Current Projects | Manga Research Lab

Novel onsite wastewater treatment technologies

We investigate, design, and implement novel technologies for onsite wastewater treatment, including biochar and hydrochar, black solider fly larvae, and probiotics. Our recent work in the Philippines has focused on fecal sludge management diagnostics and application of probiotics for fecal sludge treatment.

Dr. Manga and Ph.D. student Sarah Lebu visited the Philippines to conduct community-engaged fieldwork.

Selected related publications

Tokwaro, R., Semiyaga, S., Niwagaba, C., Nakagiri, A., Sempewo, J. I., Muoghalu, C., & Manga, M. (2023). Application of black soldier fly larvae in decentralized treatment of faecal sludge from pit latrines in informal settlements in Kampala city. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 11.
Manga, M., Aragón-Briceño, C., Boutikos, P., Semiyaga, S., Olabinjo, O., & Muoghalu, C. (2023). Biochar and Its Potential Application for the Improvement of the Anaerobic Digestion Process: A Critical Review. Energies, 16(10), 4051.
Muoghalu, C., Owusu, P.A., Lebu, S., Nakagiri, A., Semiyaga, S., Iorhemen, O.T., & Manga, M. (2023). Biochar as a novel technology for treatment of onsite domestic wastewater: A critical review. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 11.
Manga, M., Muoghalu, C., & Acheng, P. (2023). Inactivation of faecal pathogens during faecal sludge composting: a systematic review. Environmental Technology Reviews, 12(1), 150-174.
Manga, M., Muoghalu, C., Camargo-Valero, M. A., & Evans, B. (2023). Effect of Turning Frequency on the Survival of Fecal Indicator Microorganisms during Aerobic Composting of Fecal Sludge with Sawdust. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3), 2668.

Shared sanitation in informal settlements

Shared sanitation facilities are not considered an improved sanitation type by the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP), though they may be the only alternative to open defecation in informal settlements that have high rates of poverty, are overcrowded, and lack the space to construct individual household latrines. We work with Habitat for Humanity International to study the user perceptions and health outcomes associated with shared sanitation in order to understand the contexts under which shared sanitation might represent a viable, safe sanitation solution.

Resilience of sanitation infrastructure under climate change

Septic system malfunctions and gastrointestinal illness

Improving child feces disposal practices and eliminating open defecation

Child feces disposal is considered safe when children use toilets/latrines or when caretakers rinse children’s feces into a toilet/latrine, and unsafe child feces disposal refers to open defecation by children or failure to remove children’s feces from the open. Most interventions to reduce open defecation have focused primarily on adults, though the safe disposal of children’s feces is just as important from a public health standpoint. We work to understand child feces disposal and open defecation practices in low- and middle-income countries and humanitarian settings in order to promote safer practices and reduce the burden of disease related to inadequate sanitation.