Reimagining Wastewater
Untreated discharges of human excreta threaten aquatic ecosystems and human health. Moving toward a system in which every waste stream is mined for maximal value and minimal environmental impacts is hampered by adherence to centralized wastewater treatment, which exhibits a slow rate of adoption, is poorly suited for remote and resource- constrained communities, and requires considerable energy and greenhouse gases emissions.
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The Stanford chemical engineer’s pioneering work to turn wastewater into a source of valuable resources continues a long line of related research supported by the Woods Institute
Stanford researchers have developed a prototype system that can harvest fertilizer from urine. The approach could provide sanitation, income, and energy in resource-limited regions.
One person’s wastewater is another person’s treasure. A new Stanford University study paves the way to mining sewage for valuable materials used in fertilizers and batteries that could someday power smartphones and airplanes.
Stanford human rights experts, engineers, economists, geologists, marine biologists and others soon will collaborate on finding new ways to combat air pollution, mine wastewater for valuable resources, reduce food waste and more.