Application of Anaerobic Digestion in Addressing Unsanitary Conditions of Lavatories in Tertiary Institutions of North-Western Nigeria: A Review

Abstract

North-western Nigeria is a climate-vulnerable area characterized by seasonal rainfall and hot weather. The region is faced with various challenges, including inadequate water supply, making sanitation practice the topic of discussion among various stakeholders in the environmental and public health sectors. The aim of this paper is to review the applications of anaerobic digestion in addressing the sanitary issues in the tertiary institutions in North-Western Nigeria. Most important on this issue is the unsanitary conditions of lavatories at dormitories in these institutions. A report by the International Centre for Investigative Report posted that “life in most tertiary institutions in north-western Nigeria is quite unbearable for students, due to the level of discomfort and poor sanitary conditions of public toilets in their hostels. In view of this, it is suggested that various sanitation technologies that would prevent the spread of communicable diseases with less application of water should be considered in these institutions. Anaerobic digestion technology can play a significant role in addressing sanitary challenges and can also be integrated with other technologies such as urine-diverting flush toilet and waterless urinals, among others, to address the issue of inadequate water and energy supply, as well as sanitary conditions of students’ lavatories in higher institutions in north-western Nigeria.