An Analysis of the Use of Desiccant
As a Method of Pathogen Removal
In Compost Latrines in Rural Panama
By
Josephine Kaiser

Abstract
According to UNICEF, over 2.6 billion people in the world lack access to basic
sanitation facilities (UNICEF, 2005), the majority of them living in developing
countries. In Panama only 51% of the rural population has access to sanitation facilities
(Joint Monitoring Program, 2004). The author of this report experienced these statistics
first hand as a Peace Corps Volunteer while implementing and studying compost
latrines in the rural indigenous region of Panama, La Comarca Ngäbe Bugle.

Compost latrines are a viable solution to the sanitation problems of the developing
world. They provide a method of safely destroying harmful pathogens and produce a
free organic fertilizer. Traditionally, compost latrines have been built with the intention
of pathogen removal through aerobic decomposition at high thermophilic temperatures.
However, in the developing world studies have shown that the actual method of
pathogen destruction is desiccation. The addition of dry organic materials with high pH
such as wood ash increase the pH in the latrine and reduce moisture levels, accelerating
pathogen removal. Therefore, the quantity and type of desiccant added to the compost
latrine becomes critical to the operation of the latrine for pathogen removal.

By conducting a survey of compost latrines in six communities in rural indigenous
Panama, the author assessed the use of desiccant in the latrines to determine if the
latrines were being operated to destroy pathogens. Through observations and interviews
with the latrine caretakers the author collected data including; the amount and type of
desiccant used, the method of applying the desiccant and the final use of the compost.

The results of the study show that 98.6% of the households interviewed reported using
desiccant in their latrines. However, the results of the latrine inspections show that only
71% are using the correct amount of desiccant. The average reported amount of
desiccant added to the latrine was 2.8 handfuls (1.5 – 3 cups) per use. This falls within
the desired range of 1 – 2 cups. In terms of the types of desiccant being used, 76.8% of
the households reported using wood ash, which is important for raising the pH of the
pile. However 20% of the households reported only using sawdust in their latrines.

This report also analyzes the educational component of Peace Corps compost latrine
projects in Panama to determine if the proper mechanism for pathogen destruction is
emphasized. The results show that although adding desiccant to the latrines is stressed
throughout the trainings, there are still indicators that pathogen removal through high
temperature decomposition is assumed.