Project Lead(s): David Gallagher
Issue
In Nepal, 95% of fecal sludge is untreated and discharged into drinking water sources resulting in a high incidence of waterborne disease, particularly in children. Poor sewage and wastewater management continues to pose serious health threats despite government efforts to improve water access and sanitation.
Roughly 44,000 children die from waterborne diseases in Nepal each year, while many women experience serious pregnancy complications.
Solution
‘Blue Fuel’ researched the feasibility of using pyrolysis to convert human waste into biochar (a coal/charcoal substitute) using Hydrothermal Carbonization Technology.
The aim of the project was to reduce the dumping of fecal sludge and produce high-value, cost-effective resources for the Nepalese manufacturing sector.
Outcome
The research team discovered there were simpler ways to convert fecal sludge into fuel compared to their technology. For instance, locally available technology offered equal environmental benefits and a more sustainable alternative than fuel production.
The pyrolysis technique was found to be too expensive and complex for the contexts that were targeted. Nepal did not possess laboratories that could carry out pyrolysis testing.
Through consultations with other institutions in this innovation space, the team found that the production of biogas and soil enhancers may be a better alternative approach.