Quality of Vermicomposted Human Faecal Matter and Sewage Sludge

Ottilie Bajsa

The problem of organic waste production and waste treatment has been an ongoing one. One way it can be dealt with is onsite treatment systems. Vermicomposting of human faecal matter and sewage sludge is the focus of this research. Faecal matter was collected in three Vermicom toilets using three different substrates to assess the quality of the resulting vermicompost. Additionally sewage sludge was collected from the sewage treatment plant to study the effects of vermicomposting on sewage sludge and sewage sludge mixed with three different substrates. The composts were monitored over a period of nine month. Monthly samples were taken to assess the microbial, chemical and physical quality of the composts and to investigate what substrates will give the best quality compost. Furthermore, the time taken to render the compost safe for handling was investigated. This research found, that after a composting period of six to nine month the compost is safe for handling as all pathogens tested were reduced sufficiently. The composts can be put on the garden, and due to their high nitrogen content can be used as an alternative to fertilizers. The composts containing sewage sludge were in general higher in nutrient content than the ones from composted faecal matter. The best quality of compost resulted from the addition of sawdust for the reduction of pathogens, and the best substrate for the reduction of heavy metals in sewage sludge was found to be sand.

Quality of Vermicomposted Human Faecal Matter and Sewage Sludge

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