| dc.description.abstract | Urbanization and rapid population growth worldwide have increased the amount of
organic waste, especially fecal sludge (FS), which presents problems for traditional
waste management techniques like landfilling and incineration. In Bangladesh, where
FS management is a relatively new concept, sludge treatment plants in suburban areas
and towns, supported by organizations like WaterAid Bangladesh and the Bangladesh
Association for Social Advancement, have proven effective. Notably, the Sakhipur
Municipality's facility, operational since 2016, has successfully treated FS and organic
waste, producing high-quality compost sold to local farmers through co-composting.
Vermicomposting of fecal sludge is an eco-friendly solution that addresses sanitation
challenges, provides agricultural benefits, and reduces environmental impact by
diverting sludge from landfills. Despite its advantages, careful management is crucial
to address concerns about pathogens, requiring proper pre-treatment and optimal
conditions for earthworm activity, along with cultural sensitivities for public
acceptance of recycled waste use.
The research employed a comprehensive approach, combining quantitative and
qualitative data from diverse sources. The Sakhipur FSTP in Tangail was visited, and
information was gathered from journals, articles, videos, photos, and reports in the
laboratory phase, the collection of a 5kg dried fecal sludge sample from Sakhipur FSTP
prioritized safety precautions for vermicomposting. The Soil Resource Development
Institute (SRDI) in Khamar Bari, Dhaka, conducted standard lab tests on approximately
250 grams of compost after 45 days, following established procedures and conducting
multiple tests for each parameter to minimize errors. In the vermicomposting process,
900g of cow dung was utilized as organic solid waste, combined with fecal sludge at a
1:3 ratio. The resulting compost exhibited favorable characteristics, including a dry,
dark gray appearance, absence of unpleasant odors, and satisfactory color and moisture
levels. Physiochemical assessments revealed a mature compost with a pH of 8.32, a
high Electrical Conductivity (EC) of 8.1 mS/cm (potentially due to sodium chloride
dissolution), Total Organic Carbon (TOC) at 14.60%, and Total Organic Nitrogen
(TON) at 2.1%, all falling within standard ranges. The C/N ratio of 7.35:1, below the
20:1 limit set by the Bangladesh Ministry of Agriculture, indicates suitability for soil
enrichment. Analysis from the Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI) in Dhaka
confirmed acceptable levels of heavy metals such as lead (26 ppm) and nickel (8 ppm),
along with other chemical constituents like phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur, within
standard limits. In conclusion, utilizing fecal sludge as compost or soil conditioner
yields a nutrient-rich product suitable for household-level horticultural use, as affirmed
by SRDI's findings. The study emphasizes the role of vermicomposting in sustainable
fecal sludge management and highlights its promising potential for treating fecal
sludge. The article highlights the need to recognize limitations and advocates for more
research and development to strengthen vermicomposting's contribution to
environmental sustainability, public health, and global sanitation, even though it
presents strong evidence | en_US |
