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A Review of Terra Preta Sanitation with a Focus on the Research Outcomes of the Institute of Wastewater Management and Water Protection (AWW)
Publikationstyp
Journal Article
Date Issued
2018-01
Sprache
English
Author(s)
Schaldach, Ruth
TORE-URI
First published in
Number in series
Volume 3
Start Page
19
End Page
29
Citation
RUVIVAL publication series 3: 19-26 (2018-01)
Terra Preta Sanitation (TPS) is an astonishing biowaste/sanitation system from a highly advanced ancient culture. It shows great potential for soil building and nutrient recycling from excreta. TPS was and is developed based on a rediscovered historic practice. TPS systems treat excreta and produce valuable soil amendments. Such sanitation systems can contribute to attaining particular Sustainable Development Goals. Findings of highly fertile soils in the Amazon region initiated research in this field of study. Archaeological research revealed that Terra Preta was produced from biowaste and excreta with charcoal additives and layers of pieces from broken ceramic. The Institute of Wastewater Management and Water Protection (AWW) at Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) conducted research on lactic acid fermentation (LAF) and vermicomposting, with a special focus on sanitisation and process conditions. The AWW performed case studies in India, the Philippines and Ethiopia and developed implementation strategies for conventional and new sanitation systems. Moreover, the Institute facilitated the design of a container toilet for Terra Preta Sanitation, which is adjusted to different cultural requirements. LAF can make the collection over longer timespans odour free and sanitised at the same time. The downside is a demand for a sugar additive, however, this can be solved by the addition of biowaste. This literature review gives an overview of the current state of research conducted at the Institute of Wastewater Management and Water Protection (AWW) at the Hamburg University of Technology.
DDC Class
000: Allgemeines, Wissenschaft