Scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have found a novel way of lighting up bio-toilets using Methane gas generated from human waste. DRDO is now working to provide lighting solution for the convenience of those who will use bio-toilets in darkness.
“We are finding out the means to do it as the rate of production of methane gas will be very small and it will be difficult to concentrate it at one place,” DRDO’s head of research and development Dr W Selvamurthy has said. Bio-toilets use bio-digester technology wherein a bacteria feeds upon the faecal matter inside the septic tank, through anaerobic process which finally degrades the matter and releases methane gas and water. The water can be used for irrigation, which has been successfully demonstrated by cultivating vegetables and have been found safe even for animals.