Dominant decomposition pathways in pit latrines: a commentary.

In a recent article an assessment of decomposition within pit latrines measured with regard to chemical oxygen demand (COD) reductions was reported on. Some fundamental concerns were raised with regard to a key assumption of the study. The alternative perspective that is presented here does not support the study's conclusion that anaerobic processes are the dominant decomposition pathway in pit latrines. Furthermore, it is argued that their analysis and some implications of their data interpretation can be viewed in a different manner.