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Environment and Health

If human excreta is not properly handled it poses a serious threat to the environment and public health. Human excreta contains pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa and helminths which lead to a range of infections in humans. In addition, the uncontrolled disposal of excreta in soils and waters can also lead to an overload of organic compounds and nutrients in the environment resulting in the loss of plants and animal life. In order to be able to adequately handle and treat excreta therefore it is essential to understand its characteristics.

Under this topic you can find information on:

  • the characteristics of excreta and grey water
  • occupational and environmental health
  • public health issues.

FileFact sheet characteristics excreta (24 Aug 05)

Introduction to the main characteristics of human excreta and grey water.

By understanding the composition of grey water and excreta, management systems can be designed in order to cope with the hazards and potentials posed by these flows.

Discussed are:

  • volumes and quantities
  • pathogen contents of the three waste streams
  • nutrient content
  • other substances in the urine and faeces

 

fact sheet characteristics excreta.pdf  (323.3 kB)

FolderUrine reuse (13 Jun 05)

With the separation of urine from the feaces in ecological sanitation a whole range of options occur what you can do with the separated urine.

WASTE has collected some examples. No doubt there are more initiatives on urine reuse. We welcome input from you.

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