Unsafe Release of Fecal Sludge and E. coli During Emptying and Transport

The public health hazard associated with the emptying of on-site sanitation systems (e.g. septic tank) is a neglected aspect of fecal sludge management. This study sought to characterize and model the amount of fecal sludge and E. coli released into the environment during emptying based on on-site sanitation system (OSS) type and characteristics of OSS emptying and fecal sludge transportation in Tamil Nadu, India through regression analysis. A systematic literature review found no studies reporting quantities of fecal sludge released during emptying. This novel examination of fecal sludge and E. coli release found an estimated 0.008 L/person/day (σ = 0.022 L/person/day) of fecal sludge and 4.6 log10 CFU/person/day (σ=1.7 log10 CFU/person/day) of E. coli was released during emptying. Increased emptying frequency and system types with higher emptying frequencies were associated with increased E. coli concentration in fecal sludge and increased amounts of fecal sludge and E. coli release.Master of Science in Environmental Engineerin