As a consequence, pit latrines operating under rather dry conditions fill up faster due to the partially incomplete conversion of the organic material, and water remains are attached to the organic sludge components. The digestion or decomposition process can be enhanced through the availability of water. Water functions as a facilitator, a diluting liquid, and a means of transport, allowing the microorganisms to migrate faster to more places, as compared to a dry environment. The complete decomposition leads to a thorough separation of water and solids, which settle at the bottom of the pit, requiring much less space than only partially decomposed sludge. Hence pit latrines operating under liquid conditions fill up slowly and are in general more effective than those under rather dry conditions.
Fresh sludge smells.
In addition during the decomposition process, sulfur-containing gases are generated and liberated, adding to the smell. As a rule, it can be said, that the faster the organic material is stabilized, the less smell there is. It must be the aim therefore to stabilize the sludge as fast as possible. Again, there is an advantage for the pit latrine operating under liquid conditions. In a liquid pit latrine the fresh sludge is submerged in a liquid which already contains large numbers of microorganism, thus starting the decomposition process right away.