Terra Preta sanitation : a new tool for sustainable sanitation in urban areas?

Publikationstyp
Conference Paper
Date Issued
2013
Sprache
English
Author(s)
Windberg, C.  
Yemaneh, A.  
Otterpohl, Ralf  
Institut
Abwasserwirtschaft und Gewässerschutz B-2  
TORE-URI
http://hdl.handle.net/11420/6064
Citation
Delivering water, sanitation and hygiene services in an uncertain environment : proceedings of the 36th WEDC International Conference / co-hosted by Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya ; edited by Rod Shaw. - Loughborough : Water, Engineering and Development Centre, Loughborough University, 2013.
Contribution to Conference
36th WEDC International Conference  
Publisher
Water, Engineering and Development Centre, Loughborough University
Terra Preta (Black Soil) is highly fertile soil, which was produced in the Amazon region until around 500 years ago. It is a result of sanitation and biowaste management which can give direction in developing a sustainable future. Ongoing research indicates that addition of ground charcoal and lactic acid fermentation are probably the main components in producing terra preta. These discoveries were used to develop Terra Preta Sanitation, which is not one fixed type of sanitation but rather a set of processes: collection under lactic acid fermentation and transport to a semi-central site for thorough vermicomposting. The addition of lactic acid bacteria and powdered bio-char eliminate faecal smell, facilitate sanitization and increase user friendliness. In this way sanitation can help produce rich soil, which in turn improves water availability, food security and the regional climate. The avoidance of smell and opportunities for business development make TPS an obvious choice in urban contexts.
DDC Class
570: Biowissenschaften, Biologie
580: Pflanzen (Botanik)
630: Landwirtschaft, Veterinärmedizin