Disinfection of latrine faecal sludge with ammonia naturally present in excreta (Safe Sludge) Ammonia (NH3) is a powerful disinfectant that can be produced from mixing urine and feces and adding an alkalinizing agent to raise the pH level. The safe sludge is compatible with downstream treatment and resource recovery.
Ammonia (NH3) is a powerful chemical disinfectant that previous research shown to inactivate pathogens. NH3 can be produced from mixing urine, which contains urea, and feces, which contains the enzyme urease. Urease is a catalyst that converts (via hydrolysis) urea into NH3. The safe sludge can then be converted to fertilizer or fuel.
The goal of this project is to disinfect excreta in latrines by converting the ammonia naturally found in urine and faeces into a powerful disinfectant by adding an alkalinizing agent to raise the pH level.
Mission
Treat excreta at the point of collection by harnessing ammonia from human waste, compatible with downstream treatment and resource recovery.Approach
Work on the project is continuing through student team projects in design classes at UC Berkeley. Funding has been obtained through campus to support field work in Nairobi in summer 2013, in collaboration with Sanergy.Answer questions about the project
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Product design and engineeringGlobalTreatment of wastewater or greywaterFundamental research and engineeringOtherBill & Melinda Gates FoundationUniversity, education or research institution
Related Countries
KenyaUnited States
Project location
