Environmental Science · Environmental Engineering
A study tested fermenting source-separated human urine with agricultural microbes and molasses. After 10 days, free ammonia in pure urine fell to about 4.8% of its starting level, while pathogens were strongly reduced in a large-scale experiment.
Concrete containing biochar made from faecal sludge remained dimensionally stable over 120 days and showed stronger mechanical performance at some replacement levels. The researchers also reported lower heavy-metal concentrations as biochar content increased, suggesting it may reduce the release of harmful substances.
A team engineered a bioactive wound dressing by attaching an enzyme to clinically relevant gauze. In a murine infection model using Acinetobacter baumannii, the enzyme disrupted biofilm structure, improved immune cell access, and accelerated wound healing without directly killing the bacteria.
