Scientists probe use of bacteria to produce fertilizer from wastewater

TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

Scientists at Cranfield University are investigating the use of bacteria to convert constituents of wastewater into a fertiliser that can be used in food production. the product promises a lower environmental impact than existing chemical processes according to the researchers.

Working in collaboration with Severn Trent and US-based biotechnology firm, Microvi Biotech, the Cranfield team is developing a bacterial process that generates phosphate fertiliser struvite from wastewater. This so-called bio struvite can be used by gardeners as an alternative to modern chemical fertilisers, slurry, and compost according to Cranfield researcher, Rob Colston.

Nutrients, Colston said, can be recovered from wastewater using chemicals; however, this puts stress on other resources and itself demands more energy. The bio-struvite production process he added, demands far fewer resources than chemical recovery of nutrients. And it could reduce demand for imported and other fertiliser products.