Andrea McFarland
After the Flush [MTC]What is the best fecal waste management system for Addis Ababa?
Andrea McFarland
, (University of Michigan)
Zerihun Getaneh Workneh
et (University of Michigan and Addis Ababa University)
Avery Carlson
(University of Michigan)
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With an increase in population comes an increase in waste; city planners for Addis Ababa must decide how to manage the growing volume of fecal sludge.
(Note: This version of the 'After the Flush' case has been modified for use in the Sustainability and Development Master Track program. The original can be found at https://www.learngala.com/cases/fecal-sludge-management. As you read the case, record case details in the fillable PDF titled, “Waste Management in Addis Ababa” that is available to be downloaded from Coursera.)
This case study details the process of managing fecal waste in a developing and expanding city. Currently, in Addis Ababa, more fecal sludge is being produced than can be safely treated, causing damage to the environment and public health. Dr. Eyasu Tewodros serves as a technical advisor and water/environment engineering expert for the city’s Master Plan committee. Eyasu is faced with a crossroads in his treatment recommendation: should he suggest that Addis Ababa follow in the more traditional “Western” treatment method of treating the city’s fecal waste at a central location, or should he recommend scaling the treatment down to a decentralized approach with a modular treatment plan targeting subsets of the city population? It is up to you to make a sustainable, responsible treatment recommendation on Addis Ababa’s fecal sludge management.
You will work through this case study in 3 parts. Part 1 will introduce you to the public health challenges that exist in Addis Ababa due to problems with waste management. Part 2 will detail Dr. Eyasu Tewodros’ findings as he travels the city and examines the existing waste management systems and facilities. Part 3 concludes the case by discussing the big picture health impacts of inadequate waste management, and orients you towards thinking about potential improvements to the city’s waste management system.
Objectifs pédagogiques
- Understand how engineering design must consider the connectivity between city infrastructure systems
- Judge the efficacy of wastewater systems and fecal sludge management systems
- Identify the contaminants in fecal sludge and evaluate their movement and removal within a fecal sludge management system
- Design a fecal sludge management system at a city scale, neighborhood scale, and house scale
- Evaluate the health and environmental implications of improved fecal sludge management
- Utilize engineering decision-making skills such as a decision matrix
- Explain the difference between centralized wastewater treatment and decentralized wastewater treatment, and how each can be applied in a developing urban setting