Prelims 2015 · Science and Technology · Question 93
With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements:<br/>1. The decomposition of human waste in the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.<br/>2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.<br/><br/>Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer
Neither 1 nor 2
Statement 1: Incorrect. Indian Railways' bio-toilets use anaerobic bacteria (DRDO-developed bacterial inoculum), not a fungal inoculum, to decompose human waste.
Statement 2: Incorrect. The decomposition does not release only ammonia and water vapour; the process mainly produces biogas such as methane and carbon dioxide, with treated effluent/water also generated.
Therefore, neither statement 1 nor statement 2 is correct.