Degradation of polymers in unconcentrated and concentrated alkaline urine

Sammanfattning

Source-separated human urine is a valuable resource rich in plant-essential nutrients, but effective nutrient recovery may require use of chemical additives. This study investigated whether such chemicals can be encapsulated in polymers for passive, controlled release to urine. Degradation of four polymers (polypropylene, polylactic acid, polycaprolactone, polyvinyl alcohol) in Ca(OH)2-dosed urine was assessed, to determine their suitability for encapsulated chemical delivery. Thin films of each polymer were fabricated and exposed to either concentrated or unconcentrated alkalised urine for 16 days, with periodic destructive sampling conducted to assess changes in physical structure and morphology. All polymers demonstrated morphological changes and alterations in molecular weight. Degradation of the polymers resulted in a decrease in pH and an increase in urine COD, indicating significant interactions between the polymers and the urine matrix. Polylactic acid and polyvinyl alcohol underwent the highest degradation in urine and were identified as promising candidates for use in an encapsulated chemical delivery system for treating urine.

Nyckelord

Polymer; Passive chemical dosage; Decentralised sanitation; Nutrient recovery; Source separation; Wastewater treatment

Publicerad i

Environmental technology & innovation
2024, volym: 36, artikelnummer: 103880
Utgivare: ELSEVIER

SLU författare

• Deka, Anuron

  • Institutionen för energi och teknik, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    
  • Tezpur University

• Simha, Prithvi

  • Institutionen för energi och teknik, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    

• Vinnerås, Björn

  • Institutionen för energi och teknik, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    

UKÄ forskningsämne

Vattenbehandlingsbioteknik

Publikationens identifierare

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2024.103880

Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/139366