Human urine-based fertilizers: A review

Martin, Tristan; Esculier, Fabien; Levavasseur, Florent; Houot, Sabine

doi:10.1080/10643389.2020.1838214

Cited by 66 publications

(42 citation statements)

References 127 publications

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“…60 In addition, we assume N input from the recycling of a substantial fraction (70%) of human N excretion. Patel et al 61 and Martin et al 62 have recently reviewed the available technologies for recovering nutrients from source-separated human urine, which contains 80% of N excretion, 44 and have advocated for reusing them as fertilizers. Note that this reuse would imply that the current prohibition of human excreta in the European organic farming regulation would be lifted.…”

Section: A B B Amentioning

confidence: 99%

Reshaping the European agro-food system and closing its nitrogen cycle: The potential of combining dietary change, agroecology, and circularity

et al. 2021

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After World War II, the evolution of Europe's agro-food system has been marked by intensified use of synthetic fertilizers, territorial specialization, and integration in global food and feed markets. This evolution led to increased nitrogen (N) losses to aquatic environments and the atmosphere, which, despite increasing environmental regulations, continues to harm ecosystems and human well-being. Here, we explore how these N losses can be drastically reduced in a scenario synergistically operating three levers: (1) a dietary change toward less animal products and an efficient recycling of human excreta; (2) the generalization of region-specific organic crop rotation systems involving N 2 -fixing legumes, making it possible to do without synthetic N fertilizers; and (3) the reconnection of livestock with cropping systems allowing optimal use of manure. This scenario demonstrates the possibility to feed the projected European population in 2050 without imports of feed and with half the current level of environmental N losses.

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Section: A B B Amentioning

confidence: 99%

Reshaping the European agro-food system and closing its nitrogen cycle: The potential of combining dietary change, agroecology, and circularity

et al. 2021

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“…One problem is the lack of government certification for urine-based fertilizer in many countries, combined with farmer's and consumer's possible skepticism toward this new type of fertilizer. 66,[137][138][139] A second barrier is that nutrients derived from urine still have a relatively low economic value, especially when compared with conventional, synthetic fertilizers. 69 Potential ways to overcome these bottlenecks would be pushing for certification of urine-based fertilizer products with national and supra-national authorities (i.e.…”

Section: Environmental Science: Water Research and Technology Frontiermentioning

confidence: 99%

The potential contribution of urine source separation to the SDG agenda – a review of the progress so far and future development options

Larsen

Gruendl²,

Binz

2021

Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol.

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“…DM dry matter, FM fresh matter areas with low precipitation, or where no leaching occurs [59,173]. However, further research is required to fully assess this risk.…”

Section: Horticultural Suitability Of Human Excretamentioning

confidence: 99%

Qualitative Risk Analysis for Contents of Dry Toilets Used to Produce Novel Recycling Fertilizers

Krause

Häfner

Augustin³

et al. 2021

Circ.Econ.Sust.

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Human excreta are a sustainable, economical source of nutrients, and can be used to produce recycling fertilizer for horticulture by collecting and processing the contents of dry toilets. Herein, we discuss the key categories of risk associated with the main groups of materials commonly found in dry toilets. The study was part of the development of a German product standard for marketable and quality-assured recycling fertilizers from human excreta for use in horticulture. Particular attention is paid to ensuring that the fertilizer is epidemiologically and environmentally harmless and that the quality of the recycling fertilizer is adequate in terms of low pollution and nutrient availability. In sum, the risk of transmissible human pathogens lies within the human excreta, particularly feces; plant materials added during composting are of particular phytosanitary relevance; pharmaceutical residues in excrements and chemical additives are potential sources of pollutants; non-biodegradable contaminants can cause pollution and injury; and the horticultural risks involve mainly the ammonia emission potential and in some cases the salinity effects of urine. These risks can be reduced significantly (i) with education of users around proper operation of dry toilets and the consequences of adding inappropriate waste, (ii) with facilitation of proper use with general waste bins and clear instructions, and importantly (iii) by using modern sanitization and cleaning processes and testing for harmful substances under the guidance of local laws and regulations, ensuring safe and high-quality fertilizers. In conclusion, the benefits of using dry toilet contents to produce fertilizers for use in horticulture are unquestionable. Our analysis highlights the need to support recycling optimization and awareness for the purpose of a sustainable circular economy and to minimize the risk of harm to humans and the environment overall.

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Human urine-based fertilizers: A review

Cited by 66 publications

References 127 publications

Reshaping the European agro-food system and closing its nitrogen cycle: The potential of combining dietary change, agroecology, and circularity

Reshaping the European agro-food system and closing its nitrogen cycle: The potential of combining dietary change, agroecology, and circularity

The potential contribution of urine source separation to the SDG agenda – a review of the progress so far and future development options

Qualitative Risk Analysis for Contents of Dry Toilets Used to Produce Novel Recycling Fertilizers

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