Dataset Information

Using system dynamics to assess the complexity of rural toilet retrofitting: Case study in eastern China.

ABSTRACT: Rural toilet retrofitting (RTR) is a complex, dynamic system that is affected by many factors and the positive/negative feedback relationships between subsystems and variables. Traditional technologies and management methods face challenges in fundamentally describing and solving problems in RTR. To bridge this gap, this study utilizes system dynamics and causal loop diagrams to explain such problems based on data collected from the stakeholders of the RTR in Jiaozhou from 2018 to 2019. Specifically, this study examines the RTR system from the perspectives of household users, wastewater treatment plants, local governments, grassroots promoters, operation and maintenance personnel, toilet supplier and construction teams, and fecal sludge end users. The factors and processes involved in RTR are identified, and the feedback and relationships among its major stakeholders are established. Results show that the motivation of farmers to engage in RTR is a key variable that affects their final decisions regarding retrofitting and maintaining toilet functions. Meanwhile, the important variables related to the feedback and relationships among the major stakeholders of RTR are mostly focused on policies, subsidies, technology, satisfaction, and cooperation. A scientific analysis method and the updated RTR plan for toilet revolution are then formulated to promote the implementation of RTR in developing countries.

SUBMITTER: Li Y

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7816123 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Using system dynamics to assess the complexity of rural toilet retrofitting: Case study in eastern China.

Li Yong Y Cheng Shikun S Li Zhengyi Z Song Hongqing H Guo Miao M Li Zifu Z Mang Heinz-Peter HP Xu Yuning Y Chen Cong C Basandorj Davaa D Zhang Lingling L Li Tianxin T

Journal of environmental management 20201209

Rural toilet retrofitting (RTR) is a complex, dynamic system that is affected by many factors and the positive/negative feedback relationships between subsystems and variables. Traditional technologies and management methods face challenges in fundamentally describing and solving problems in RTR. To bridge this gap, this study utilizes system dynamics and causal loop diagrams to explain such problems based on data collected from the stakeholders of the RTR in Jiaozhou from 2018 to 2019. Specific ...[more]

PMID: 33309109

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Project description:Recent studies on the microbial community composition of human excrement after rural household toilet treatment are unclear regarding the effects and risks of using recycled products as fertilizers in agriculture. In this study, we used Illumina high-throughput sequencing to investigate the microbial community structure of the excrement from 50 Chinese rural household toilets on a spatial scale, and we evaluated the impact of select geochemical factors on the bacterial and fungal communities in the human excrement. Multivariate analysis showed that there was a significant spatial differentiation of the human excrement in microbial communities after all toilet treatments. Twenty dry toilet samples and thirty septic tank samples had similar bacterial (Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes) and fungal phyla (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota), differing only in the proportions of the microorganisms. For both dry toilet samples and septic tank samples, the pH and ammonium nitrogen were found to be the major driving forces affecting the changes in bacterial community structures (p<0.05), while there was no correlation found for the fungal community with environmental factors in China (p>0.05), except in the northern regions, where the total phosphorus was found to be significantly correlated with the fungal community (p<0.05). Network analysis confirmed that NH4+-N had the most significant impact on the content of pathogens. Certain pathogens were still detected after toilet treatment, such as Streptococcus, Bacteroides, Aspergillus, and Chrysosporium, and the proportion of potential pathogenic bacteria in dry toilets was higher than that in septic tanks, suggesting that septic tanks were better than dry toilets in treating human excrement. These results provide an ecological perspective for understanding the large-scale geographic distribution of household excrement microbial communities in rural areas and for improving human excrement treatment technologies and avoiding the risks of agricultural applications.

Project description:BackgroundPostpartum Family Visits (PFVs) have been advocated as a way to improve health outcomes for puerperal women and their newborns. This study aimed to identify individual factors associated with the utilization of PFVs in rural Jiangsu Province, China.MethodsWe employed responses of the household survey in Jiangsu province, part of the National Health Service Survey (NHSS), a nationally representative survey in China. The data analysis framework was designed based on Andersen's behavioral model. The outcome variables included nonuse and deficient use of PFVs, and the explanatory variables were organized into three hierarchical levels: predisposing, enabling and need factors. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted to examine the impact of the three hierarchical levels on PFVs utilization.ResultsA total of 884 rural women who had a childbearing history in the prior five years answered PFVs questions. About 23.4% of them had never received any PFVs, and 40.4% received <3 visits. In the results of multivariate logistic regression, educational level (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.24-0.77), income (OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.43-0.88), the distance from the nearest hospital (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.07-2.07) and parity (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.54-3.05) had significant relationship with nonuse. Factors significantly associated with deficient use of PFVs included employment (OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.39-0.98), the distance from the nearest hospital (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.26-2.36), level of delivery institution (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.14-2.17), and parity (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.03-2.05).ConclusionThe study found lower Social Economic Status (SES), long distance with primary health institutions, and the increased need for services stemming from multi-parity reduced the likelihood of nonuse or deficient use of PFVs in rural areas. Multiparous, low SES women and those living far away from primary health institutions should be paid more attention to assure the coverage of postpartum care.

Dataset Information

Using system dynamics to assess the complexity of rural toilet retrofitting: Case study in eastern China.

Publications

Using system dynamics to assess the complexity of rural toilet retrofitting: Case study in eastern China.

Similar Datasets

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