Solar distillation of human urine to recover non-potable water and metal phosphate mineral.
Water Sci Technol
; 88(2): 486-501, 2023 Jul.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37522447
ABSTRACT
Human urine is a readily available nutrient source that can complement commercial fertilizer production, which relies on finite mineral resources and global supply chains. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a simplified solar distillation process for urine to recover phosphorus (P) and nitrogen for agricultural use and water for non-potable purposes. Synthetic fresh, synthetic hydrolyzed, real fresh, and real hydrolyzed urine were exposed to direct sunlight for 6 h in a simple distillation apparatus, which produced distillation bottoms and distillate. Metal phosphate precipitation in the distillation bottoms was evaluated to recover P. The non-potable water was recovered as distillate. Hydrolyzed urine recovered more metal phosphate solid in the distillation bottoms and had a higher conductivity in the distillate than fresh urine. Hydrolyzed urine also achieved greater distillate volume recovery than fresh urine. Hydrolyzed urine had a greater presence of UV-absorbing organics in the distillate than fresh urine and therefore produced a lower-quality product water. There was no significant correlation between the daily high air temperature and the volume of distillate recovered. This study provides a comprehensive data set on simplified solar distillation of human urine considering the fate of nutrients and water for different types of urine.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Sunlight
/
Water Purification
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Water Sci Technol
Journal subject:
SAUDE AMBIENTAL
/
TOXICOLOGIA
Year:
2023
Document type:
Article