Itchon_G_-_25.pdf (725.34 kB)
Download fileThe public health safety of using human excreta from urine diverting toilets for agriculture: the Philippine experience
conference contribution
posted on 12.02.2018, 15:08 authored by Gina S. Itchon, Robert J . Holmer, Ma Luisa B. TanTo determine the safety of using human excreta in agriculture, an observational study was conducted to
determine the length of time necessary to eradicate parasitic ova and pathogenic bacteria in human
excreta kept in the storage vaults of urine-diverting
dehydration toilets in Cagayan de Oro City,
Philippines for ten (10) months, from August 2007 to May 2008. The study was conducted using seven (7)
urine-diverting
toilets. Baseline data for parasite ova and pathogenic bacteria were taken and duly
recorded. Results show that microorganisms do not pose a public health threat if human excreta from
UDDT vaults are used in agriculture. However, helminth eggs, particularly those of Ascaris
lumbricoides, may still be infective and six months may not be sufficient to dehydrate human feces and
render them safe for agricultural use. Secondary treatment is strongly recommended to render human
excreta safe for agricultural use.
History
School
- Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering
Research Unit
- Water, Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC)