Odour assessment of school toilets in Gauteng, South Africa – before and after bioremediation

Abstract

Sanitation in school toilets is often considered peripheral to the academic project, yet has a significant impact on productivity and the school experience. A micro-study, pilot project to quantify the perception of odours in toilets at two schools in Gauteng Province, South Africa, using olfactory tests, reveals the presence of select odour-forming compounds. The compounds of butyric acid, indole, p-cresol and dimethyl trisulfide, reconstituted faecal odour and stale urine odour were presented to staff at the two schools in the form of ‘Sniffin’ Sticks’. All the odours were identified in the toilets at levels of unbearable in School A which has a septic tank system, and tolerable in School B which uses a flush system, during the pre-test. A post-test was conducted after an effective bioremediation treatment product was applied. We found that 100% of the participants noted a marked improvement in the odours in the toilets after the treatments were combined with efficient cleaning regimes.

Staff perceptions of the effects of malodours from toilets at two schools in Gauteng Province, South Africa

“…The normal ratio of toilets available to the learners is 1:49, if all toilets are functional. However, during the study period a number of toilets were being repaired and the ratio was increased to 1:69 (Evans et al 2020). This ratio far exceeds the maximum ratio of 1:34 as set out in the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996 (Motshekga, 2009).…”

“…The research was conducted at two schools in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The details of these schools are described in Evans et al (2020). School A is located in a peri-urban area, north of Pretoria and is ranked as a Quintile 1 1 school.…”

“…However, there are still 4 000 schools in the country with inadequate sanitation facilities. A major issue with toilet facilities are the emitted odours, and the unsanitary and unhealthy conditions of the toilets (Adegbenro, 2007;Evans et al, 2020). Malodours can cause a great deal of discomfort as people who avoid using either flush or pit latrines may risk contracting urinary tract infections (UTIs) and constipation, amongst other health problems (Lundblad et al, 2005).…”

“…Malodours can cause a great deal of discomfort as people who avoid using either flush or pit latrines may risk contracting urinary tract infections (UTIs) and constipation, amongst other health problems (Lundblad et al, 2005). Evans et al (2020) quantified the perception of odours of the school toilets, through an olfactory test, and determined that bioremediation treatments could improve the conditions of these toilets. The Evans et al (2020) study was the first part of a pilot project on the state of sanitation at two school in Gauteng Province, South Africa: one with a pit latrine and the other a flush system.…”

“…Evans et al (2020) quantified the perception of odours of the school toilets, through an olfactory test, and determined that bioremediation treatments could improve the conditions of these toilets. The Evans et al (2020) study was the first part of a pilot project on the state of sanitation at two school in Gauteng Province, South Africa: one with a pit latrine and the other a flush system. Here, we present a continuation of that study at the same two schools where we examine the perceptions that staff have of the effect of toilet odours on staff and students at each school.…”