Resource recovery from wastewater: A new approach with alkaline dehydration of urine at source

Abstract

In a bio-based circular economy, domestic wastewater has a significant role to play. By separating wastewater into different fractions at the source, it is possible to create new pathways for recycling resources. In this chapter, we focus on the most nutrient-rich fraction, human urine. We present a new, simple, yet potentially revolutionary nutrient recycling technology-alkaline urine dehydration. We then describe how this technology can be combined with urine-diverting toilets and integrated with existing sanitation infrastructure to create a service chain that safely collects, contains, transports, and applies urine as fertilizer. The potential benefits, risks, knowledge gaps, and challenges surrounding the implementation of a urine-diverting and dehydrating sanitation system are discussed. Finally, the prospect of creating smart toilets and digitizing the proposed sanitation system are explored.

Keywords

Digitization; Eco-innovation; Ecological sanitation; Fertilizer; Hygiene; Nutrient recycling; Source separation; Urea stabilization; Urine; Wastewater treatment

Published in

Title: Current Developments in Biotechnology and Bioengineering : Sustainable Bioresources for the Emerging Bioeconomy
Publisher: Elsevier

SLU Authors

• Simha, Prithvi

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

• Senecal-Smith, Jenna

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

• Vinnerås, Björn

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

UKÄ Subject classification

Environmental Management

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-64309-4.00009-X
• ISBN: 9780444643094

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/129876