Turn manure into nutritious fuel and fertilizer

Your stool may soon be used as a reusable fuel, thanks to a new technique invented by researchers.

This new technique was discovered by researchers from the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and produced a safe fuel, from reusable sources, and a nutrient-rich fertilizer.

It is made through a technological process called hydrothermal carbonization , whereby human feces are heated in a pressure cooker.

This method will turn into hydrochar - a safe, reusable biomass fuel, similar to coal.

This finding addresses two major challenges in the developing world - hygiene, and increasing energy demand.

This technique involves heating feces in a pressure cooker - (Photo from Ben-Gurion University, Negev).

According to the World Health Organization, 892 million people still "go to the toilet very badly" outdoors, due to the lack of basic sanitation facilities.

Professor Amit Gross, director of research, said: 'The excretion of humans is thought to be dangerous due to their ability to transmit diseases. Although rich in organic nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, human excretions also contain many small pollutants from pharmaceuticals, which can lead to environmental problems if not disposed of. cancel or reuse properly '.

This technique can also help provide a stable source of energy for millions of people currently dependent on less environmentally friendly resources, such as wood.

Professor Gross added: 'By properly treating human feces, we can solve these problems at the same time.'