TITLE:
Elimination of Malodors and Management of Human Waste in Pit Latrines Using Indigenous Microorganisms
AUTHORS:
Manfred Miheso, Kimani C. Ndungu, Henry Okwaro, William Keyah
KEYWORDS:
Indigenous Microorganisms, IMO, Malodor, Human Waste Management
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.11 No.10,
October
31,
2024
ABSTRACT: Simple pit latrines are the most affordable and feasible options for most rural households, because they are inexpensive to construct, operate and maintain and they qualify as improved sanitation technologies when they are properly constructed, and their sanitary status maintained. However, the quality of service of simple pit latrines is frequently limited by the buildup and dispersal of foul odor and presence of nuisance insects, such as houseflies, drain flies and cockroaches. The need to find cheaper, environmentally friendly, and effective methods of enhancing pit latrine hygiene by reducing odors is therefore not only urgent but also apparent. This study thus aimed to evaluate the efficacy of using IMO to reduce buildup and dispersal of malodors in pit latrines. Kisii Ndogo and Bahati villages located in Mau Summit location, Kamara ward, Kuresoi North sub county, Nakuru County in Kenya were selected for this study. Kisii Ndogo is an informal settlement while Bahati is a rural settlement. Field measurement of odor intensity involved taking recordings at 3 different points: 5 meters upwind, inside and five meters downwind from the latrine. Scoring of the odor intensity was based on the Linkert scale. Ambient weather conditions: temperature, UV intensity, wind speed, wind direction, and relative humidity in and around the pit latrines, were measured. Results of the study show that use of IMO significantly reduced the intensity of the smell in the pit latrines from very strong to slight. The nuisance insects were eliminated or significantly reduced to negligible levels. The study thus concluded that IMO can be used effectively to reduce malodors, encourage use of pit latrines and reduce open defecation. The use of IMO can also significantly contribute to reduction in spread of diarrheal diseases through elimination of nuisance insects. Further studies involving measurement of changes in volatile compounds resulting from use of IMO, and effect on sludge levels are recommended.