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Updated: Feb 6, 2026
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Generation of Human Kidney Tubuloids from Tissue and Urine
Published on: April 16, 2021
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Photosynthetic oxygenation for urine nitrification
Maarten Muys1, Joeri Coppens2, Nico Boon2
1Research Group of Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium
Summary
This study nitrifies human urine using microalgae and bacteria for oxygen production, reducing energy costs for nutrient recovery. This method efficiently recovers nutrients and biomass from wastewater.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Wastewater Treatment Engineering
- Sustainable Resource Management
Background:
- Human urine is a concentrated source of valuable nutrients in wastewater.
- Conventional wastewater nitrification relies on energy-intensive aeration.
- Alternative, energy-efficient methods are needed for nutrient recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate photosynthetic oxygenation for urine nitrification without conventional aeration.
- To assess the efficiency of nutrient and chemical oxygen demand removal.
- To evaluate the potential for biomass production and nutrient recovery.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a closed photo-bioreactor with a microalgae-nitrifying bacteria consortium.
- Employing photosynthetic oxygenation for in-situ oxygen production.
- Monitoring nitrification rates, oxygen production, and chemical oxygen demand removal.
Main Results:
- Achieved a maximum photosynthetic oxygenation rate of 160 mg O2 gVSS-1 d-1.
- Reached a maximum volumetric nitrification rate of 67 mg N L-1 d-1 in diluted synthetic urine.
- Demonstrated chemical oxygen demand removal efficiencies between 44% and 83%.
Conclusions:
- Photosynthetic oxygenation is a viable, electricity-efficient method for urine nitrification.
- This approach enables stable urine for nutrient recovery and produces valuable biomass.
- The study highlights a promising sustainable strategy for wastewater resource management.
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