Abstract

Source separation and reuse of human urine can decrease the environmental pollution of recipient waters and reduce the need for artificial mineral fertilisers. However, the reuse of urine introduces another pathogen transmission route that needs to be managed. The inactivation of enteric pathogens and model organisms (Salmonella enterica subspecies I serovar Typhimurium (S. typhimurium), Enterococcus faecalis, bacteriophages S. typhimurium 28B, MS2 and phi x 174) by urine storage was studied at dilutions (urine:water) 1:0, 1:1 and 1:3 at temperatures 4, 14, 24 and 34 degrees C. A threshold concentration of ammonia was found at approximately 40 mM NH3 (e.g. 2.1 g NH3-N L-1 and pH 8.9 at 24 degrees C), below which all studied organisms, except Salmonella, persisted considerably longer irrespective of treatment temperature, showing that urine dilution rate is of great importance for pathogen inactivation. For Salmonella spp. no threshold level was found in these studies (15 mM NH3 lowest concentration studied). At temperatures below 20 degrees C, bacteriophage reduction was very slow. Therefore, urine stored at temperatures below 20 degrees C carries a high risk of containing viable viruses. The study indicated that the current recommended storage time for urine of 6 months at 20 degrees C or higher is safe for unrestricted use and could probably be shortened, especially for undiluted urine. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Ammonia; Bacteriophages; Enterococcus spp.; inactivation; Pathogens; Salmonella spp.; Sanitisation; Temperature; Urine

Published in

Water Research
2008, Volume: 42, number: 15, pages: 4067-4074
Publisher: PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

SLU Authors

• Vinnerås, Björn

  • Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • National Veterinary Institute (SVA)

• Nordin, Annika

  • Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • National Veterinary Institute (SVA)

• Niwagaba, Charles Buregeya

  • Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • Makerere University

Sustainable Development Goals

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns


UKÄ Subject classification

Environmental Sciences related to Agriculture and Land-use


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2008.06.014

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/18997