Faecal sludge and septage management (FSSM) refers to the safe collection, treatment, and disposal or reuse of faecal sludge from on-site sanitation systems, particularly in Bihar, where a significant population relies on septic tanks and pit latrines. The document discusses the technology of co-treatment at existing sewage treatment plants (STPs) as a low-cost solution for septage treatment and outlines various end-use methodologies such as soil conditioning, biogas production, and animal feed. Overall, FSSM aims to improve urban sanitation and promote beneficial reuse of waste in environmentally friendly ways.

1. Faecal Sludge & Septic Management ( FSSM)

2. What is FSSM
Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM) is the process of
safe collection, conveyance, treatment and disposal/ reuse of
faecal sludge and septage from on-site sanitation (OSS) systems
such as pit latrines, septic tanks.

3. FSSM Process

5. FSSM is a Business

6. Urban Sanitation System in Bihar

7. Urban Sanitation in Bihar (As per Census 2011)
S.No. No. of Households
Connected to
Population Percentage of
Population
1 Piped sewer system 8,42,164 7.21
2 Septic tank 61,54,413 52.72
3 Other Systems 4,08,008 3.50
4 Pit latrine with slab/VIP 3,88,577 3.33
5 Pit latrine without slab 1,44,008 1.23
6 Night soil disposed into open drain 59,978 0.51
7 Service latrine 52,471 0.45
8 Public latrine 2,51,789 2.16

8. Policy related to FSSM in India

9. Technology for FSTP

10. Technology Selection / Development Criteria

11. Technology relevant for Bihar
Co-treatment :Co-treatment is the scientific treatment of septage at
an existing STP ( Sewage Treatment Plant )
Why Co-treatment :
• Only two-thirds of the installed STP capacity is utilized in India;
utilization levels at only 50% in some states
• Low-cost (or zero cost) option for treatment of septage
• Established practice at several STPs in India
• MoUD Guidelines suggest that co-treatment of septage along with
domestic sewage at an STP, if available, is the most desirable option

12. Tankered
sludge
Co Treatment of Sludge /
Sewage
Sludge
Effluent
STP
Piped
sewage

13. Technology of Co- treatment :
Two ways of Co-treating
• Co-treatment in existing STP’s liquid stream – After a
screening and grit removal process, septage is added to
the sewage for treating
• Co-treatment in existing STP’s sludge stream – the liquid
and solid components of septage is separated. Liquid
component is added to sewage stream and dewatered
septage sludge to the sludge arising from treatment of
sewage.

14. End Use Methodologies
END - USE
Methodology
DESCRIPTION
Soil Conditioner and
Fertilizer in
Agriculture
Treated faecal sludge and urine can be applied to soil to
improve plant growth by a) increasing nutrients b)
improving the physical structure of the soil.
Biogas
Faecal sludge is mixed with organic waste to produce biogas
and digestate. Biogas is used as energy source for lighting
and boiling
Solid Fuel
Dried faecal sludge can replace other fuels such as wood
and charcoal, which are more expensive and damaging to
the local environment
Protein for animal
feed
Animals such as larvae feed on faecal sludge and provide a
protein source for farm animals and fish
Aquaculture
Faecal sludge is fed to aquatic organisms such as fish and
aquatic plants. These aquatic organisms can then be eaten
directly used as animal feed or used as fertilizers

15. Reuse of Fecal Sludge

16. Thank You
Arvind Kumar
Sr Environment Planner
Bihar State Ganga River Conservation & Program Management Society
Email : jnu_arvind@rediffmail.com
M: 8294814574