Deployment of the microbial fuel cell latrine in Ghana for decentralized sanitation

A microbial fuel cell (MFC) latrine that treats human waste and produces compost and electricity was deployed in Agona Nyakrom, Ghana. After solid wastes were composted, the MFC treated organic matter and nitrogen from the remaining liquid stream. Organic matter was oxidized in the anode by anode-respiring bacteria that transfer electrons to an external circuit, producing electricity, which was observed to be 268 nW/m after two years of operation. A separate nitrification stage transformed ammonium present in urine, to nitrate. Nitrate was reduced to nitrogen gas by cathodeoxidizing bacteria in the cathode completing nitrogen removal. The MFC latrine was constructed onsite using local labor and materials. Evidence of total nitrogen removal and power production was observed while the MFC latrine was in operation. Multiple user challenges and maintenance affected the performance, yielding low power output. The initial findings suggest that the viability of the system is directly correlated with its use. Incorporating the MFC latrine system into the user community’s typical social practices is key to a successful deployment of the MFC latrine as a sanitation technology. Cynthia J. Castro Joseph E. Goodwill University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 18 Marston Hall, 130 Natural Resources Way, Amherst, MA 01003-9284, USA Brad Rogers Mark Henderson GlobalResolve, Department of Engineering, College of Innovation and Technology, Arizona State University, Polytechnic Campus, Mesa, AZ 85212, USA Caitlyn S. Butler (corresponding author) University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 16B Marston Hall, 130 Natural Resources Way, Amherst, MA 01003-9284, USA E-mail: [email protected]