Setting up and operating faecal sludge laboratories: three case studies from developing countries

The Pollution Research Group (PRG) runs a highly experienced wastewater and sanitation research laboratory in South Africa. The PRG laboratory team has offered their expertise to partner laboratories and played a pivotal role in developing faecal sludge (FS) laboratories through a capacity building programme in developing countries. The PRG has visited many laboratories where they assist with individualised programmes to set up or improve existing systems. This can include building an appropriate laboratory structure, establishing management systems, and improving health and safety when handling biologically hazardous material and the development of analytical methods. Laboratory management systems must be in place to govern laboratory processes as a whole. Laboratories should establish and follow health and safety procedures, laboratory management systems and standard operational protocols. There is a need for greater communication and collaboration between FS laboratories in developing countries to ensure best practice is shared and maintained.