Characterization and Methanogenic Potential Evaluation of Faecal Sludge: Case of the Kossodo Biogas Plant in Ouagadougou

Noaga Inès Gwladys Ouedraogo (), Yacouba Konaté, Boukary Sawadogo, Elfried Beré, Soumaila Sodré and Harouna Karambiri
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Noaga Inès Gwladys Ouedraogo: Laboratoire Eaux Hydro-Systèmes et Agriculture (LEHSA), Institut International D’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE), 1 Rue de la Science, Ouagadougou 01 BP 594, Burkina Faso
Yacouba Konaté: Laboratoire Eaux Hydro-Systèmes et Agriculture (LEHSA), Institut International D’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE), 1 Rue de la Science, Ouagadougou 01 BP 594, Burkina Faso
Boukary Sawadogo: Laboratoire Eaux Hydro-Systèmes et Agriculture (LEHSA), Institut International D’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE), 1 Rue de la Science, Ouagadougou 01 BP 594, Burkina Faso
Elfried Beré: Laboratoire Eaux Hydro-Systèmes et Agriculture (LEHSA), Institut International D’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE), 1 Rue de la Science, Ouagadougou 01 BP 594, Burkina Faso
Soumaila Sodré: Direction de l’Assainissement, Office National de l’Eau et de l’Assainissement (ONEA), Ouagadougou 01 BP 171, Burkina Faso
Harouna Karambiri: Laboratoire Eaux Hydro-Systèmes et Agriculture (LEHSA), Institut International D’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE), 1 Rue de la Science, Ouagadougou 01 BP 594, Burkina Faso

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 23, 1-23

Abstract: The use of faecal sludge (FS) in anaerobic digestion (AD) requires a perfect knowledge of their composition. Considered as a very heterogeneous material, the high variability of FS can disturb biodigesters’ functionality and impact biogas production. Unique in West Africa, Kossodo’s biogas plant in Ouagadougou receives sludge from septic tanks and pit latrines. To evaluate the quality of sludge discharged in this treatment plant and its ability for AD, a characterization of 130 FS trucks from several onsite sanitation facilities was carried out. Physico-chemicals, including heavy metals and microbiological parameters, were analyzed using standard protocols. A biochemical methane potential test was employed to evaluate biogas yield. Results showed that raw sludge averaged 1.12% total solids (TS), 54.74% volatile solids (VS), 9253 mg/L chemical oxygen demand (COD), and 1645 mg/L biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). Settled faecal sludge exhibited higher levels of total coliforms, E. coli, helminth eggs, and heavy metals. Heavy metal levels met AD standards defined by VDI 4630, with decreasing toxicity order: Zn > Mn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > As ≥ Hg. The carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio was 6.7 ± 4.3, indicating unsuitability for AD. Sludge settling increased C/N ratio by 46%, which was still below optimal AD conditions (20–30). Methane yield of raw and settled FS averaged 61 ± 0.2 and 156 ± 3.2 NL CH 4 /kg VS removed, respectively. Co-substrate addition could enhance the methanogenic yield of these sludges. This study provides a valuable database on the characteristics of FS, supporting sustainable recovery options.

Keywords: faecal sludge; characterization; anaerobic digestion; biogas; methanogenic potential; sustainable (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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