Obtaining NO3 from human urine by biological oxidation as a proposal for organic fertilizer in crop production

Abstract

This study evaluated the process of degradation of urea contained in human urine until its biotransformation to nitrates (NO3), considering its possible use as organic fertilizer in agricultural production systems. Scientific research has shown the potential of urine as a source of nitrogen, which has passed from being a domestic waste and a source of contamination of the water resource to being a possible raw material in the production of fertilizers for agricultural crops. A laboratory-scale reactor with human urine was used as analytical methodology, microorganisms were isolated from the environment, and physicochemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, ammoniacal nitrogen, nitrites and nitrates were followed-up to study the biological process of degradation of urine and understand its biotransformation and potential use. Results showed the biological degradation of urea for 79 days with a concentration of 230?mg-NO3/L, which is an easily assimilable nutrient for plants. It was concluded that this organic fertilizer obtained from human urine can provide nutrients to supply the agricultural demand of conventional fertilizers and mitigate the environmental impacts of its use.