Effective Microorganisms

Effective Microorganisms

Effective Microorganisms

Effective microorganisms is a term for a group of specific phototrophic bacteria that serve a variety of purposes by simply performing naturally in their microbial colonies.  There are numerous uses for EM from industrial waste management, and water treatment to compost for residential gardeners. (EM research org.)

These types of microorganisms can be used to accelerate the decomposition of waste in the proposed dry composting toilet.  The bacteria feed upon the very organic compounds that cause odor (hydrogen sulfide, and methane, etc.) so EM would eliminate much of the odor caused by a dry system. Without the odor flies will not appear around the toilets. The phototropic bacteria also have detoxifying properties and can turn harmful bacteria into beneficial ones (Efficient Microbes SA). EM has the potential to significantly improve the quality and functionality of a dry compost toilet system

Application of EM is simple. One source is “bokashi” which is generally rice bran inoculated with EM. It is recommended by a New Zealand distributor BokashiNZ that 1 tablespoon per usage be added to a composting toilet. Currently the only South African distributor of Bokashi sells 30-liter bags (over 2000 tablespoons) for around R300. However, adding precise amounts isn’t required to see EM’s benefits. A cheaper and perhaps more effective source of EM comes as a liquid. This liquid is generally a concentrate and can be diluted to cover a greater surface area if applied with a sprayer. Efficient Microbes a distributor located in Durban South Africa sells liquid EM wholesale, R37 per liter (25 liter order minimum). The person responsible for maintenance of the toilet system could simply treat the waste daily by spraying liquid form EM down the toilet, or if using Bokashi toss a handful in. EM could be applied in later stages of composting as well. In a solar pasteurizer system EM could again be added to ensure the neutralization of odors.

EM technology has already been adapted to composting toilet systems. In a toilet designed for rural Samoa EM was used to avoid the uncertainty of individual users having to add bulking material such as leaves or woodchips.  The design incorporated a mechanical hopper to release EM Bokashi consistently. The benefits of EM were thought to outweigh the added cost of the hopper in manufacturing the toilet. (Morrison)

Read More about Composting Options for the Sanitation Facility

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