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Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research
Nov, 2024;90 (10): 2842-2856.

Comparative life cycle assessment of on-site sanitation systems using lagoons or drying beds for fecal sludge treatment in low-income tropical countries.

Davidson Jean-Baptiste, Fr��d��ric Monette
Author Information
  1. Davidson Jean-Baptiste: ��cole de technologie sup��rieure, Montr��al, QC, Canada E-mail: davidson.jean-baptiste.1@ens.etsmtl.ca. ORCID
  2. Fr��d��ric Monette: ��cole de technologie sup��rieure, Montr��al, QC, Canada. ORCID
PMID: 39612177 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2024.377

Abstract

Environmental challenges in low-income countries, such as Haiti, persist due to inadequate sanitation infrastructure. This study assesses the environmental impacts of nine on-site sanitation systems to identify those with the least environmental impacts and explore improvement options. Nine scenarios were developed, each representing different systems for managing 1 ton of fecal sludge over 1 year. The 'Impact World + ' and 'IPCC 2013 GWP 100a' methods evaluated impacts on ecosystems, human health, and climate change. Data sources included interviews, weighing records, and scientific publications. Results show that Scenario 8 (Flush Toilet - Evacuation - Planted Drying Beds) is most impactful on health (1.17 �� 10 DALY), while Scenario 1 (Composting Toilet - Evacuation - Unplanted Drying Beds) is least impactful (1.77 �� 10 DALY). For ecosystem impacts, Scenario 2 (Container-based Toilet - Evacuation - Planted Drying Beds) is most impactful (3.81 �� 10 PDF��m��year), while Scenario 6 (VIP latrine - Evacuation - Lagoons) is least impactful (3.52 �� 10 PDF��m��year). Key hotspots include toilet paper, wood shavings, GHG emissions, and water use. The study recommends an integrated approach combining environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) with life cycle cost assessment and social LCA for sustainable decision-making on sanitation systems in low-income countries.

Keywords

GHG LCA environment human health sanitation sustainable

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MeSH Term

Sewage
Sanitation
Developing Countries
Feces
Tropical Climate
Toilet Facilities
Humans
Waste Disposal, Fluid

Chemicals

Sewage
Journal Article Comparative Study

Word Cloud

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