Question

__________________ is a sustainable system for handling human excreta, using dry composting toilets.

• A. Vermicomposting
• B. Ecological sanitation
• C. European closet
• D. Septic tank

Answer 1

The correct option is B Ecological sanitation

A huge quantity of water is wasted every time it is used to flush toilets.

Ecological sanitation is a sustainable system for handling human excreta, using dry composting toilets that do not use water.

It is a practical, hygienic, efficient and cost-effective method to dispose of human excreta. In this method, human excreta is recycled into a natural fertiliser with the help of composting toilets. This helps to reduce the need to use chemical fertilisers. These sustainable systems to handle human excreta are called ‘Ecosan toilets’. They are commonly used in many areas of Kerala and Sri Lanka.

Figure: Ecological sanitation

European closet (European water closet) is a ceramic sanitary ware product which is used as a toilet. It is more hygienic and easier to clean. The toilet is designed to sit and uses water for flushing.

A septic tank is a watertight chamber made of brickwork, concrete, fibreglass, PVC or plastic. It is typically present underground, in which sewage is collected and allowed to decompose through bacterial activity before draining.

Vermicomposting is the scientific method of making compost, by using earthworms. This method is used to convert organic materials (usually wastes) into a humus-like material known as vermicompost, which can be used as a fertiliser.