The Impacts of Septic Tanks and Pits Latrines on Soil and Water in Peri-Urban Areas of Africa

Abstract

Air, soil, and water are the major and most important components of the environment and thus should always be protected.The state of these three environmental components directly or indirectly affects life.Pit latrines and septic tanks systems are simple and affordable solutions for onsite sanitation in many underdeveloped and developing parts of the world, especially in peri-urban areas.These have also been identified as culprits for environmental pollution, releasing nitrates, phosphates, ammonia, dissolved solids, and heavy metals into the environment.This paper investigates the negative impacts of pit latrines and septic tanks on soil and water in peri-urban areas of Africa.It highlights that these systems are responsible for soil and water contamination in many areas, leading to the spread of water-borne diseases and other health risks.This paper further highlights the factors that influence the performance of pit latrines and septic tanks on the environment as well as realistic, cost-effective approaches to mitigate the negative environmental effects of septic tanks and pit latrines.The study also serves as a basis for further studies to build on for making pit latrines and septic tanks more environmentally safe.