CONTENTS

Topics Pages
1. Introduction 3
2. Bio Toilets Working Principle 4-10
-Technology behind Bio toilets
-Construction Concept
-Working Concept
-Working of a Bio Toilet
- Check List for Good Working of Bio Toilets
 3. Types of Bio Toilet Systems 11
4. Salient Features of a Bio Toilet System 11
5. Uses of a Bio-Toilet 12
6. Prospects of Bio Toilets 12-13
7. Conclusion 13
8. References 14

Total Words - 3061

1. INTRODUCTION

Indian Railways is an Indian state owned enterprise, owned and operated by the government of
India through the Ministry of Railways. The toilets on Indian Railways are of open flush type in
which faecal matter excreted by passenger is discharged directly on the tracks. Human faeces
and urine contains a large number of harmful germs. These germs not only pollutes the
surrounding environment but are also responsible for causing parasitic infections (tapeworm,
pinworm, roundworm and hookworm are spread mainly through human solid waste), hepatitis,
diarrhea, waterborne diseases, typhoid, cholera and other various types of diseases.
Go Green Solutions with support of technology developed and approved by DRDO – Ministry of
Defence offers an innovative technology for disposal of human waste in eco friendly manner,
known as BIO TOILETS. These Bio toilets can function at any atmospheric temp between -55 to
60 degree C.

Bio-toilets are easy to install and cost effective. They offer environmental friendly solution for
sustainable human excreta management. Bio toilets use nature's decomposition process to reduce
waste by 90% and convert it into nutrient rich compost. They do not require water hook ups
either which is great for our already stressed water supply. In short, bio toilets are a way to allow
waste to decompose safely and without odors. Bio toilets use oxygen loving bacteria that are
naturally present in human waste to do all the work. Bugs, worms, and other critters have
absolutely NO role in the composting process. You just use a Bio toilet like you would a regular
toilet, toilet tissue and all.

The bio-toilet is a thermophilic toilet that is becoming commercially available and it is actually
used in Japan in public parks, sightseeing areas, and households into compost which can be used
as organic fertilizer. Proper design of the bio-toilet implies that the system fulfils criteria such as:
safety, functionality, economy, aesthetics, and social and environmental affordability. A multi
directional strategy has been implemented for adoption of Environment friendly toilets on IR
passenger coaches.

The first bio-toilet-fitted train, Gwalior-Varanasi Bundelkhand Express, has been running since
January 2011. The bio-toilets in the Gwalior express ensure that the undercarriage is clean and
without any faecal depositions. The other advantage is that single bacteria recharge works for
nearly a year. The anaerobic bacteria used in the green toilets can withstand extreme climates
and common disinfectants. They are resistant to normal cleaning solutions used by the railways.

2. BIO TOILETS
WORKING
PRINCIPLE
I. Technology behind Bio Toilet: This technology degrades and converts human waste
into usable water and gasses in an absolute eco-friendly manner. The process involves
the bacteria which feed upon the faecal matter inside the tank, through an anaerobic
 process which finally degrades the matter and releases methane gas and treated water.
The anaerobic process in-activates the pathogens responsible for water born diseases
and the bio-digester serves as a reaction vessel for bio methnation and further
provides the anaerobic conditions and the required temperature for the bacteria. The
process under this technology culminates in to treated effluent which is free from
Pathogens and is also environmentally acceptable [4]. The technology has major two
components:

a) Low temperature active inoculums

b) Temperature controlled Bio-toilets

II. Construction Concept: To implement this model we need TST (Temporary Storage
Tank), Open/Close signal indicator, Flush Expert Device (FED), septic tanks, Biogas
Plant. First we have to install TST and FED to each Railway coach. Also we need to
connect toilet outlet (hole in the floor as in Indian Railway’s toilet system) to inlet of
TST. Outlet of TST is controlled by FED. Each coach of train has Open/Close signal
receiver. We have to construct septic tanks which have open and close mechanism
controlled by Septic Tank Expert Device (STED). The outlet of septic tank is
connected to Biogas plant. Open/Close signal indicators have to install at the two
ends of the septic tank.
III. Working Concept: The faeces and urine after each flush is collected in TST through
connecting pipes. The TST also has open and close mechanism which is controlled by
the FED. Train at their departure time will leave from platform. The Open/Close
Signal Indicators have installed at some distance from the platform. When the train
coach (say first coach) touches the first time Open/Close Signal Indicator, FED will
receive a signal. On receipt of the signal by the FED device, device will check for the
condition. The FED will check the MFL (Minimum Filled Level) in TST. If TST is
filled above or equal to MFL, then it will generate a signal that will open the outlet of
TST otherwise it does not generate the signal and outlet of TST remains close.
At the same time when the train coach touches the Open/Close signal indicator, one more signal
is generated that will be received by STED. The STED on receiving this signal will open the
doors of septic tanks. When the above procedure is performed successfully, TST will empty
human feces and urine to septic tanks through outlet of TST to inlet doors of septic tanks.
Second time when the coach (say first coach) touches the Open/Close signal indicators, again a
signal is received by the FED. On receipt of this signal FED will close the outlet of TST. This
mechanism is practiced for each individual coach. The STED once received the signal, will open
the doors of septic tanks for fixed amount of time (according to need).After this fixed amount of
time expires, STED if does not receive any signal, it will close the septic tank doors. So
practicing this mechanism will avoid the opening/closing of doors of septic tanks frequently.
Now septic tank contains the human feces and urines. This solid waste (human feces and urines)
which is collected in septic tanks is fed into biogas plant. This technique is practicing in various
parts of the world now a day’s [5] and easily available. In biogas plant when human faecal
matter is treated with anaerobic bacteria (Biomethanation Process), microbial actions take place
resulting in generation of biogas. This biogas can be utilized for electricity generation or other
useful purposes. The left slurry after Biomethanation process can be collected from slurry tank
as liquid fertilizer.
 IV. Working of a BIO TOILET:

1. Process: The waste then undergoes a composting process there. Composting

degrades organic matter through thermophilic aerobic bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes.
Under optimal conditions the bacteria produce temperatures within the composting heap
in excess of 50°C and thus can provide a fast and substantial pathogen reduction. A
bulking agent is therefore added to lower the water content, improve aeration and
increase the carbon content of the material. The conversion and removal frequency
depends on the capacity of the container, the feeding rate and the composting conditions
(mass reduction). During the decomposition process, there is a considerable mass
reduction through processes of evaporation, digestion and mineralization (a reduction of
up to 90% of the original volume) that allows a continuous storage of material in the
vault. The final products are carbon dioxide, heat, water and compost [6]. Optimal
conditions for thermophilic composting which will have the temperature to rise up to 50-
70°C include:
a. Good aeration
b. Moisture content 50-60%
c. C/N ratio 30-35

Performance Parameters of Bio Toilets:

S.NO Parameter (as per APHA Recommended Values for next Targeted value
Test Method) six months (Max.)
1 pH 6 to 9 6 to 9

2 Total Solids Max 750 mg/100 ml 750 mg/100 ml

3 Total Volatile solids Max 500 mg/100 ml 500 mg/100 ml

4 Total Dissolved solids Max 350 mg/100 ml 350 mg/100 ml

5 COD levels Max 2000 MgO2/Lts Max 2000 MgO2/Lts

6 Faecal Coli Forms count 99% Reduction (Less than

108/100 ml)

2. Additives (Bulking Material): Additives or “bulking agents”, such as wood chips, bark
chips, sawdust, ash and pieces of paper, are recommended to absorb moisture, to improve
aeration by bulking up the pile and to balance the carbon demand by adding carbon-rich
material. Bulking agents can also serve to cover the fresh faeces and thus lower the
potential for fly contact and breeding, reducing the risk of disease transmission. Lime and
algae flower are essential additives to raise the pH when it is lower than 6.5, as many of
the composting organisms cannot survive in acid conditions.
3. Ventilation: The toilet vault is normally vented to improve aeration and the evaporation
of excess moisture in the composting heap and to provide odor control through negative
pressure. Pipe insulation and passive solar heated outside surfaces may improve
ventilation. It should be noted that fly screens must be installed over vent pipes. Fig. 3
Cross section of a single-vault composting toilet, showing the ventilation system

4. Hygiene (pathogen removal): Toilet compost is generally hygienically safe.

Considerable pathogen reduction can be achieved in a bio-toilet. The treatment methods
include long term storage, high pH, exposure to UV light, microbiological antagonists,
and toxicological effects of metabolites. Systems that collect urine in the vault produce a
larger volume of leachate that needs to be carefully managed to avoid spreading
pathogens. The handling, discharge and treatment of excess leachate must be considered
in the planning phase of a bio-toilet.

5. Optimum water content: -The composting microorganisms need a sufficient supply of

nutrients, which can only be ensured in a watery dilution. Therefore water has to be
available in sufficient quantities. At the same time the microorganisms need to have
sufficient oxygen to survive. In order to balance the demands of the microorganisms, the
maximum water content of the compost material is limited. The maximum water content
is significantly dependent on the structure of the bulking material. Organic matter with
high absorptive capacity as well as high stability and large pore volume allows for
 significantly higher water content, than organic matter without sufficient absorptive
capacity and stability. The optimum water content for the composting process of organic
matter is within a range of 45-65%, depending on the bulking material. If the water
content drops under 25%, the microbial activity decreases significantly and stops
completely under 10% of water content. Therefore the adjustment of an optimum water
content is critical and very important for a proper composting process.

V. Check List for Good Working of Bio Toilets:

SL.No. Items to be checked Details of check Corrective action

1. Mounting/ Securing a. Check mounting bolts and J- Repair work to be done at
Arrangement brackets for any welding defects washing/sick line as per
condition
b. Check condition of safety Replacement to be done if
wire rope for proper securing strands are damaged.
and any damage of strands.
c. Check availability of Ensure recharging by chlorine
chlorine tablets in chlorinator. tablet when required.
d. Condition of chlorinator Repair work to be done at
assembly for any tilling & washing line /sick line if
leakage from threads. required.

e. Check condition of flexible Repair /replacement to be done

Rubber connector for any as per condition.
leakage, tearing and securing of
clamp.

f. Check over flow for faecal Dismount the chlorinator at

material from Rubber gasket washing line, remove the
provided between tank body and choking at exit/outlet port and
top plate of Bio-tank instead of thus again mount the
drain port of chlorinator. chlorinator.

2. Flushing Systems Functionality of flush valve, Repair /replacement to be done

flush pipe including fish tail for as per condition.
proper flushing without
leakage.
3. By-pass Mechanism Check By-pass mechanism by Proper lubrication and
operation of paddle / Handle replacement of spares if
only after removal of choking if required.
any.
4. Choking on arrival Choking of P-trap at inlet as well All gadgets as advised by
as inside of it. Nodal Centre –DEE are to be
used.
5. Foul Smell Any foul smell noticed after
removal of choking and 1. Topping up with bacteria with
cleaning of toilet. check after one week.
2. Send the sample for lab
testing after one week
3. TYPES OF BIO TOILET SYSTEMS
It is of two types

 Aerobic Bacteria Based

 Anaerobic Bacteria Based

Aerobic Bacteria: An aerobic organism or aerobe is an organism that can survive and grow in
an oxygenated environment.

Anaerobic Bacteria: An anaerobic organism or anaerobe is an organism that does not require
oxygen for growth. It may react negatively or even die if oxygen is present.

4. SALIENT FEATURE OF A BIO TOILET SYSTEM

1. Disposes human waste in a 100 % .Eco friendly manner.

2. Generates colorless, odorless inflammable bio gas (can be used for cooking heating) and
absolutely clear odorless water. Water is full of nutrients and minerals and is good for
irrigation purpose of nearby gardens, lawns etc.
3. No need of connectivity to the sewage line, septic tank. No disposal of sludge is required.
4. Complete elimination of pathogens.
5. No requirement of adding bacteria/ enzyme.
6. No clogging of digester.

Benefits of a Bio Toilet

5. USES OF A BIO-TOILET

Bio toilets can be suitable in areas such as a rural area or a park that lacks a suitable water
supply, sewers and sewage treatment. They can also help increase the resilience of
existing sanitation systems in the face of possible natural disasters such as climate
change, earthquakes or tsunami. Composting toilets can reduce or perhaps eliminate the need for
a septic tank system to reduce environmental footprint (particularly when used in conjunction
with an on-site grey water treatment system).
These types of toilets can be used for resource recovery by reusing sanitized feces and urine as
fertilizer and soil conditioner for gardening or ornamental activities.
Bio toilets are widely used in the Indian Railways.

6. PROSPECTS OF BIO-TOILETS

Indian Railways set a new target: 1.40 lakh bio-toilets to be installed by 2019.

Indian Railways has installed about 37,000 bio-toilets in coaches till now.
Stepping up efforts to make environment better, the railways has set a target to install bio-toilets
in all coaches to ensure the entire rail network as zero discharge zone by 2019.

“Our target was to install bio-toilets in all our coaches by 2021. But now we have advanced it to
2019,” Railway Board Chairman AK Mital said at the World Environment Day function in New
Delhi. According to the action plan, railways will install 1.40 lakhs bio-toilets in about 55,000
coaches in the next three years. Referring to the severe water crisis that the country is facing,
Mital said there is a need to save every drop of water.

In his budget speech, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu announced that 17,000 bio-toilets would
be installed in trains and additional toilets built at 475 railway stations this year. Railways has
also set a target of increasing the use of bio-diesel up to 5 per cent of its total diesel consumption
and also to focus on clean fuel like solar and wind energy to reduce emission in a significant
way. Besides, it will ensure environment friendly disposal of all kinds of waste being generated
in the rail premises while setting up waste to energy plants at major stations.

“Whether it is for horticulture purpose, washing platforms or coaches potable water should not
be used,” he said adding “washing plants are being set up to recycle water.”

Currently railways have about 32 water recycling plants. “Our target is to reach 200 million litres
per day by setting up more such plants at major stations in the coming years,” he said.

Besides recycling plants, railways have conducted energy audits and water audits to reduce
energy and water use in a considerable way. On air quality, he said “It is very important to
reduce the emission level through use of clean fuel and also by increasing rail share in
transportation.” Mital said there is also a move to shift road traffic to rail and for that investment
in rail infrastructure has increased in comparison to the past. Currently railways share is about 30
per cent and we want it to increase up to 45 per cent to 50 per cent, he added. Indian Railways
has also undertaken series of steps to plant trees and preserve water bodies at railway land across
the country. In order to carry out the environment-related projects in a focused manner, railways
have created a separate directorate for it. It has also been decided that one per cent of cost of
each rail works will be earmarked for environment projects.

7. CONCLUSION

Sanitation in Indian Railways had become a need of time and an important aspect for Indian
Railway’s complete success. Responsible authorities are also putting efforts in this direction by
carrying out outfield trials and putting notice board in toilets such as requesting passenger not to
use flush when train is stationary at platform. Bio Toilets will not put any restriction on its user.
Passengers can use toilet when they want, even if the train is standing on the platform. Also it
converts human solid waste to biogas energy which can be utilized in lighting the lamp post at
the platform (as requirement) or some other useful purposes. Approach of this model will not
only solve the world’s biggest open toilet problem (Indian Railways) but gives alternate source
of energy.
8. REFRENCES

1. From Flush to Energy Model: Solution of World’s Biggest Open Toilet (Indian Railways).
International Journal of Computer Applications (0975 – 8887) Volume 67– No.20, April 2013

2. Dr. Manoj Hedaoo, Dr. Suchita Hirde, Ms. Arshi Khan “Sanitation in Indian Railways
Premises: A great cause of concern” International Journal of Advanced Engineering Technology,
IJAET/vol.III/issue I/ January March, 2012/ 50-55.

3.“Design and operation of the bio-toilet system” by Miguel Angel Lopez Zavala*, Naoyuki
Funamizu Hokkaido University, Graduate School of Engineering, Department of Environmental
Engineering, Kita-13, Nishi-8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628 Japan.

4. Indian Railways http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Railways (Last Accessed on 02/03/2013).

5. Smart Planet (October 7, 2010) “Human waste now heats British homes”
www.smartplanet.com/blog/intelligent-energy/humanwaste-now-heats-british-homes/3020 (Last
Accessed on 12/12/2012).