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Electrochemically Induced Precipitation Enables Fresh Urine Stabilization and Facilitates Source Separation.
Jolien De Paepe1,2,3, Laurens De Pryck1, Arne R D Verliefde3,4
1Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
Environmental Science & Technology
|February 13, 2020
Summary
Electrochemical treatment stabilizes urine by increasing pH, preventing urea hydrolysis and system clogging. This method enables nutrient recycling and conserves water through on-site urine processing.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Electrochemistry
- Water Treatment
Background:
- Urine source separation is key for nutrient recycling and water conservation.
- Urea hydrolysis in urine leads to ammonia volatilization, nutrient loss, odor, and system clogging.
- Current methods for urine stabilization are often chemically intensive or inefficient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate electrochemically induced precipitation and stabilization of fresh urine.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of electrochemical treatment in preventing urea hydrolysis and scaling.
- To explore the potential for on-site urine treatment to facilitate nutrient recovery.
Main Methods:
- Recirculating urine over the cathodic compartment of an electrochemical cell to increase pH.
- Utilizing anion exchange membranes (AEM) with cation exchange membranes (CEM) or bipolar membranes (BPM).
- Monitoring pH, calcium and magnesium concentrations, and urea hydrolysis over time.
Main Results:
- Electrochemical treatment successfully increased urine pH to 11-12.
- Calcium and magnesium concentrations were reduced by over 80%, minimizing scaling and clogging.
- Urine stabilization for over 18 months was achieved at pH 12 without urea hydrolysis.
- An acidic stream for rinsing was generated without chemical input.
Conclusions:
- On-site electrochemical treatment is a viable method for urine stabilization and precipitation.
- This technology effectively inhibits urea hydrolysis and reduces scaling, facilitating downstream processing.
- Electrochemical urine treatment offers a promising approach for nutrient recovery and improved wastewater management.
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