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Nutrient Removal and Recovery from Urine Using Bio-Mineral Formation Processes.
Robert E Colston1, Ajay Nair2, Peter Vale3
1Cranfield Water Science Institute, Cranfield University, College Road, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK.
ACS Sustainable Resource Management
|October 2, 2024
Summary
Microorganisms can recover nutrients from urine, forming bio-struvite as a sustainable fertilizer. This process aids the circular economy by transforming waste into valuable resources for agriculture.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Circular Economy
Background:
- Urine contains valuable nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, crucial for fertilizer production.
- Nutrient recovery from wastewater supports the circular economy and mitigates fertilizer shortages.
- Urine separation enables targeted nutrient recovery and reduces wastewater treatment plant loads.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of selected microorganisms to recover nutrients from urine via bio-mineral formation.
- To assess the efficiency of microbial nutrient removal and recovery in fresh urine.
- To characterize the recovered bio-minerals and evaluate their potential as fertilizers.
Main Methods:
- Selected microbial strains (Brevibacterium antiquum, Bacillus pumilus, Halobacterium salinarum, Idiomarina loihiensis, Myxococcus xanthus) were used in open-culture fresh urine.
- Nutrient removal (PO4-P, COD) and urea hydrolysis were monitored over time.
- Precipitates were analyzed using energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction to identify mineral composition.
Main Results:
- Inoculated urine showed higher intact microbial cell counts compared to controls.
- Up to 96% phosphate removal was achieved with magnesium supplementation.
- 60% reduction in soluble chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 35% urea hydrolysis observed.
- Recovered precipitates were identified as bio-struvite containing potassium, with yields up to 1 g/L.
Conclusions:
- Specific microorganisms can effectively grow in urine and facilitate nutrient recovery.
- Bio-struvite formation from urine is a viable method for nutrient recycling.
- Recovered bio-struvite shows potential for use as a sustainable fertilizer or chemical resource.
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