Background

Solids management is one of the most challenging and difficult tasks at sewage treatment plants (STPs) and faecal sludge treatment plants (FSTPs) in Tamil Nadu. This is due to a variety of reasons, mainly the biohazard nature, high moisture content, poor dewaterability and strict regulations for sludge disposal. In this context, the co-composting of treated dried faecal sludge (DFS) with municipal solid waste (MSW), which consists of organic matter from household waste or vegetation, can be adopted to produce a stable and highquality compost through biological decomposition and breaking down of organic substances. It is important to understand the possible health and environmental impacts of this product before its use in agriculture or to ensure safe disposal. This study analyses the feasibility of reusing co-compost for agriculture, thereby providing guidance for practitioners to initiate co-composting and understand the impacts while applying it for agricultural purposes.