Low-cost solar septic tanks as sustainable sanitation solution: A case study implemented in Cambodia
Issued Date
2024-06-01
Resource Type
ISSN
20439083
eISSN
24089362
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85203871562
Journal Title
Journal of Water Sanitation and Hygiene for Development
Volume
14
Issue
6
Start Page
451
End Page
465
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Water Sanitation and Hygiene for Development Vol.14 No.6 (2024) , 451-465
Suggested Citation
Koottatep T., Pussayanavin T., Chomnan C., Khamyai S., Sangchun W., Surinkul N., Polprasert C. Low-cost solar septic tanks as sustainable sanitation solution: A case study implemented in Cambodia. Journal of Water Sanitation and Hygiene for Development Vol.14 No.6 (2024) , 451-465. 465. doi:10.2166/washdev.2024.010 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/101303
Title
Low-cost solar septic tanks as sustainable sanitation solution: A case study implemented in Cambodia
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
The integration of a solar septic tank (SST) system with an economically viable solar water-heating apparatus comprising polyethylene (PE) and copper (Cu) pipes, as well as a lightweight structural framework, has been conceptualized and implemented. Two variants of low-cost SSTs were subjected to empirical scrutiny within authentic settings, encompassing public toilets and residential establishments in Cambodia. Both the PE pipe and Cu pipe solar water-heating devices demonstrated efficacy in consistently maintaining temperatures within the system above ambient levels. Although the parameters do not conform to Cambodia’s effluent requirements, the results of this study suggest that the SST is effective in reducing organic loads and provides a significant improvement over conventional septic tank effluent. This underscores the potential applicability of the developed system for the treatment of toilet wastewater, thereby mitigating pollution concerns and public health risks. Harnessing solar energy to elevate septic tank temperature, this system’s cost varies but includes materials, tools, and miscel-laneous components, with a total estimated cost ranging from $600 to $2500, depending on size and complexity.