Issue 1, 2021

Biodegradation mechanisms and functional microbiology in conventional septic tanks: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background : Conventional septic tank (ST) systems are an important and relatively low-cost type of decentralized on-site sanitation infrastructure. Although ST systems are one of the most applied decentralized sanitation technologies globally, limited research has been performed to identify the type and degree of biodegradation mechanisms present within the tanks themselves; which are assumed to occur but have not yet been adequately characterized. Objectives: To assess available literature for evidence supporting the presence and relationship between anaerobic conditions, microbiology and activity by reviewing the current literature on the conventional ST in order to characterize the assumed anaerobic biodegradation mechanisms therein. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in two databases (Web of Science & Google Scholar) along with supplemental literature reporting linkages between STs and the anaerobic characterization of ST sludge. 112 records were found, of which 30 studies were retained that met the review's inclusion criteria. Results: Few studies included data on the conventional ST. Of those that did, data suggests that anaerobic conditions are present. The lack of quality and quantity in the results pertaining to anaerobic microbiology and activity raised concerns regarding the comparability and reliability of these results to accurately characterize biodegradation mechanisms. Conclusions: This review's findings support the assumption that anaerobic conditions are present in a conventional ST; however, due to the lack of robust data regarding anaerobic microbial communities and activity, it cannot be concluded that a ST is treating waste with anaerobic biodegradation processes. These findings highlight the need to further investigate the strength and effects of this relationship, especially in the context of reaching global improved- and sustainable-sanitation targets.

Graphical abstract: Biodegradation mechanisms and functional microbiology in conventional septic tanks: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
30 août 2020
Accepted
12 nov. 2020
First published
13 nov. 2020

Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 144-155

Biodegradation mechanisms and functional microbiology in conventional septic tanks: a systematic review and meta-analysis

K. Shaw and C. C. Dorea, Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021, 7, 144 DOI: 10.1039/D0EW00795A

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements