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Appropriate technologies for environmental hygiene
Summary
Developing countries are exploring low-cost environmental hygiene technologies for water supply and waste disposal during the International Drinking Water and Sanitation Decade. A major challenge to implementing these solutions is the lack of skilled personnel.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health Engineering
- Public Health
- Water Resource Management
Background:
- Environmental hygiene is critical, focusing on water supply and excreta/refuse management.
- The International Drinking Water and Sanitation Decade (1981-1990) spurred research in developing nations.
- Efforts target improving hygiene in rural and urban informal settlements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss developing technologies for environmental hygiene.
- To identify challenges hindering the effective implementation of water and sanitation services.
Main Methods:
- Technical development and field testing of various water treatment and sanitation systems.
- Review of approaches for on-site excreta disposal and waste treatment.
- Analysis of constraints affecting service delivery.
Main Results:
- Evaluated technologies include infiltration galleries, low-cost filtration, handpumps, aqua-privies, and compost toilets.
- Waste treatment explored methods like composting, biogas generation, fish culture, and fertilizer use.
- Technological hardware alone is insufficient for service delivery.
Conclusions:
- A significant constraint to the Water and Sanitation Decade is the shortage of qualified manpower.
- Integrated approaches are needed, addressing both technology and human resource development for environmental hygiene.