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Optimization of fertilization characteristics of urine by addition of Nitrosomonas europaea bio‐seed
Author(s) -
Hashemi Shervin,
Han Mooyoung,
Kim Tschungil
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.7652
Subject(s) - nitrosomonas europaea , nitrification , nitrate , nitrogen , chemistry , fertilizer , nutrient , urine , dilution , ammonium , ammonia , environmental chemistry , biochemistry , organic chemistry , physics , thermodynamics
BACKGROUND Because of the high concentration of nutrients in human urine, its utilization as an organic fertilizer has been notable throughout history. However, the nitrogen compounds in urine are not stable. Therefore, to convert urine into a suitable fertilizer, it is important to stabilize and adjust unstable nitrogen compounds such as ammonia. Because nitrification can influence the nitrogen profile, the use of nitrifying microorganisms can be useful for stabilizing the nitrogen profile of urine. This study investigated the changes in nitrogen compounds in pure urine and examined the effect of adding Nitrosomonas europaea bio‐seed solution on these changes. RESULTS It was found that the addition of bio‐seed could reduce nitrogen loss as well as the time required to stabilize the nitrogen profile. Furthermore, the optimum concentration of bio‐seed (6 × 10 5 N. europaea cells L −1 ) that not only leads to the least nutrient loss but also results in an adequate nitrate/ammonium ratio and regulates the amount of nitrate produced, thereby preventing over‐fertilization, was determined. CONCLUSION At this concentration, no dilution or dewatering is required, thus minimizing water and energy consumption. Usage of the optimum of concentration of bio‐seed will also eliminate the need for inorganic chemical additives. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry