Project guidelines for construction of biodigesters in poor communities in Brasil

Lizelda Maria de Mendonça Souto

Viviany Nogueira

Emilia Rahnemay Kohlman Rabbani

Ana Rita Drummond

Sergio Peres

ABSTRACT: In today’s materialistic society, there is a constant pressure to consume goods and services without taking into account that this unbridled acquisition will lead to an increase in the generation of solid waste that, in most cases, will not be properly disposed of, culminating in the proliferation of vectors and causing incalculable damage to the environment, to public health, to the population, and to the urban order. This study presents projectual guidelines for sustainability of low income communities in urban areas through the installation of biodigesters as an alternative for the proper disposal of their organic solid waste and sewage in order to improve sanitation and enable the generation of biogas and power for such communities. The guidelines were elaborated based on interviews with community leaders, the socioeconomic profile of community residents, the amount of waste generated, sewage drainage problems, availability of open areas adequate for the installation of biodigesters, the post -installation maintenance manual, as well as an analysis of the Brazilian laws and regulations that standardize the construction aspects. The proposed guidelines are intended to assist managers in decision making with regard to sanitation and generation of biogas from waste, which is currently a problem for local development.

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