Nature-based
faecal
sludge
treatment
involves
solid-liquid
separation
followed
by
dewatering.
These
are
energy-efficient,
cost-effective,
and
support
resource
recovery,
though
their
efficacy
varies.
Inadequate
knowledge
of
characteristics
from
different
technologies
limits
agricultural
use.
This
study
evaluates
treated
unplanted
drying
beds,
planted
co-composted
sludge,
focusing
on
characterization
soil
application
potential.
Non-parametric
statistical
analysis
compared
critical
parameters.
No
significant
differences
were
found
in
pH,
bulk
density,
phosphorous,
C:N
ratio,
secondary
macronutrients.
However,
co-compost
had
higher
conductivity
(4.9
dS/m)
potassium
(1.09%)
lower
total
nitrogen
(2.15%)
due
to
additional
feedstock
mineralization.
PDB
organic
carbon
(41%)
as
it's
partially
digested.
Co-compost's
balanced
nutrient
profile
enhances
fertility.
Heavy
metal
concentrations
for
all
treatments
fall
within
quality
guideline
limits.
findings
confirm
the
potential
a
sustainable
amendment
highlight
need
standardized
guidelines.
Nature-based
faecal
sludge
treatment
involves
solid-liquid
separation
followed
by
dewatering.
These
are
energy-efficient,
cost-effective,
and
support
resource
recovery,
though
their
efficacy
varies.
Inadequate
knowledge
of
characteristics
from
different
technologies
limits
agricultural
use.
This
study
evaluates
treated
unplanted
drying
beds,
planted
co-composted
sludge,
focusing
on
characterization
soil
application
potential.
Non-parametric
statistical
analysis
compared
critical
parameters.
No
significant
differences
were
found
in
pH,
bulk
density,
phosphorous,
C:N
ratio,
secondary
macronutrients.
However,
co-compost
had
higher
conductivity
(4.9
dS/m)
potassium
(1.09%)
lower
total
nitrogen
(2.15%)
due
to
additional
feedstock
mineralization.
PDB
organic
carbon
(41%)
as
it's
partially
digested.
Co-compost's
balanced
nutrient
profile
enhances
fertility.
Heavy
metal
concentrations
for
all
treatments
fall
within
quality
guideline
limits.
findings
confirm
the
potential
a
sustainable
amendment
highlight
need
standardized
guidelines.