009): How to produce fertilizer from urine: Struvite. Brochure in English/Nepali. Duebendorf: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (EAWAG) URL [Accessed: 27.05.2019]
The present study provides an overall perspective on technologies for the recovery of phosphorus from wastewater treatment plants and the opportunities they offer. It differs from previous work in that it not only provides technical process details, but also – and particularly – highlights the status of development, probable availability, and economic viability of the processes, providing the reader with an aid in decision making.
BAFU (2010): Rueckgewinnung von Phosphor aus der Abwasserreinigung. Bern: Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications, Switzerland (FOEN/BAFU) URL [Accessed: 27.05.2019]
Sludge Treatment and Disposal is the sixth volume in the series Biological Wastewater Treatment. The book covers in a clear and informative way the sludge characteristics, production, treatment (thickening, dewatering, stabilisation, pathogens removal) and disposal (land application for agricultural purposes, sanitary landfills, landfarming and other methods). Environmental and public health issues are also fully described.
ANDREOLI, C.V. ; SPERLING, M. von ; FERNANDES, F. (2007): Sludge Treatment and Disposal. (= Biological Wastewater Treatment Series , 6 ). London: International Water Association (IWA) Publishing URL [Accessed: 27.05.2019]
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have been used to produce electricity from different compounds, including acetate, lactate, and glucose. In this report, it is demonstrated that it is also possible to produce electricity in a MFC from domestic wastewater, while at the same time accomplishing biological wastewater treatment (removal of chemical oxygen demand; COD).
LIU, H. ; RAMNARAYANAN, R. ; LOGAN, B.E. (2004): Production of Electricity during Wastewater Treatment Using a Single Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell. In: Environ. Sci. Technol.: Volume 38 , 2281-2285. URL [Accessed: 27.05.2019]
Rather old design manual for onsite wastewater treatment options. However, valuable information on established systems such as septic tanks, sandfilters, aerobic treatment units (suspendend growth and fixed film), disinfection, nutrient removal as well as wastewater segregation and recycling are given. Additional information is given on disposal methods and appurtenances.
U.S. EPA (1980): Design Manual - Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems. (= EPA 625/1-80-0 ). United States Environmental Protection Agency and Office of Water Office of Research and Development URL [Accessed: 27.05.2019]
The chapter "the usefulness of urine" is about different methods of collecting urine, storage, uses of urine in agriculture and gives various examples of using urine to enhance vegetable production in containers and on fields
MORGAN, P. (2004): The Usefulness of Urine. Part III, chapter 14. In: Morgan, P. ; (2014): An Ecological Approach to Sanitation in Africa. A Compilation of Experiences. Harare: pp. 174-189. URL [Accessed: 26.05.2019]
This report presents results from eight technical pilot studies on aquifer recharge (including SAT) between 2005 and 2008 on five continents. The main objective of these studies was to assess the overall performance of these sites in recharging aquifers mainly for irrigation and potable water supply purposes by following contaminant fate throughout each scheme.
MELIN, T. (2009): Reclaim Water. Water Reclamation Technologies for Safe Artificial Groundwater Recharge. Publishable Final Activity Report. Aachen: RWTH Aachen University URL [Accessed: 26.05.2019]
The sewage treatment process at SABESP (Basic Sanitation Company of Sao Paulo State, Brazil) has until now burnt some of the biogas produced in the anaerobic digester to enhance the process temperature and the other part was burnt in order to limit impact of emission. The transformation of this excess biogas into electricity would be a sustainable solution generating even additional income. An alternative to burn it in flare is the biogas conversion into electricity through engines or microturbines. This paper describes the proposed system to convert biogas in electricity and heat using microturbines (30 kW ISO).
TEIXEIRA COELHO, S. STORTINI GONZALES VELAZQUES, S.M. STELLA MARTINS, O. CASTRO DE ABREU, F. (2006): Biogas from Sewage Treatment used to Electric Energy Generation, by a 30 kW (ISO) Microturbine. (= World Bioenergy Conference & Exhibition ). Sao Paulo: Brazilian Reference Center on Biomass (CENBIO) URL [Accessed: 26.05.2019]
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for water will only be achieved in Africa by increased development of groundwater for rural water supply. However,the role that groundwater plays in achieving the MDGs is underrated and rarely articulated. This briefing note explores the main groundwater issues related to rural water supply in Africa.
BGN (2006): Groundwater and Rural Water Supply in Africa. International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) Burdon Groundwater Network (BGN) URL [Accessed: 26.05.2019]
Brief factsheet giving an oversight over most common managed aquifer recharge methods. With an Australian perspective.
CSIRO (2010): Managed Aquifer Recharge. Frequently Asked Questions. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) URL [Accessed: 26.05.2019]
This book repared by partners of the Sustainable Sanitation Alliance (SuSanA) network is a real eye-opener. It takes a look at some of the methods that have worked well in the past, to guide us in solving the problems of the future. By addressing sanitation as a key element of the urban metabolism, and by linking sanitation with urban planning and neighbouring sectors like solid waste management or waste recycling, it allows for a holistic approach. In the cities of tomorrow, we will need to focus more on recycling energy. A good example being biogas generation from wastewater and sludges. Water will also become an increasingly scarce commodity. Greywater (from showers and sinks) can be treated in urban constructed wetlands or used to water and fertilise urban green spaces. Such examples of productive sanitation systems will form an integral part of infrastructure in sustainable cities.
LUETHI, C. PANESAR, A. SCHUETZE, T. NORSTROEM, A. MCCONVILLE, J. PARKINSON, J. SAYWELL, D. INGE, R. (2011): Sustainable Sanitation in cities: a framework for action. Sustainable Sanitation Alliance (SuSanA) & International Forum on Urbanism (IFoU), Papiroz Publishing House, The Netherlands URL [Accessed: 26.05.2019]