Israel researchers heat up human poop for fuel and fertilizer

By Shoshanna Solomon

 

                                      Illustrative image of dog poop (C_FOR; iStock by Getty Images) 

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev say they have conducted a pilot study that showed that raw human excrement can potentially be converted to a safe, reusable fuel and a nutrient-rich fertilizer.

The discovery addresses two major needs of the developing world: better sanitation and environmentally friendly fuel for energy, the researchers said in a statement.

 The research was published ahead of World Toilet Day, which will be marked on November 19. World Toilet Day is a day designated by the United Nations to bring attention and inspire action to the global sanitation crisis. Some 4.5 billion people, or some 60 percent of the global population, either have no toilet at home or one that doesn’t safely manage their excrement, while some 892 million practice open defecation, according to the UN...https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-researchers-heat-up-human-poop-for-fuel-and-fertilizer/