Thesis (MPA.) --University of Limpopo, 2011 / The study is an evaluation of the challenges that the Thulamela Municipality face in the delivery of water and sanitation services. The purpose of the study was to find ways of improving service delivery and addressing backlogs so that sustainable delivery of water and sanitation services can be achieved. A descriptive quantitative method was conducted using a questionnaire, peer-reviewed journals, books and official documentation. The Thulamela Local Municipality is based at Vhembe District in Limpopo Province. The study shows that there is a serious challenge of backlogs in water and sanitation delivery. These will be difficult to overcome due to financial constraint and, lack of human capacity and technical resources. The researcher concluded that the municipality has serious backlogs in service provision which needed to be addressed urgently. She recommends that the municipality should outsource some services, provide efficient and effective resource to ensure that there is sustainable service provision.

[pt] Nesta dissertação apresenta-se o estudo de viabilidade de incorporação de lodo proveniente de processos de clarificação de estações de tratamento de água, na produção de cerâmica vermelha; resíduo que atualmente é disposto indiscriminadamente em um manancial de captação, contribuindo para a alteração da qualidade das águas. Entende-se que a busca de uma solução viável para a destinação adequada deste resíduo, traga ganhos ambientais com baixos custos operacionais; sendo este o objetivo principal deste estudo. A relevância do assunto está na implantação de um sistema de gestão que proporcione a destinação adequada do resíduo e sua viabilização como insumo para a produção de cerâmica vermelha. Para tal, optou-se por fazer ensaios de caracterização da argila, do resíduo gerado em estações de tratamento de água e, por fim, estudou-se a incorporação a 40%, 50% e 60% do referido resíduo à argila, resultando em um produto cerâmico do qual foram estudadas as características físico-químicas e mecânicas. Os resultados alcançados indicaram a possibilidade de aproveitamento do resíduo, sendo necessário, para a adoção desta técnica, que sejam estabelecidos parâmetros de controle no processo produtivo de cerâmica vermelha. / [en] The Msc thesis, presents a viability study of incorporation the mud generated in the clarification step treatment plants (WTP), for the production of red ceramic. This residue that currently is disposed indiscriminately in the rivers, contributes to degradation of the quality of waters. In view of that, the search of a viable solution for the appropriate destination of this residue should bring environmental benefits with low operational costs, being this the main objective of this study. The relevance of the subject is in the implantation of a management system that provides the appropriate destination of the residue in subject and your viability as raw-material for industrial production. In order to pursue that, physical-chemical and mechanical characterization of the clay used for the manufacturing of red ceramic, as well as of the WTP mud and 40%, 50% and 60% mixtures of the mud into the clay - which resulted in ceramic test samples, were carried out. The results obtained indicated the possibility of incorporating of the residue into the clay, provided specific conditions for red ceramic production are implemented.

L’époque contemporaine se caractérise par une omniprésence de la technique, qui soulève des inquiétudes croissantes. Ce constat a conduit nombre de chercheurs à interroger les relations que la technique et la société entretiennent. Dans le sillage de ce questionnement, cette recherche vise à examiner en quoi les techniques sont parties prenantes des changements anthropiques à l’oeuvre, qu’ils soient d’ordre social, politique, culturel, religieux, environnemental, législatif. Pour ce faire, cette thèse étudie, à partir d’une approche ethnographique, les modalités d'existence de dispositifs urbains d’assainissement dans le cadre du Ganga Action Plan, lequel vise la dépollution du Gange. Ces modalités d’existence sont analysées à partir des chroniques des projets urbains se déroulant dans deux villes indiennes, Kanpur et Varanasi, et des controverses suscitées par leur mise en œuvre. Cette thèse démontre que les objets techniques et les activités qui leur sont liées, tout en confortant des règles déjà en place, en instituent de nouvelles, ce qui ne va pas sans susciter des résistances tant d’ordre social que politique. / The omnipresence of technology in the modern world is a source of growing concern and has led researchers to explore the relationship between technique and society. In the wake of this question research seeks to examine the ways in which technology is involved in on-going anthropogenic changes, whether they be of a social, political, cultural, religious, environmental or legislative nature. To this end, and using an ethnographic approach, this thesis studies the modalities of existence in urban water sanitation devices during the Ganga Action Plan’s program aimed at depolluting the river. These modalities of existence are analysed through the chronicles of urban projects taking place in two Indian towns, Kanpur and Varanasi, and controversies aroused by their implementation. This thesis demonstrates that technical objects and their associated activities, whilst following existing rules, also create new ones, which can provoke resistance of both social and political order.

At the end of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) period in 2015, 2.3 billion people, 31% of the global population, still did not have access to even basic sanitation services. Of these people, 892 million still practice open defecation, and 856 million people use unimproved facilities such as pit latrines without a slab or platform or hanging latrines or bucket latrines (JMP 2017). Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 6.2 now aims to achieve adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and sets the ambitious target of eradicating open defecation by 2030. While the number of people open defecating was reduced from 1229 million to 892 million between 2000 and 2015, that pace must accelerate to be achieved (JMP, 2017). In Panama, it is estimated that countrywide sanitation coverage is 71%, and rural coverage 54% (WHO/UNICEF, 2013). Even so, in indigenous areas like the Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé, only 25% of the population has adequate access to basic sanitation (ANAM, 2006). This research builds upon the research presented in (Hurtado, 2005, Kaiser, 2006, Mehl, 2008, and Wilbur, 2014). These theses researched double vault urine diverting (DVUD) latrines, or composting latrines, in indigenous communities in the province of Bocas del Toro and the Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé in Panama. Hurtado, Kaiser, and Mehl researched the design, construction, and pathogen destruction capabilities of composting latrines. Wilbur studied how human attitudes and perceptions serve as incentives or barriers to composting latrine use. In this research surveys, interviews, and observations were recorded in 6 indigenous Ngäbe communities in Bocas del Toro and the Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé. The study quantifies usage of ventilated improved pit (VIP) and basic pit latrines in these communities, assesses positive and negative perceptions of composting latrines, and determines perceptions of feces and the reuse of composted human excrement. The results reveal that of n=103 latrines 88.3% were completed and in use, but only 35.2% were properly covered. To promote proper usage of latrines, continued education and trainings need to be carried out in these communities. Respondents were also favorable to the use of composting latrines, with 61.2% of respondents saying they would be interested in building a composting latrine for their households. The main perceived benefit of composting latrines is the compost, and the most identified barrier to use was lack of prior experience. Other main barriers included user disgust and the amount of work it takes to own and operate the latrine. There were more identified incentives (12) than barriers (11) to composting latrine adoption. Respondents also reported they would react more favorably to their neighbor implementing the technology and using compost than their neighbor would react should the respondent do the same thing. These results indicate the importance of pilot projects in communities, allowing people to see the benefits of the technology and how it works before implementing a larger scale project. These projects would also reduce the stigma associated with being a first adopter. Statistical analysis revealed that the demographics of community, sanitation classification, gender, and primary occupation were significantly linked to survey statements used to measure perceptions on composting latrine use and the use of composted human excrement as a fertilizer. Age, gender, and household size were not found to have a statistically significant link to user perceptions on the same survey statements. Logistic regression analysis was then performed using SPSS statistical analysis software (version 24). The results of this research indicate the importance of setting up follow up trainings as many respondents had forgotten how to properly maintain their latrines. It also suggests the setup of pilot projects for composting latrines, as many respondents were favorable to the technology but did not want to try to own and operate a composting latrine without seeing a successful composting latrine first.

Access to appropriate sanitation facilities as well as access to clean drinking water are considered fundamental human rights (Carr, 2001; Bjorklund & Sjodin, 2010), yet roughly 2.5 billion people on the planet lack access to an improved form of sanitation (WHO/UNICEF, 2014). Additionally, many entities responsible for emergency excreta management and sanitation management design guidelines, specifically solids accumulation rates in latrine pits, use rates that are 30-60 years old and may be established from dated knowledge on diet and lifestyle trends (Franceys et al., 1992; Harvey et al., 2002; Harvey, 2007). Using solids accumulation rates that are dated as well as non-local can lead to under design of latrine pits (latrine pits fill faster than expected and designed) or over design of latrine pits (resources and materials are over used in construction and design). Previous research showed that solids accumulation rates in pit latrines ranged from 18 L/person/year to 70 L/person/year though no accumulation rates have been reported for schools. The reported differences in solids accumulation rates were found to depend largely on local user rates and behaviors, the amount of material added to the latrine (both organic and inorganic matter), and the porosity of the soil surrounding the pit. Wood (2013) suggested that solid waste could compose 10-40% of waste accumulated in a pit. Furthermore, fecal generation rates of individuals were also found to differ by country, region and individual (Franceys et al., 1992). An assessment of several methods for measuring accumulation rates was also performed. It was determined that the laser distance meter technique, as well as the use of a graduated metal rod were the best two ways to determine slab to pit content depths in rural communities. Compared to other methods, such as the stereographic imaging technique, and the automated laser scanner technique, the laser distance meter technique and the use of a graduated rod require less expertise and do not require camera and computer resources. This study also developed a method to assess solids accumulation rates of latrines at three rural schools in Saclepea City, Nimba County, Liberia. Depth measurements were taken from the latrine slab to the surface of the pit contents from early May 2014 until mid-June 2014. The accumulation rates were found to be extremely similar for each latrine for all measurements taken, with differences in depth of only 1-3 cm observed over the six-week measurement period. Little research was identified on the effects of feminine waste on solids accumulation rates in latrines and no literature was found concerning the effects of feminine excretions on the degradation of pit contents. More research is thus needed to assess the possible effects the addition of menstrual blood and menstrual excretions can have on degradation rates as well as the lifespan of viruses and other infectious agents in pit contents and the surrounding soil. This is particularly important with the presence of contaminated wastes from victims of Ebola Virus Disease being disposed of in latrines and other sanitation infrastructure in rural areas of West Africa.

<p>Diverting urine from faeces or mixed wastewater and reusing it to fertilize crops, is a traditional method used in Asia. It is also a contemporary approach to sustainable nutrient and water management in Scandinavia and other parts of Europe. Urine diversion and reuse is a proven socio-technical system that has significant potential benefits on both a local and global scale, such as recirculating scarce plant nutrients like phosphorus back to agriculture, reducing eutrophication of waterways and improving water and sanitation systems. This thesis explores the nature of these benefits in Australia and the global context and what barriers would need to be overcome if a urine diversion and reuse system were implemented in Australia to achieve significant environmental benefits. These questions are investigated through stakeholder interviews in Sweden, to identify the ‘lessons learnt’ from the Swedish experience with urine diversion and reuse, and, through interviews with relevant stakeholders in Australia to identify possible barriers and opportunities, costs and benefits, and roles and responsibilities in the Australian context. Findings from both the stakeholder interviews are triangulated with other sources of knowledge, such as the literature, personal communications and a qualitative assessment of costs and benefits.</p><p>This thesis found that while urine diversion is likely to benefit the Australia situation and warrants further research, these benefits are fragmented and spread across a range of discourses and separate institutions. Its acceptance and effective introduction into Australia might therefore be challenged by its lack of a single obvious organisational home. To overcome this and other identified challenges, several recommendations are made. For example, an Australian demonstration trial of urine diversion and reuse is recommended where clear drivers and opportunities exist, such as: in new developments adjacent to agricultural land; in regions where algal blooms are a critical problem and are predominantly caused by municipal sewage discharges; and where synergies with waterless urinals are being considered for water conservation value. This thesis does not promote urine diversion and reuse as the ‘silver bullet’ to Australia’s water and nutrient problems, however it does recommend that it be considered on an equal basis next to other possible options. For example, if reducing nutrient loads on receiving water bodies is a key objective, then a cost-effective analysis of urine diversion and reuse, compared to other options to reduce nutrient loads, could be undertaken, ensuring all relevant costs and benefits to the whole of society are included in the analysis.</p>

<p>The purpose of this study was to investigate the various types of onsite greywater treatment facilities available at two housing communities (Hull Street and Moshoeshoe Eco Village) in Kimberley, South Africa. The objective was to undertake a close observation through personal experience of the installations, measure water consumption and greywater produced, do an inventory of household cleaning chemicals and conduct interviews of different stake-holders of the Housing Project to find out their views on greywater and Ecosan issues. The study was conducted between June and August 2006.</p><p>The average water consumption per household per day during the study period was 272 L and 170 L in Eco Village and Hull Street respectively. The average greywater produced per household per day was 190 L and 119 L in Eco Village and Hull Street respectively. In Hull Street, the average water consumed and greywater produced per person per day during this study was 51L and 36L respectively. Three main types of treatment systems were installed in the study area; sandfilters, infiltration pits and resorption trenches. The sandfilters were poorly designed and were not functioning properly. The infiltration pits though working they were experiencing problems of poor infiltration and required constant draining and maintenance in many homes, especially those that have high water consumption and produce much greywater. The resorption trenches that make use of aerobic mulch media followed by infiltration had been installed in one house unit and after about 7 months had not presented problems to the user. Close monitoring done on this facility for about 4 weeks showed proper functioning according to its design.</p><p>Quite a lot had been done over time to improve on the installations in Hull Street and Eco village. The toilet installations have been exchanged and a number of alternatives to improve on the treated greywater have been attempted. The users and the housing company’s personnel feel one of the major problems being encountered is in treating greywater. Appropriate ways to compost faecal matter are still being sought. Hence use of greywater, urine and composted faeces in urban agriculture by residents is yet to be visible and will need encouragement.</p><p>Generally, the residents at Hull Street and Eco Village like the community life, house structures and location. However, they wish that improvement be made in some areas to make life in these areas more comfortable. The residents of both Hull Street and Eco Village expect better greywater treatment facilities. The community in Hull Street requests shopping centres, sport facilities, fence around the area, and taxi services among others. It is important to note that many people did not ask for further improvements on the toilet systems which might indicate they are coping with the urine diversion alternative sanitation.</p><p>The user perception on whole was good, but the need for constant attention and maintenance seems to offer a hurdle to the infiltration and sand filter facilities to treat greywater.</p>

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a Gram-negative, halophilic, human pathogenic bacterium ubiquitous in the marine environment. Like many Vibrio species, V. parahaemolyticus commonly associates with shellfish, particularly oysters. Ingestion of a raw or under cooked oysters contaminated with V. parahaemolyticus can cause gastroenteritis, which is typically self-limiting and rarely causes death. Globally, oyster production is highly lucrative, especially on the West Coast of the United States where approximately 60% of oyster production occurs each year. Outbreaks of V. parahaemolyticus can result in a significant public health problem as well as an economic burden for the oyster farms implicated in the outbreak. With the increase in overall V. parahaemolyticus outbreaks, improved post-harvest processing strategies have been developed to reduce this natural contaminant. Depuration was developed to allow shellfish to purge contaminants from their tissues into the clean, flowing seawater where they are held. This post-harvest processing technique can typically reduce fecal contaminants from the oyster tissues but is relatively ineffective at eliminating V. parahaemolyticus and other Vibrio species.. Thus, improved methods for reducing this and other human pathogenic Vibrio are needed to effectively produce safer oysters for the consumer. To develop more effective and novel V. parahaemolyticus intervention strategies, first we must identify the factors that are involved in V. parahaemolyticus colonization of the oyster, allowing them toresist depuration. This study sought to investigate specific factors utilized by V. parahaemolyticus and, in the process, determined that various strains of V. parahaemolyticus have different alleles of the Type IV pili, mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin (MSHA)and chitin-regulated pilus (PilA). In addition, we expanded our investigations into the allelic diversity of MSHA and PilA from Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio vulnificus and found that V. cholerae strains that possess the Type IV toxin co-regulated pilus (TCP) maintained highly conserved MSHA and PilA sequences while strains of V. cholerae without TCP, and all of the V. vulnificus and V. parahaemolyticus strains examined, had highly divergent sequences with no discernable connection to isolation source or observed phenotype. Following that discovery, we determined that Type I, and Type IV pili, as well as polar and lateral flagellar systems contribute to V. parahaemolyticus persistence in the Pacific oyster during depuration, while Type III secretion systems and phase variation do not. Overall, we have identified factors involved in colonization of the Pacific oyster by V. parahaemolyticus. Future studies investigating conditions that affect pili and flagella production in V. parahaemolyticus may provide novel depuration conditions that could easily and effectively increase the efficiency of oyster depuration, ultimately reducing the risk of seafood-borne illness by V. parahaemolyticus associated with oysters. / Graduation date: 2013

Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

<p>The aim of this study was to describe the demographic and socio-economic factors influencing infant feeding practices in the Amathola district, South Africa. A survey was chosen as the design method and a structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding the socio-economic and demographic factors and related infant feeding choices. The study population consisted of 100 women with infants up to the age of 14 weeks, who brought their infant for immunization at the selected community health clinic (the largest clinic in the Mdantsane area). Infants up to the age of 14 weeks were used because all the visits up to 14 weeks coincide with the local immunization program, and according to WHO guidelines all infants should be exclusively breastfed until they reach the age of 6 months of age. The study found that there are many families in the Mdantsane area that suffer from poor conditions and inadequate services such as a lack of electricity, working taps or flush toilets within their dwelling, which in turn has an impact on infant feeding practices. It was found that even in poor demographic and socio-economic conditions, formula feeding is still the chosen feeding practice for the majority of mothers.</p>