Rheological characterisation of synthetic and fresh faeces to inform on solids management strategies for non-sewered sanitation systems

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dc.contributor.authorMercer, Edwina
dc.contributor.authorUsher, Shane P.
dc.contributor.authorMcAdam, Ewan J.
dc.contributor.authorStoner, Brian
dc.contributor.authorBajón Fernández, Yadira
dc.date.accessioned2021-09-21T14:10:29Z
dc.date.available2021-09-21T14:10:29Z
dc.date.issued2021-09-16
dc.description.abstractIn order to obviate the economic issues associated with pit latrine emptying and transport such as high water additions and rheologically difficult sludge properties, the implications of prompt solid/liquid separation were investigated. This was achieved through rheological characterisation of fresh human faeces and synthetic faeces, and comparison with aged faecal sludges. Shear yield stress, thixotropy and post-shear structural recovery were characterised for a total solids (TS) concentration range of 5–35% total solids (TS) and stickiness yield stress was determined for concentrations up to 100% TS. Fresh faeces rheology proved to be favourable when compared to aged matrices, evidenced by a lower shear yield stress and higher gel point solids concentration, suggesting that aging could alter the physico-chemical properties of faecal sludge. Fresh and synthetic faeces exhibited similar shear thinning, thixotropic behaviour with the majority of structural breakdown occurring at a low shear rate of 10 s−1, and the extent increasing with higher solids concentrations. At 32% TS, fresh faeces shear yield stress was permanently reduced by 80%, suggesting that low shear pumping could reduce the energy demand required for faeces transport. The sticky phase, which represents the region to avoid faecal transport and mechanical drying processes, was identified to range from 30 to 50% TS, with 25% TS as ideal to commence dewatering processes. This also coincides with the average solids concentration of faeces, which is achievable by source separation. This study has identified that handling of fresh faeces as opposed to aged faecal sludges would result in economic and environmental benefits, with energy, water and labour savings.en_UK
dc.identifier.citationMercer E, Usher SP, McAdam EJ, et al., (2021) Rheological characterisation of synthetic and fresh faeces to inform on solids management strategies for non-sewered sanitation systems. Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 300, December 2021, Article number 113730en_UK
dc.identifier.issn0301-4797
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113730
dc.identifier.urihttp://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/17089
dc.language.isoenen_UK
dc.publisherElsevieren_UK
dc.rightsAttribution 4.0 International*
dc.rights.urihttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/*
dc.subjectFaecesen_UK
dc.subjectDryingen_UK
dc.subjectDewateringen_UK
dc.subjectSticky phaseen_UK
dc.subjectGel pointen_UK
dc.subjectYield stressen_UK
dc.titleRheological characterisation of synthetic and fresh faeces to inform on solids management strategies for non-sewered sanitation systemsen_UK
dc.typeArticleen_UK

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