Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Conversational and Emerging Pollutants in Fecal Sludge from Rural Toilets, China

Lin Lin, Yilin Shen, Guoji Ding, Shakib Alghashm, Seinn Lei Aye and Xiaowei Li ()
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Lin Lin: School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Organic Compound Pollution Control Engineering, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
Yilin Shen: School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Organic Compound Pollution Control Engineering, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
Guoji Ding: School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Organic Compound Pollution Control Engineering, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
Shakib Alghashm: School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Organic Compound Pollution Control Engineering, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
Seinn Lei Aye: Department of Industrial Chemistry, University of Yangon, Yangon 11000, Myanmar
Xiaowei Li: School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Organic Compound Pollution Control Engineering, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-18

Abstract: Effective management of fecal pollutants in rural sanitation is crucial for environmental health and public safety, especially in developing regions. In this study, temporal and regional variations in nutrient elements, heavy metals, pathogenic microorganisms (PMs), and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) of fecal samples from rural toilets in China were investigated. The moisture contents of the fecal samples average 92.7%, decreasing seasonally from 97.4% in summer to 90.6% in winter. The samples’ pH values range from 6.5 to 7.5, with a slight decrease in winter (6.8), while their electrical conductivity varies from 128.1 to 2150 μs/cm, influenced by regional diets. Chromium (9.0–49.7 mg/kg) and copper (31.9–784.4 mg/kg) levels vary regionally, with higher concentrations in Anhui and Guangxi Provinces due to dietary and industrial factors. Zinc contents range from 108.5 to 1648.9 mg/kg, with higher levels in autumn and winter, resulting from agricultural practices and Zn-containing fungicides, posing potential health and phytotoxicity risks. Seasonal and regional variations in PMs and ARGs were observed. Guangxi Province shows the high PM diversity in summer samples, while Jiangsu Province exhibits the high ARGs types in autumn samples. These findings highlight the need for improved waste management and sanitation solutions in rural areas to mitigate environmental risks and protect public health. Continued research in these regions is essential to inform effective sanitation strategies.

Keywords: fecal pollutants; rural toilet; heavy metals; nutrient elements; pathogenic microorganisms (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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