Urine-Based Green Process Converts Waste into Plant Fertilizer

Why in the News?

Scientists have developed a new electrochemical technique to extract urea from urine in a solid form called percarbamide, aiding wastewater treatment and sustainable agriculture. This innovation enhances fertilizer efficiency while addressing nitrogen cycle gaps in human society.

Urine-Based Green Process Converts Waste into Plant Fertilizer

Urine: A Natural Resource for Agriculture

  • Urine is often called “liquid gold” as it contains phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen, essential for plant growth.
  • An adult produces 450-680 liters of urine annually, which contains 4 kg of nitrogen and 0.3 kg of phosphorus—enough to grow wheat for a loaf of bread daily for a year.
  • Despite its potential as a natural fertilizer, efficient methods to extract urea from urine have been lacking.

Innovative Electrochemical Process

  • A study published in Nature Catalysis introduces a new electrochemical technique to extract urea from urine in a solid crystalline form called percarbamide.
  • This process serves two purposes: wastewater treatment and resource recovery.
  • Percarbamide is formed when urea reacts with hydrogen peroxide, enabling high-purity extraction.
  • Researchers used a graphitic carbon-based catalyst to enhance the reaction and achieve nearly 100% purity.

Potential Applications and Environmental Benefits

  • Percarbamide steadily releases active oxygen, making it useful in chemical reactions and accelerating urea recovery from urine.
  • When used as a fertilizer, it ensures a slow nitrogen release, promotes root respiration, and enhances crop growth.
  • Scientists believe this discovery closes the nitrogen cycle, offering a sustainable solution for agriculture and wastewater management.