AsianScientist (Aug. 15, 2014) – Urine could be successfully recycled to fertilize crops, according to University of Sydney civil engineering researchers who have examined the effectiveness of reusing nutrients from the human waste.
Dr. Federico Maggi, senior lecturer in the School of Civil Engineering and expert in environmental modelling said there is growing evidence that the use of human urine in agriculture is completely viable.
“Our preliminary results indicate that human urine can be effectively used extensively in agriculture to reduce the production and use of mineral commercial fertilizers. It contains the highest levels of nutrients among all the human excreta and yields considerable amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These are the most essential nutrients for the growth of plants, and substantially all micronutrients plants need for healthy growth.”
The researchers believe the model they have developed could be used to increase the effectiveness of urine fertilization as well as crop yield, substantially lowering costs in terms of supplied nutrient.
Fiona Tang Ph.D. candidate, who studied the use of urine during her Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree, explained: “In human urine we have complex compounds that can be broken down into simpler molecules that plants and crops actually want to take up as their food source. Soybean, cabbage, cauliflower for example flourish with it.”
As part of her undergraduate studies, Tang conducted a survey investigating attitudes towards the use of human urine as a substitution to mineral fertiliser. She found there was a high acceptance level to its application in agriculture.
“Human waste has been used as organic fertiliser since ancient times. Its use in agriculture is still commonly practiced in many areas around the world, including parts of Southeast Asia and Africa,” Tang said.
“Over 70 percent of the respondents in the survey were very positive towards the idea of applying human urine in agriculture and were willing to buy and consume crops grown by urine-based fertiliser,” she added.
Tang said that unless we find alternatives to phosphorus or a similar mineral the world will potentially run out of these natural resources.
“Extensive reliance on mineral fertilizer is consuming copious amounts of fossil energy and mineral resources. Phosphorus, especially, is depleting and some studies have revealed the reserves of phosphate rock that are economically exploitable will only last for about 100 years at current extraction rates. Recycling nutrients from human urine is a promising solution to the depletion of mineral resources,” she said.
Taking the concept forward the researchers say it would be possible to design a toilet system that separates human waste at the point of deposit.
“Years ago society baulked at the idea of separating their household waste into recyclable and non-recyclable bins, now in Australia it is second nature,” states Dr. Maggi.
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Source: University of Sydney; Photo: StateofIsrael/Flickr/CC.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.
