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Updated: Mar 8, 2026
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Electrochemically and Bioelectrochemically Induced Ammonium Recovery
Published on: January 22, 2015
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Comparing Ion Exchange Adsorbents for Nitrogen Recovery from Source-Separated Urine
William A Tarpeh1,2, Kai M Udert3, Kara L Nelson1,2
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California , Berkeley, California 94720, United States.
Environmental Science & Technology
|January 19, 2017
Summary
Urine nitrogen recovery using ion exchange is efficient, with clinoptilolite and biochar offering cost-effective fertilizer production. This method reduces wastewater treatment burdens and facilitates nutrient reuse.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Water Treatment Technologies
Background:
- Urine is a concentrated source of nitrogen (N) in wastewater.
- Separating urine can lower treatment costs and enable nutrient recovery.
- Nitrogen recovery from urine can yield valuable fertilizer or disinfectant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ion exchange for ammonium recovery from urine.
- To compare the performance of four adsorbents: clinoptilolite, biochar, Dowex 50, and Dowex Mac 3.
- To assess the economic viability of different adsorbents for nitrogen recovery.
Main Methods:
- Cation adsorption curves were determined for four adsorbents using salt solutions, synthetic urine, and real urine.
- Ammonium adsorption capacity and regeneration efficiency were evaluated.
- Estimated reactor volumes and material costs per gram of nitrogen removed were calculated.
Main Results:
- Sodium and potassium did not significantly hinder ammonium adsorption across all tested adsorbents.
- Dowex 50 and Dowex Mac 3 demonstrated nearly 100% regeneration efficiency.
- Clinoptilolite and biochar showed lower material costs per unit of nitrogen removed despite lower adsorption capacities compared to Dowex resins.
Conclusions:
- Ion exchange is a viable method for recovering nitrogen from urine.
- Clinoptilolite and biochar present cost-effective options for nitrogen recovery, suitable for fertilizer production.
- Urine diversion and nitrogen recovery can significantly contribute to sustainable wastewater management and resource recovery.
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