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.

Integrated and Sustainable Water and Sanitation Systems at Two Rural Sites in South Africa

“…This paper compares its findings with another case study in Limpopo titled "Barriers to Water and Sanitation Safety Plans in Rural Areas of South Africa" [31]. The case study examines the implementation of Water and Sanitation Safety Plans and suggests that understanding the factors hindering implementation could significantly improve water and sanitation projects.…”

“…A recent study conducted in Mqanduli and surrounding areas revealed that their limited access to nutritious food hinders children's healthy growth and development. Unhealthy environments and restricted availability of routine child health services, such as Vitamin A supplementation and deworming, further impede healthy child development [29][30][31][32][33].…”

“…Kleenhealth advocates for innovative and eco-friendly solutions and highly values social equity, economic efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Their products offer long-lasting protection against multiple COVID-19 strains and other harmful bacteria [31].…”