Disease Control

Human Sewage & Excreta

 INTRODUCTI
ON
The global challenge of human waste impacts
climate, ecosystems, and health. Collaborative
community-designed solutions, improved
sanitation access, and modernizing sewage
systems are vital. Decentralized and nature-based
solutions are key to address urban wastewater
issues, while reimagining sewage and wastewater
as valuable resources supports a sustainable
'circular economy' due to their nutrient and
freshwater content.
OVERVIEW:
• What is Human Excreta?
• The Impact of Poor Sewage Management
• Disease Transmission via Sewage
• Causes of Poor Sewage Management
• Solutions to Improve Sewage Management
• Case Studies
• Conclusion
 What is Human
Human waste (or human excreta) refers to the
Excreta?
waste products of the human digestive
system, menses, and human metabolism
including urine and faeces.
health and environmental consequences
 Health
• Waterborne Diseases:

Consequences:
Example: The 2010 cholera outbreak in Haiti, which resulted from contaminated water
sources due to inadequate sewage systems, led to over 8,000 deaths and

Reference: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/10/03/haiti-cholera-gang-violence-water/
2. Child Mortality:

According to UNICEF, nearly 800 children under the age of five die every
day from diarrheal diseases caused by unsanitary conditions

Reference: https://www.unicef.org/supply/water-and-sanitation
3. Malnutrition: Chronic diarrhea from waterborne diseases can lead to
malnutrition, particularly in children. The cycle of illness and malnutrition
can have long-lasting developmental consequences.

Reference:
https://www.wfp.org/stories/child-malnutrition-mounts-un-agencies-issue-call-action
 Environmental
Consequences:
• Water Pollution:

Example: The "dead zones" in the Gulf of Mexico,

fueled by nutrient runoff from sewage and
agriculture, have led to massive fish kills and
severely impaired marine ecosystems.

Reference: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/aug/01/meat-industry-dead-zone-gulf-of-mexico-environment-pollution
 Environmental
Consequences:
2. Eutrophication:

Example: Lake Erie has experienced recurring

harmful algal blooms due to sewage pollution,
impacting fisheries and water quality.

Reference: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/aug/01/meat-industry-dead-zone-gulf-of-mexico-environment-pollution
 Environmental
Consequences:
3. Land Contamination:

Example: In India, the disposal of untreated

sewage in open drains and fields has led to soil
contamination, affecting crop quality and
potentially causing health problems for farmers
and nearby residents.

Reference: https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/effects-solutions-open-drains.php
 Environmental
Consequences:
4. Climate Change:

Example: Studies estimate that sewage-related methane

emissions contribute significantly to overall methane
emissions, contributing to climate change.

Reference: https://www.vox.com/22613532/climate-change-methane-emissions
Disease Transmission via
• WaterborneSewage
Diseases
• Fecal-Oral Transmission
• Airborne Transmission
• Vector-Borne Diseases
• Direct Contact
• Healthcare-Associated Infections
 Causes of Poor Sewage
1. Lack of Infrastructure
Management
2. Rapid Urbanization
3. Limited Financial Resources
4. Lack of Awareness
5. Inequitable Access
6. Inadequate Regulations and Enforcement
7. Environmental Degradation
8. Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events
9. Population Density
10. Lack of Technological Advancements
11. Poor Maintenance
 Solutions to Improve Sewage
• Invest in Infrastructure
Management
2.Treatment Technologies
3.Decentralized and Nature-Based Solutions
4.Education and Awareness
5.Regulation and Enforcement
6. Community Engagement
7. Resource Recovery
8. Climate Resilience
 CASE
Curitiba, Brazil: As we explore innovative approaches to sewage management, we turn our

STUDIES
attention to Curitiba, a city in Brazil that has gained international recognition for its pioneering
efforts in addressing sewage and environmental sustainability. Curitiba's success story serves as
a compelling case study of how innovative strategies can transform sewage management in a
developing urban setting.

Reference:
https://www.bnamericas.com/en/news/southern-brazils-sanepar-investing-us183mn-in-curitiba-
water-sewage-works
 CASE
Stockholm, Sweden: Today, we delve into the Stockholm case study, a shining example of how sustainable sewage

STUDIES
management can be realized in an urban environment. The Swedish capital, Stockholm, has long been regarded as a
global leader in environmental sustainability, and its innovative sewage management practices are a testament to its
commitment to preserving both public health and the environment. In this case study, we'll explore how Stockholm has
successfully implemented sustainable sewage management solutions and the valuable lessons it offers for urban areas
worldwide.

Reference:
https://www.bnamericas.com/en/news/southern-brazils-sanepar-investing-us183
mn-in-curitiba-water-sewage-works
 Conclusi
In summary, the global sewage management challenge has profound implications for
on:
public health, the environment, and communities at large. Inadequate sewage
management's far-reaching consequences, including waterborne diseases,
environmental degradation, and climate impact, demand our attention and action.

As we move forward, let us remember that sewage management isn't just about
infrastructure; it's about safeguarding health, protecting the environment, and ensuring
equity. By adopting comprehensive strategies and learning from successful models, we
can work towards a world where effective sewage management benefits everyone and
preserves our planet for future generations. Thank you for your attention.