Hygiene

Urine and Fertiliser Quality

The foremost goals of urine treatment are the recovery of nutrients for beneficial use, and the removal of nutrients for environmental protection. However, the urine treatment processes must also ensure that the end-products are safe to use, provide adequate human and environmental health protection, and are of adequate quality to ensure optimal market value. Pathogens and trace organic compounds (TOrC) could potentially impact the quality of end products. 

Pathogens

The urine of healthy individuals contains hardly any microorganisms. Whereas some pathogens can be excreted in the urine, others could potentially be introduced from cross-contamination with faeces during collection. The viability of a representative group of pathogens during urine treatment processes will be evaluated.

Trace Organic Compounds (TOrCs)

The majority of pharmaceutical residues are excreted in the urine (and not the faeces). Hence, the separate collection of urine can potentially isolate TOrCs and prevent them from entering the environment, protecting human and environmental health. Further research is required to determine the fate of TOrCs in urine treatment processes. At the laboratory scale, the fate of estrogen compounds and representative TorCs will be followed during treatment processes.

Further Readings

Decrey et al. (2011) [pdf] Fate of the pathogen indicators phage ΦX174 and Ascaris suum eggs during the production of struvite fertilizer from source-separated urine. Water Research 45 (2011) 4960-4972

Research Collaborators

Tamar Kohn: Environmental Chemistry Laboratory at EPFL

Loïc Decrey: Environmental Chemistry Laboratory at EPFL

Heather Bischel: Environmental Chemistry Laboratory at EPFL