Cheap electrochemistry process can turn urine into powdered fertiliser

A lock on a public toilet door set to Engaged

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Straightforward process can precipitate valuable nitrogen compounds

A cheap and simple electrochemical process has been developed that captures urea – a vital nitrogen-rich ingredient to make fertiliser – from human and animal urine. The approach, which converts liquid urea into a retrievable solid peroxide derivative, could allow waste urine from households or farms to be turned into fertilisers, disinfectants and even batteries, say the researchers.