Processing of fecal sludge to fertilizer pellets using a low-cost technology in Ghana

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dc.creatorNikiema, Josiane
dc.creatorCofie, Olufunke O.
dc.creatorImpraim, Robert
dc.creatorAdamtey, Noah
dc.date2013
dc.date2014-06-13T14:47:10Z
dc.date2014-06-13T14:47:10Z
dc.date.accessioned2026-06-27T18:26:47Z
dc.descriptionThis paper describes a study that was aimed at optimizing the pelletization of fecal sludge-based fertilizers for agricultural use. The process developed is easy to implement and increases the marketability of the products while also addressing a serious health and environmental challenge. The study took place during the period 2011-2012 in Ghana. The fecal sludge, rich in nutrients and organic matter, was dried and used to produce five different fertilizers (i.e., four formulations of compost and one with gamma irradiated material). Each material was then pelletized using locally constructed machinery. Key operating parameters, such as moisture content (10-55% in mass), binder type (clay or starch) and concentration (0-10% in mass), were varied and their impacts on the characteristics of pellets (e.g., amount of fine materials generated, length distribution or stability of pellets, and pellet disintegration rate) were also followed. Given the low analyzing capabilities of developing countries, some simple analytical methods were developed and used to compare pellets produced under different conditions. The results confirmed that the addition of 3% of pregelatinized starch is recommended during pelletization of fecal sludge-based fertilizers. Applicable moisture contents were also identified per fertilizer type, and were found to comprise between 21 and 43%.
dc.identifierhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/40207
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/123456789/156102
dc.languageen
dc.publisherCanadian Center of Science and Education
dc.rightsOpen Access
dc.sourceNikiema, Josiane; Cofie, Olufunke; Impraim, Robert; Adamtey, N. 2013. Processing of fecal sludge to fertilizer pellets using a low-cost technology in Ghana. Environment and Pollution, 2(4):70-87. doi: https://doi.org/10.5539/ep.v2n4p70
dc.subjectfertilizers
dc.subjectfaecal coliforms
dc.subjectsewage sludge
dc.subjectpellets
dc.subjectcomposts
dc.subjectgamma irradiation
dc.subjectmoisture content
dc.subjectpublic health
dc.subjectanalytical methods
dc.titleProcessing of fecal sludge to fertilizer pellets using a low-cost technology in Ghana
dc.typeJournal Article

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