An investigation into bio-digester toilet facilities and their environmental effect on ageing in Accra, Ghana

Abstract

Purpose Bio-digester toilet handling in Ghana has become a modern trend, shadowing the traditional septic tank approach and other sewage methods. This practice raises environmental concerns that could affect human ageing. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of bio-digester toilet facilities and their environmental effect on ageing in Accra, Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts quantitative and qualitative strategies. A purposive sampling technique was used to select households with bio-digester toilet facilities across the study area through a field survey questionnaire during Phase 1. A semi-structured interview was adopted for an in-depth perspective of the respondents, and laboratory analysis was performed on bio-digester effluent samples to validate phase one as a third stage. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and laboratory analysis using standard methods for Escherichia coli, total coliform, dissolved oxygen, potential of hydrogen and temperature. The qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. Findings Laboratory analyses of effluent samples revealed that the bio-digester toilet facility could harm human health when its effluent is discharged into public drains. The study further discovered that only district and municipal assembly-certified technicians must construct the bio-digester toilet facilities, and households need regular education on the proper use and maintenance of the facility. Originality/value The revelation of this research means that it is essential for the country at large to make appropriate bylaws to regulate toilet waste handling and their environmental effect on ageing regarding households that discharge bio-digester toilet effluents into public drains for the betterment of the global agenda of sustainable development.