Mix or NoMix? A Closer Look at Urine Source Separation
Eawag News 63, March 2007
complete volume [pdf]
Editorial: NoMix, an Option to be Taken Seriously
Willi Gujer
Spotlight on NoMix
Tove A. Larsen and Judit Lienert
Novaquatis, an inter- and transdisciplinary Eawag
project, investigated urine source separation and treatment as an option for
modern wastewater management. The results indicate that the so-called NoMix
technology is a highly versatile innovation, offering advantages in a variety
of scenarios. In particular, it could help to resolve global nutrient-related
issues. [...]
A Good Idea, but Surely
No Takers!
Judit Lienert
Right? No, wrong! According to our studies of user
attitudes in pilot projects involving public buildings and private households,
and among farmers, many people approve of NoMix toilets and urine-based
fertilizers. However, NoMix toilets have a number of weak points which would
need to be remedied by the sanitary industry before large-scale implementation
can be recommended. [...]
NoMix Begins in the
Bathroom
Kai Udert
The basic idea of the NoMix toilet is simple: urine
is drained – separately from other wastewater – into a collection tank.
However, urine pipes can easily be blocked by mineral precipitates, and
nutrient concentrations in the urine collected may be lower than expected. The
results of our laboratory experiments and computer simulations should
facilitate the development of improved appliances in collaboration with the
sanitary technology sector. [...]
Urine Treatment – Absolute
Flexibility
Max Maurer
What happens to urine after it has been collected?
The particular characteristics of this liquid permit a wide range of treatment
methods. These can be used to modify the unusual resource as required – e. g. to
remove specific pollutants or to produce a fertilizer. The suitability of a
number of processes has been assessed by Eawag. [...]
Fertilizer from the
Library
Markus Boller
Producing a hazard-free fertilizer from urine is a
new concept. Initial experience is being gained at the Basel-Landschaft
Cantonal Library in Liestal, which is fitted -exclusively with NoMix toilets.
The urine collected at this institution is processed to yield a liquid
fertilizer. But before the product can be applied, a number of obstacles need
to be overcome. Similar challenges also face pilot projects in other countries. [...]
Urine Treatment: from
Laboratory to Practice
Wouter Pronk
The combination of electrodialysis and ozonation is
a possible method for -recovering valuable nutrients from urine in a concentrated
form. At the same time, hazardous substances can be removed, yielding a
perfectly acceptable fertilizer. The processes developed at Eawag are currently
being tested at a pilot plant in Canton Basel-Landschaft. [...]
Can NoMix Help to
Prevent Environmental Problems Caused by Medicines?
Beate Escher
One of the aims of the NoMix system is to produce
fertilizers from source-separated urine. But urine also contains traces of
pharmaceuticals and hormones, which need to be completely removed during
treatment. To assess the efficiency of treatment processes, we developed a
procedure combining chemical and ecotoxicological analytical methods. [...]
Applying Traditional
Chinese Knowledge
Tove A. Larsen
Kunming, Zurich’s sister city in China, is
determined to tackle its wastewater problem. In the development of measures
based on nutrient recycling – a long-established principle in China – it is
receiving support from Eawag in technical as well as social issues. [...]
Conclusions
Toni von Arx: Urine Recycling: First Practical Experience
Willi Gujer: Cleaning
up Oceans with NoMix
Martin
Würsten: Now
it’s up to the Practitioners [...]
Forum: Letter from the New
Eawag Director
Janet G. Hering
In Brief