Training at Asian Institute of Technology on Faecal Sludge and wastewater characterization and lab safety and management- August 22, 2016 to September 6, 2016

CSE staff from pollution monitoring laboratory and water programme were sent to be trained on the subject of “Faecal Sludge & wastewater characterisation, lab safety and management” at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand.The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), founded in 1959, is an international that specializes in engineering, advanced technologies, and management and planning. Its aim is to "promote technological change and sustainable development" in the Asia-Pacific region, through higher education, research, and outreach.

With its experience in research on subjects related to faecal sludge characterisation and treatment, CSE collaborated with AIT to be able to learn from the relevant research and experience.

 Take-aways From the training

  1. FS monitoring laboratory
  • Major difference in wastewater and faecal sludge analysis is in sludge handling, sampling and sample preparation part.

  • This training has capacitated us in handling and analysis of faecal sludge for their characterization.

  • Preparation of faecal sludge sample for the determination of different types of solids.

  • Hints on updating / purchasing new equipment for microbial source tracking

  • Waste disposal system – Collection of chemical waste separately in containers and sending it for incineration.

  • Laboratory safety practices for microbiological and chemical laboratories

  • Requirement of human resource capacity, laboratory waste management practices

  • Requirement for establishment of a biosafety committee that decides biosafety norms

  • Defining inventory management practise/ process

  1. River monitoring
  • Online river water quality monitoring system can be used for basic parameters like pH, TDS, conductivity, temperature through sensors as was observed at one of the monitoring site on the stretch of Chao Phraya River by Pollution Control Department, Thailand.

  • A separate water pump for drawing the sample from appropriate location in the river gives better results.

  • Depth of pumping can be 5-6 metres below the water level and floating pumps may also be used with pipes at similar depths. Precautions should be taken for maintenance of the same.

  • Periodic maintenance and calibration of sensors is very important (at least once a month).

  • Challenges – Incidences of stealing of the pumps/ batteries/ sensors by locals.

  1. Information to prepare technology testing protocols
  • Parameters that can be analysed on-site: Temperature, TDS, conductivity andpH

  • Plan should include – fixing of monitoring points, period and frequency of sample collection.

  • Periodic collection of samples from inlet, outlet and various monitoring points followed by testing.

  • Understanding on what does key parameters indicate about the treatment efficiency

  • Understanding which parameters are essential for faecal sludge characterisation and which range determines high, medium and low strength

  • Gained knowledge on analysis – be able to compare and contrast different treatment technologies based on its performance

For more information, kindly contact:

Ms. Chhavi Sharda
Programme Officer
chhavi@cseindia.org

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