Human urine could play a significant role in reducing emissions and improving sustainability in agriculture and wastewater treatment, new research suggests.
A study by the University of Surrey highlights how urine, which makes up just 1% of wastewater, contains most of the nutrients required for fertilisers, including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Researchers demonstrated that using forward osmosis, a low-energy membrane process, nutrients can be concentrated into a reusable fertiliser stream, while reducing the energy demands of conventional treatment.
This approach could lower the carbon footprint of wastewater systems and decrease reliance on energy-intensive fertiliser production, supporting more sustainable resource management.
Dr Siddharth Gadkari, Lecturer in Chemical Process Engineering at the University of Surrey and lead author of the study, said: “It is strange to say, but it has the added benefit of being true – our pee is an underutilised resource. Even though it contains the key nutrients we need for agriculture, we currently treat it as waste.
“Our research shows that with the right treatment approach, we can recover these nutrients efficiently while reducing the energy demands of wastewater treatment.”
The study also examined membrane fouling, a key barrier to long-term use, finding that simple pre-treatment and cleaning can maintain system efficiency.
Researchers say the findings could support global efforts to cut emissions and improve circular resource use.
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