DRDO BIO-DIGESTER: A CLEAN WAY TO DISPOSE OF HUMAN WASTE, RECYCLE WATER
The bio-digester technology developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will be a game changer in the sanitation sector in the years to come.
Indigenous technology
The technology uses anaerobic microbial inoculum (a material used for inoculation) to convert faeces into biogas and water that can be used for agriculture and gardening purposes.
Stating that a live septic tank in conventional toilets can be converted into bio-digester tanks, he said only 30 per cent of space is required for a bio-digester tank compared to a septic tank. Bio-digester tanks are low on maintenance and installation costs.
The tanks can be customised based on the requirements of the local conditions, and can operate in temperatures ranging from minus (-) 20 degrees to 50 degrees.
Maintenance Free
In most urban areas, septic tanks and open wells are located in close vicinity leading to the contamination of well water. Bio-digester tanks eliminate such issues.
The bio-digester tanks are maintenance-free for the lifetime, as the anaerobic microbial inoculum is fed only once. It feeds on the faecal matter and multiplies by itself.
- A toilet is not just a toilet. It’s a life-saver, dignity-protector and opportunity-maker.
- Whoever you are, wherever you are, sanitation is your human right. And yet, today, 4.2 billion people live without safely managed sanitation.
- How can anyone lift themselves out of poverty without sanitation ? We must expand access to safe toilets and leave no one behind.