Comparative Study of Pathogen Removal and Environmental Safety in Public Toilet Sanitation (Bio fermented vs. Conventional Disinfectants)

Abstract

This comparative case study examines the efficacy and environmental safety of biofermented (probiotic-based) cleaners versus conventional chemical disinfectants in the sanitation of public toilets—a critical facet of urban public health infrastructure. The analysis synthesizes evidence from over 40 peer-reviewed studies, focusing on pathogen removal rates, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) implications, operational sustainability, and life cycle environmental impacts. Findings show that biofermented cleaners achieve comparable or superior pathogen reduction and provide sustained microbial suppression through competitive exclusion, virtually eliminating the risk of AMR amplification—a major limitation of chemical disinfectants. Cost-benefit analysis using INR values highlights a potential 75% reduction in total operational costs when adopting biofermented systems at scale. Additionally, environmental impact assessments demonstrate that enzyme-based cleaners are fully biodegradable and produce negligible toxic residues, contrasting sharply with the high environmental burden and disinfection byproduct formation of chlorine- and quaternary ammonium-based disinfectants. The study concludes by recommending pilot implementation and regulatory recognition of biofermented cleaners for public sanitation in India, citing benefits for public health, environmental sustainability, and economic efficiency.