Why human faeces are not used as manure in agriculture
Human faeces contain pathogens and harmful bacteria that can cause diseases such as cholera, typhoid, E.coli infections, and various other gastrointestinal infections. These pathogens can survive for long periods of time and pose a risk to human health and the environment if spread improperly.
Using human faeces as manure without appropriate treatment and monitoring can result in the transmission of these diseases to crops, soil, and ultimately to humans who consume the produce. Therefore, it is crucial to have a proper system in place to treat and sanitize human waste before it can be safely used as a fertilizer.
In developed countries, wastewater treatment plants are equipped with systems to treat human waste and remove harmful pathogens. However, in many regions of the world, especially in low-income countries, proper sanitation infrastructure may be lacking. As a result, untreated human faeces can contaminate water sources and spread diseases when used as manure.
To ensure safe agricultural practices, it is recommended to use properly composted animal manure or chemical fertilizers that have been produced under controlled conditions, which minimize the risk of disease transmission to humans. It is also important to promote the development of appropriate sanitation systems in areas where proper water treatment and sewage infrastructure is lacking.