Urine recycling-Diffusion barriers and upscaling potential; case studies from Sweden and Switzerland

Abstract

In this study, we explored why urine recycling systems have failed to gain wide-scale expansion despite their high potential for food and fertilizer security. Additionally, we examined the future perception of urine recycling in Sweden and Switzerland, as these two countries are at the forefront of technological advancement. Along with identifying barriers, we also proposed pathways for overcoming those barriers and achieving the upscale. The analysis was conducted using the technological innovation (TIS) approach, which is technology-focused, i.e., revolves around emerging technologies. Additionally, the study provides a methodological contribution to the innovation systems research by employing the Delphi method in conjunction with urine recycling experts to enforce transparency and prevent bias in the analysis. For urine recycling to overcome its current challenges, actors must work collectively. There needs to be a combination of top-down and bottom-up efforts to achieve the upscaling pathways. Lobbying and knowledge provision are necessary to adjust the current regulatory frame-work in a manner that provides public and private incentives. For urine recycling to diffuse and break into the mainstream market, we must move beyond enthusiasts, innovators, and niche markets into the mass market (ordinary people); dedicated service providers can facilitate this process. Pilot projects have been found integral to urine recycling upscaling. Future work could conduct life cycle assessments on existing pilot projects to un-derstand the environmental and economic performance of urine recycling systems when scaled up.

Keywords

Urine diversion; Wastewater; Nutrient recovery; Technological innovation system (TIS); Diffusion; Delphi method

Published in

Journal of Cleaner Production
2023, volume: 414, article number: 137583
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTD

SLU Authors

• Aliahmad, Abduldhamid

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

• Mcconville, Jennifer

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

Global goals (SDG)

SDG6 Clean water and sanitation
SDG9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure
SDG12 Responsible consumption and production

UKÄ Subject classification

Environmental Management
Economics

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.137583

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/122868