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Full-Text Articles in Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health
Can A Precast Pit Latrine Concrete Floor Withstand Emptying Operations? An Investigation From Malawi, Joshua Mchenga, Rochelle H. Holm
Can A Precast Pit Latrine Concrete Floor Withstand Emptying Operations? An Investigation From Malawi, Joshua Mchenga, Rochelle H. Holm
Faculty Scholarship
For fecal sludge from households in low- and middle-income countries to be treated offsite it needs to be removed, which can be greatly affected by the pit latrine floor design. However, it is unclear whether precast pit latrine concrete floors (latrine slabs) can withstand emptiers and their equipment. To investigate this issue, 28 prefabricated latrine slabs were purchased in two cities of Malawi. They were first visually evaluated, and then their compression strength was tested. Additionally, each seller was asked a series of questions to better understand their business, training, and construction practices. Results showed that households should perform due …
Designing Local Solutions For Emptying Pit Latrines In Low-Income Urban Settlements (Malawi), W. C. Chipeta, R. H. Holm, J. F. Kamanula, W. E. Mtonga, F. L. De Los Reyes
Designing Local Solutions For Emptying Pit Latrines In Low-Income Urban Settlements (Malawi), W. C. Chipeta, R. H. Holm, J. F. Kamanula, W. E. Mtonga, F. L. De Los Reyes
Faculty Scholarship
A lack of effective options in local technology poses challenges when onsite household sanitation facilities are eventually filled to capacity in unplanned settlement areas within Mzuzu City, located in northern Malawi. Vacuum trucks currently dominate the market but focus on emptying septic tanks in the more easily accessible planned settlement areas, rather than servicing the pit latrines common in unplanned settlement areas. As a result, households in the unplanned settlement areas within Mzuzu rely primarily on manual pit emptying (i.e., shoveling by hand) or digging a new pit latrine. These practices have associated health risks and are limited by space …
Characterization Of Pit Latrines To Support The Design And Selection Of Emptying Tools In Peri-Urban Mzuzu, Malawi, Rashid Chiposa, Rochelle H. Holm, Chimuleke Munthali, Russel C.G. Chidya, Francis L. De Los Reyes
Characterization Of Pit Latrines To Support The Design And Selection Of Emptying Tools In Peri-Urban Mzuzu, Malawi, Rashid Chiposa, Rochelle H. Holm, Chimuleke Munthali, Russel C.G. Chidya, Francis L. De Los Reyes
Faculty Scholarship
The urban areas of many low-income countries must balance a rising demand for pit latrines for household sanitation provision against limitations in space, resulting in a need for pit latrine emptying services. This study was undertaken in the peri-urban neighborhood of Area 1B in the city of Mzuzu, Malawi, to examine the characteristics of household pit latrines for designing and selecting pit latrine emptying tools. We used 150 structured household surveys and field observations. From this, a subset was selected and 30 manual cone penetrometer tests were conducted at full latrines. Chemical oxygen demand analysis was also performed for 14 …
Pit Latrine Fecal Sludge Resistance Using A Dynamic Cone Penetrometer In Low Income Areas In Mzuzu City, Malawi, Charles F.C. Chirwa, Ralph P. Hall, Leigh Anne H. Krometis, Eric A. Vance, Adam Edwards, Ting Guan, Rochelle H. Holm
Pit Latrine Fecal Sludge Resistance Using A Dynamic Cone Penetrometer In Low Income Areas In Mzuzu City, Malawi, Charles F.C. Chirwa, Ralph P. Hall, Leigh Anne H. Krometis, Eric A. Vance, Adam Edwards, Ting Guan, Rochelle H. Holm
Faculty Scholarship
Pit latrines can provide improved household sanitation, but without effective and inexpensive emptying options, they are often abandoned once full and may pose a public health threat. Emptying techniques can be difficult, as the sludge contents of each pit latrine are different. The design of effective emptying techniques (e.g., pumps) is limited by a lack of data characterizing typical in situ latrine sludge resistance. This investigation aimed to better understand the community education and technical engineering needs necessary to improve pit latrine management. In low income areas within Mzuzu city, Malawi, 300 pit latrines from three distinct areas were assessed …