Reusing Bio-Solids Harvested from Septage and Sewage

In 2023, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) published two reports that assessed the performance and effectiveness of 47 faecal sludge treatment plants (FSTPs) and 14 sewage treatment plants (STPs) across India. These reports represent the first of its kind evaluation done at this scale in India as well as globally. What these reports found:

  • FSTPs demonstrate comparable effectiveness to STPs in terms of reducing biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Both FSTPs and STPs face challenges in reducing COD and pathogens
  • The initial separation of solids from wastewater in FSTPs leads to a significant reduction of BOD and COD in separated wastewater. The subsequent treatment of wastewater depends on volume and regulatory reduction targets.
  • Harvested bio-solids from septage and sludge, whether from FSTPs or STPs, are nutrient-rich, but also carry a high pathogen load and potential heavy metal content.
  • Currently, there are no prescribed standards for reusing these harvested bio-solids.
  • Harvested bio-solids do not meet the compost standards outlined in the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) due to failure to meet the carbon/nitrogen ratio requirement.
  • High pathogen levels in harvested bio-solids are linked to moisture content.

As India strives to move beyond ODF, there is an urgent need for developing effective treatment systems for septage and sewage. With Odisha leading the way in urban wastewater treatment infrastructure, particularly through implementation of low-cost nature-based nonsewered faecal sludge treatment systems, it serves as an exemplary state for others to follow. CSE is organising a workshop in Odisha to, therefore, to carry forward the learnings and discussion on reuse of bio-solids harvested from treatment systems.

For more details, contact:

SUMITA SINGHAL
Programme Manager
Water Programme, CSE
Email: sumita.singhal@cseindia.org
Phone: +91 8884646146

 

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Agenda
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Participants
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Proceedings
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Presentations
Biosolids Workshop Thermal Treatment
By Arun Kumar RS
Application of Biosolids in India
By Dr. Ashok Kumar Patra
Shifting Paradigm from Disposal to Sludge Monetization via Solar Greenhouse
By Saumya Anand
Quality Evaluation of Faecal Sludge-Based Biosolids in India to Ascertain their Reuse and Resource Recovery Potential
By Dr. Vinod Vijayan
Co-composting Process for Management of Biosolids
By Girija R
Biosolids Workshop
By Abhishek Chaudhuri
Applicable Business Models for Sale of Biosolids
By Sunil Agarwal
Objectives of the Workshop
  • Highlight the significant loss incurred by not reusing harvested bio-solids.
  • Highlight the significant loss incurred by not reusing harvested bio-solids.
  • Understand the gaps and the need for appropriate norms and policies for reuse of these bio-solids
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