OA20809A - Method for treating human or animal urine and uses of the transformed urine obtained in particular as fertilizer. - Google Patents
Method for treating human or animal urine and uses of the transformed urine obtained in particular as fertilizer. Download PDFInfo
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- OA20809A OA20809A OA1202200093 OA20809A OA 20809 A OA20809 A OA 20809A OA 1202200093 OA1202200093 OA 1202200093 OA 20809 A OA20809 A OA 20809A
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Abstract
The invention relates to a method for treating human or animal urine, which comprises performing the following steps: - a step of acidifying the urine so that the urine has a pH lower than 6, - a step of filtering the urine, - a step of transforming the urine by fermentation The invention also relates to the urine obtained and to the co-products of this method, as well as to their uses, in particular as fertiliser.
Description
TITRE: “METHOD FOR TREATING HUMAN OR ANIMAL URINE AND USES OF THE TRANSFORMED URINE OBTAINED IN PARTICULAR AS FERTILIZER”
DEPOSANT: TOOPI ORGANICS
Lieu-dit aux Halles, Zone Artisanale ECOPOLE, 33190
LOUPIAC-DE-LA-REOLE, FRANCE
INVENTEURS: ROES, Michaël
Chaumont-Nord, 33580 DIEULIVOL, FRANCE
HUGUIER, Pierre
Lieu-Dit Villezard, 33580 LE PUY, FRANCE
DESCRIPTION
Method for treating human or animal urine and uses of the transformed urine obtained in particular as fertilizer
Technical field
The invention relates to treating and adding value to human or animal urine. In particular, the invention relates to a method for treating urine, and the use of the transformed urine obtained, as well as co-products of the method, in particular as raw materîals used for the manufacture of fertilizers.
Prior art
Urine is considered a waste product which must be eliminated. The current method of élimination thereof, mainly via mains drainage, is problematic for wastewater treatment plants, and concems more generally the sustainable management of water resources. Indeed, the nitrogen and micro-pollutant content of urine poses problems of algal growth and feminization of fish.
Human urine is known to hâve a proven fertilization potential in agriculture, in the same way as animal urines which are aiready used by farmers. Indeed, urine is rich in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), which are essential éléments for fertilization of soil and crops.
However, urine is not stable when it is collected. It quickly loses its characteristics and its NPK content, in particular via hydrolysis of the urea into ammonia, which makes the industrial use thereof currently unsuitable and impossible.
There is therefore a need for a stable urine which meets the safety criteria of the régulations in force, in particular regarding the content of trace metals and pathogenic organisms, and which has features allowing for the use thereof as a fertilizer suitable for agricultural usage.
Summary of the invention
Workîng on the treatment of urine, the inventors hâve developed a biological method which makes it possible to stabilize and clean up human or animal urine, and enrich it in microorganisms. The fertîlizer obtained by implémentation of said method has a pH of iower than 6, and a bacteria concentration of at least 106 CFU.mL'1.
The invention thus relates to a method for treating human or animal urine, comprising: - a step of acidifying the urine so that the urine has a pH Iower than 6, a step of filtering the urine, and a step of transforming the urine by fermentation.
The method comprises other steps, and in partîcular an optional step before the step of acidification, which consists in recovering, in the urine, at least one minerai in precipitated form, in partîcular at least one minerai seiected from nitrogen, potassium or phosphorus. The invention also relates to urine acidified and transformed by fermentation, which can be obtained by implementing the method and which has at least the following features: a pH of Iower than 6, and a bacteria concentration of at least 106 CFU.mL'1. Without implementing the method according to the invention, the pH of urine would naturally rîse to between 8 and 9, and the transformed urine would not comprise bacteria because the urine would be laden with ammonia which would be at concentrations toxic for the bacteria. The invention also relates to the use of a urine of this kind, acidified and transformed by fermentation, in partîcular as a fertîlizer based on bacterial inocuium, in partîcular for open field crops, market gardening, and horticulture.
The invention also relates to the use of co-products optionally obtained before the step of acidification (in partîcular minerais in the form of précipitâtes) or during the step of fermentation of the urine (in partîcular the biofilm formed during said step), in partîcular as a fertîlizer, as a phytosanitary product or as a biocontrol product for agrîcultural use.
Brief description of the figures
Fig. 1: Fig. 1 shows, in the form of a curve, the results obtaîned for the acidification of fresh urine using lactic acid.
Fig. 2: Fig. 2 shows, in the form of a curve, the results obtaîned for the acidification of stored urine using lactic acid.
Fig. 3: Fig. 3 shows, in the form of a bar chart, the results obtaîned over 4 weeks, in ternis of weight of fresh biomass of the aerîal parts of maize treated with different volumes of urine according to the invention.
Fig. 4: Fig. 4 shows, in the form of a bar chart, the results obtaîned over 4 weeks, in terms of weight of fresh biomass of the root parts of maize treated with different volumes of urine according to the invention.
Fig. 5: Fîg. 5 shows, in the form of a bar chart, the results obtaîned over 4 weeks, in terms of weight of total fresh biomass of maize treated with different volumes of urine according to the invention.
Fig. 6: Fig. 6 shows, in the form of a bar chart, the results obtaîned over 4 weeks, in terms of weight of fresh aerîal bîomass of vines treated with different volumes of urine according to the invention.
Fig. 7: Fig. 7 shows, in the form of a bar chart, the results obtaîned over 4 weeks, in terms of weight of fresh root biomass of vines treated with different volumes of urine according to the invention.
Fig. 8: Fig. 8 shows, in the form of a bar chart, the results obtaîned over 4 weeks, in terms of weight of total fresh biomass of vines treated with different volumes of urine according to the invention.
Detailed description of the invention
Définitions
Within the meaning of the invention “acidified urine” means a urine of which the pH value has been reduced with respect to the pH value ofthe initial urine. The pH ofthe acidified urine is an acid pH.
Within the meaning of the invention, “transformed urine” means a urine which has undergone a process which has transformed at least one characteristic of natural urine, with the resuit that it is no longer a naturel product, but a transformed product obtained from a natural product. The transformed urine is preferably a urine transformed at least by fermentation, for example by lactic fermentation.
Method for treating human or animal urine
The invention relates to a method for treating human or animal urine, comprising at least the implémentation of the following steps:
- a step of acidîfying the urine so that the urine has a pH lower than 6, - a step of fïltering the urine, and
- a step of transforming the urine by fermentation.
The human or animal urine is collected by any method suitable for implementing the method according to the invention.
For human urine, this may în particular be collected from different sources, such as toilet rental companies, festivals, medical analysis iaboratorîes, and communitîes.
For animal urine, this may in particular be collected from different sources, such as breeders and veterinary analysis Iaboratorîes.
The human or animal urine is collected in containers such as cans, barrels, or tanks. According to an embodiment, the containers may contain one or more acids for implementing the step of acidification.
Optionally, the method according to the invention may possiblycomprise a preliminary step before the step of acidification, consistïng in precipitating the co-products generated during the step of storage before acidification. Saîd co-products are preferably minerais, in particular minerais selected from nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus (struvite). In the particular case of the recovery of the struvite présent in the urine before acidification, the method consists in addîng magnésium salts in solution in order to precipitate the phosphorus présent, preferably at a volumétrie ratio of 1:1 (Mg:P). Said precipitate can be recovered by filtration on a filter having a mesh size of between 10 and 30 gm. The precipitate can subsequently undergo varions treatments, such as washing, dissolution, pressing, and/or drying in the open air, in order to obtain a material în liquid or solid form.
The step of acidifying the urine is performed so that the urine has a pH lower than 6, preferably lower than or equal to 5.5, and, according to one embodiment, lower than or equal to 4. The acidification of the urine to a pH lower than 6 is necessary because it makes it possible to inhibit the growth of pathogens and prevents the spontaneous hydrolysis reaction of the urea into ammonia, and thus the urine préserves its nitrogen concentration. The acidification also makes it possible for the urine to hâve the pH required for the fermentation, in particular for the lactic fermentation.
The pH of the urine is furthermore to be adjusted to the conditions of fermentation of the microorganisms used for the fermentation. During the fermentation, it may also be necessary to stabilize the pH of the urine, either by adding a base, in the case of the pHreducing, preferably selected from calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, or the mixtures thereof; or by addîng an acid, in the case of the pHincreasîng, preferably selected from sulfuric acid, acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, nitrîc acid, lactic acid, or the mixtures thereof.
In the case of fermentation performed by lactic bacteria: - the urine is preferably acidified to 4 < pH < 5 when the bacteria used for the step of lactofermentation are bacteria of the family of the Lactobacillaceae, - the urine is preferably acidified to 4.5 < pH < 5.5 when the bacteria used for the step of lacto-fermentation are bacteria of the family of the Streptococcaceae, - the urine is preferably acidified to 4.5 < pH < 5.5 when the bacteria used for the step of lacto-fermentation are bacteria of the family of the Pseudomonadaceae, - the urine is preferably acidified to 4 < pH < 5 when the bacteria used for the step of lactofermentation are bacteria of the family of the Enterococcaceae, - the urine is preferably acidified to 3.5 < pH < 4.5 when the bacteria used for the step of lacto-fermentation are bacteria of the family of the Leuconostocaceae, - the urine is preferably acidified to 5 < pH < 6 when the bacteria used for the step of lactofermentation are bacteria of the family of the Bifldiobacteriaceae.
The step of acidification may be performed by any means making it possible to obtain a urine having the desired acid pH. In particular, the step of acidification can be performed by adding, to the urine, at least one acid pH adjuster, preferably at least one acid, and yet more preferably at one acid selected from sulfuric acid, acetic acid, hydrochlorîc acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, and lactic acid.
In a particular embodiment of the invention, the acid used for acidifying the urine is added to the urine at a concentration of between 0.1 and 10 wt.% of the total weight of the mixture made up of urine and acid, preferably between 0.5 and 2.5%.
When the step of acidification is performed by adding at least one lactic acid to the urine, the step of acidification is preferably performed by adding, to the urine, between 0.5 and 5 % lactic acid, by weight of the total weight of the urine and acid mixture, even more preferably between 1 and 2 %.
When the step of acidification is performed by adding at least bacteria in an acidic medium, the step of acidification is preferably performed by adding, to the urine, between 1 and 10 % of the mixture of bacteria in an acidic medium, by weight of the total weight of the urine and acidifier mixture, even more preferably between 3 and 5 %.
The step of acidification is preferably performed at the time the urine is collected, in order to avoid the hydrolysis of the urea into ammonia. In order to limit, as far as possible, tiw loss of nitrogen, the step of acidification is performed by adding at least one acid to the container in which the urines are receîved or poured, upstream of the réception of the urines, preferably at the base of the container before the urines are poured therein. Once filled, the container is preferably hennetically sealed for transport, in order to limit the gaseous exchanges in the open air, and the container is preferably made of plastics material or of métal that is résistant to corrosion by the acid.
In a particular embodiment of the invention, the acid or acids can be replaced by a mixture of bacteria in an acid medium, such that the acidification is associated with an inoculation of bacteria. Thus, in this embodiment, the step of acidification of the method according to the invention is performed by adding, to the urine, at least one mixture of bacteria in an acid medium, such that the acidification is associated with an inoculation of bacteria. Preferably, at the end of the acidification step;
- the NH4/N total ratio of the urine is less than or equal to 30 %, and/or - the N ureic/N total ratio of the urine is greater than or equal to 50 %, and/or the C/N ratio is greater than or equal to 2.
In an embodiment of the invention, the step of acidification has a duration of less than 12 days, even more preferably less than 7 days, and in particular between 12 hours and 7 days.
After having been acidified, the urine can be stored. Thus, the method according to the invention may comprise an additional step of storing the urine after acidification.
The urine may be stored after the step of acidification and before the step of filtration, or after the step of filtration and before the step of transformation by lactic fermentation.
The urine may be stored for an indeterminate period, preferably for a period of less than or equal to 6 months. Indeed, beyond 6 months the urea dégradés significantly into ammonia, which makes the medium unfavorable for microbial growth.
The storage may take place in any suitable container. This may be the container in which the urine was collected, or any other container made of plastics material or métal résistant to corrosion by the acid. Preferably, the storage is carried out protected from light, in order to prevent the effect of UV on the composition of the urines, and at ambient température (approximately 20°C). Extrême températures, either below 0 °C or above 40 °C, are unfavorable for the storage because they can modify the composition of the urine.
The acidified urine, before or after possible storage, preferably just before the step of transformation by fermentation, comprises a step of filtration.
Said step of filtration must make it possible to remove the undesirable particles contained in the urine, such as in particular hairs, pollutants in chelated form, residual salts, and any other particles which may be présent (dead leaves, gravel, etc.).
The step of filtration is preferably performed at least by filtration on a filter having a mesh size of between 0.1 and 80 pm. In particular, the filtration is performed at 25 pm. This makes ît possible to eiiminate the undesirable particles, depending on the quality of the stored urine.
The filtration can be performed on a filter that absorbs organic compounds, such as an activated carbon filter, a chabazite filter, a zeolîte filter, or any other filtration system.
After filtration, the method according to the invention comprises a step of fermentation, i.e. transformation under the influence of microorganisms. The microorganisms used for the step of fermentation are preferably bacteria. These bacteria may be lactic bacteria (in this case, fermentation means specifically lactic fermentation or lacto-fermentation), or non-lactic bacteria.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of transformation of the urine by fermentation consists in adding, to the urine, at least one carbon source and at least one inoculum of bacteria.
The carbon source is preferably added at a rate of 1 to 40 g.L'1 with respect to the volume of acidified and filtered urine to be transformed. The carbon source may be varied. It is preferably selected from fructose, glucose, lactose, maltose, saccharose, and the mixtures thereof.
The bacterial inoculum îs preferably added at a rate of 0.1 to 10 vol.% with respect to the volume of acidified and filtered urine and carbon source mixture. The inoculum may be obtained in particular from a mother solution made up at least of:
- acidified urine having a pH of lower than 6, preferably a pH îdentical or close to that of the acidified urine which is intended to be transformed by fermentation,
- a carbon source, and at least one bacterîum.
The step of fermentation may be performed in particular at a température of between 25 and 35 °C. It îs preferably performed at a température correspondîng to the optimal growth température of the microorganism(s) used for the fermentation.
| In particular, in the case where the fermentation is lactic fermentation, the température may | ||||||||||
| be | for | example: | ||||||||
| - 35 | °C | for | the | bacteria | of | the | family | of | the | Lactobacillaceae·, |
| - 25 | °C | for | the | bacteria | of | the | family | of | the | Streptococcaceae ; |
| - 30 | °C | for | the | bacteria | of | the | family | of | the | Enterococcaceae; |
| - 25 | °C | for | the | bacteria | of | the | family | of | the | Leuconostocaceae', |
| - 35 | °C | for | the | bacteria | of | the | family | of | the | Bifidiobacteriaceae. |
In an embodiment of the invention, the step of fermentation is perfonned during a period of at least 12 hours, preferably during a period of between 3 and 12 days. Said period varies depending on the microorganisms and the conditions implemented for the fermentation.
One or more bacteria may be used for the fermentation. The fermentation may thus be performed using at least two different bacteria. These may be at least two different lactic bacteria, in the case where the fermentation is lactic fennentatîon. If the fermentation is performed using one or more ηοη-Iactic bacteria, these are preferably selected from the bacteria belonging to at least one of the following orders: Rhizoblales (in particular the families Bradyrhizobiaceae, Rhizobiaceae, and Phyllobacteriaceae), Bacillales (in particular the families Bacillaceae and Paenibacillaceae), Rhodospirillales (in particular the family Rhodospirillaceae), Actinomycetales (in particular the family Frankiaceae), Burkholderiales (in particular the family Burkholderiaceae), Flavobacteriales (in particular the family Flavobactericeae), Pseudomonadales (in particular the family Pseudomonaceae).
If the fermentation is performed using one or more lactic bacteria, the fermentation is performed using at least one bacterium selected from the bacteria of the order of the Lactobacillales, in particular at least one bacterium of which the family is selected from the Lactobacillaceae, Streptococcaceae, Enter ococcaceae, Leuconostocaceae, Bifidiobacteriaceae.
Various variants for implementing the fermentation step of the method according to the invention may be for example:
- the use of one or more bacteria of the family of the Lactobacillaceae, at a température of between 30 and 35 °C, preferably 35 °C, for 2 to 5 days, preferably 3 days, on a urine of a pH of between 4.5 and 5.5, preferably 5.0, with addition of sugar, preferably lactose, between 30 and 45 g.L1, preferably 40 g.L1,
- the use of one or more bacteria of the family of the Streptococcaceae, at a température of between 20 and 30 °C, preferably 25 °C, for 5 to 10 days, preferably 8 days, on a urine of a pH of between 5.0 and 6.0, preferably 5.5, with addition of sugar, preferably glucose, between 15 and 30 g.L \ preferably 20 g.L , - the use of one or more bacteria of the family of the Enterococcaceae, at a température of between 25 and 35 °C, preferably 30 °C, for 3 to 8 days, preferably 5 days, on a urine of a pH of between 5.0 and 6.0, preferably 6.0, with addition of sugar, preferably fructose, between 25 and 35 g.L'1, preferably 30 g.L'1,
- the use of one or more bacteria of the family of the Leuconostocaceae, at a température of between 20 and 30 °C, preferably 25 °C, for 8 to 12 days, preferably 10 days, on a urine of a pH of between 3.5 and 5.0, preferably 4.5, with addition of sugar, preferably maltose, between 3 and 10 g.L1, preferably 5 g.L'1,
- the use of one or more bacteria of the family of the Bifidiobacteriaceae, at a température of between 30 and 40 °C, preferably 35 °C, for 2 to 6 days, preferably 4 days, on a urine of a pH of between 5.0 and 6.0, preferably 6.0, with addition of sugar, preferably saccharose, between 5 and 15 g.L'1, preferably 10 g.L'1.
According to an embodiment, the fermentation is performed using at least Lactobacillus sp. In a suitable variant, the step of fermentation is performed using at least one Lactobacillus sp. bacterium, at a température of between 30 and 35 °CS for between 10 and 12 days, on an acidified urine at a pH of between 3.5 and 5.0, with addition of sugar, preferably saccharose, between 20 and 25 g.L'1.
The method according to the invention may also comprise one or more additional steps.
In particular, the method according to the invention may comprise one or more step(s) consisting in adding, to the urine, additional constîtuents, such as in particular sources of nitrogen (in ureic form or in the form of nitrate/nitrite or ammonium), phosphorus and/or potassium, secondary éléments (calcium and/or magnésium), or trace éléments (cobalt, copper, iron, manganèse, and/or zinc). The addition of supplementary constituents may be performed at any time during the implémentation of the method. It is preferably performed before the fermentation step.
According to a variant of the method, this may comprise a supplementary step of adding at least one base to the acidified urine, with the aim of achieving a pH that is optimal for the growth of the bacteria used during the fermentation step.
The method according to the invention may thus comprise a step of adding at least one base to the acidified urine. The addition of the base is performed such that the urine has a pH higher than that obtained after the step of acidification. Said pH is preferably lower than 6. The pH is adjusted such that the urine has a pH suitable for the growth of the bacteria used for the fermentation of the urine. The adjustment of the pH to the desired value is carried out by modifyîng the concentration of the base in the urine, depending on the pH of the acidified urine, the desired pH, and the base used.
The base used for the step of addition of a base to the acidified urine can preferably be selected in partîcular from calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and the mixtures thereof.
This variant of the method comprising a step of adding a base, instead of achieving the desired pH merely by acidification of the urine, makes it possible to achieve the desired pH in stages (at least two steps) - acidification, then adding at least one base. Thus, whatever the variant, with or without addition of a base, the method according to the invention makes it possible for the pH of the urine before transformation by fermentation to be a pH suitable for the growth of the bacteria used for the fermentation of the urine.
The step of adding a base to the acidified urine may be performed at any time in the method, after the step of acidification and before the step of transformation of the urine by fermentation. During the fermentation, it may also be necessary to stabilize the pH of the urine, either by adding a base, in the case of the pHreducing, said base preferably being selected from calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, or the mixtures thereof; or by adding an acid, in the case of the pHincreasing, said acid preferably being selected from sulfuric acid, acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, iactic acid, or the mixtures thereof. Thus, the method according to the invention may comprise a step of stabilizing the pH, by adding at least one base or at least one acid during the step of transformation of the urine by fermentation.
According to an embodiment, the method according to the invention may comprise the succession of at least the following steps:
- a step of acidîfying the urine so that the urine has a pli lower than 6,
- a step of adding at least one base to the urine (the pH being higher, but preferably still lower than 6), a step of filtering the urine,
- a step of transforming the urine by fermentation, optionally comprising a step of stabilizing the pH, by adding at least one base or an acid.
According to another embodiment, the method according to the invention may comprise the succession of at least the following steps:
- a step of acidîfying the urine so that the urine has a pH lower than 6, - a step of filtering the urine,
- a step of adding at least one base to the urine (the pH being higher, but preferably still lower than g),
- a step of transforming the urine by fermentation, optionally comprising a step of stabilizing the pH, by adding at least one base or an acid.
Finally, whatever the embodiment, the method according to the invention may optionally comprise one or more additional steps before acidification, during the method or after fermentation.
The urine obtained after the step of fermentation is présent in liquid form. The method according to the invention may also comprise an additional step of concentration of the microorganisms, in particular the bacteria (by any suitable means, in particular centrifugation, déhydration, and/or lyophilization), so as to obtain a product in solid form.
Advantageously, the method according to the invention may be implemented on the industrial scale, and makes it possible to obtain a product in a few days. The method according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to add value to a natural raw material which is currently considered waste, and which today requîtes significant, costly and unsatîsfactory treatment.
Acidified and transformed urine
The invention also relates to an acidified and transformed urine which can be obtained by implementing the method according to the invention.
The acidified and transformed urine according to the invention has at least the following features:
a pH of lower than 6, and
- a microorganism, preferably bacteria, concentration of at least 10’ CFU.mL 1.
Tn an embodiment of the invention, the acidified and transformed urine also has at least one of the following features, preferably at least two, even more preferably at least three or ail: - a dry matter content of greater than or equal to 1%; this has the advantage of having a partîcularly suitable quantity of nutrîtional éléments; - an NH4/N total ratio of less than or equal to 30%; this allows for an optimal nitrogen source which can be assimilated by the bacteria; - an N ureic/N total ratio of greater than or equal to 50%; this feature allows for an optimal nitrogen source which cannot be assimilated by the bacteria but which releases nitrogen for the plants when the transformed urine is used on plants; - a C/N ratio of greater than or equal to 2; this feature allows for optimal growth of the bacteria.
The acidified and transformed urine according to the invention is a complex matrix which comprises in particular nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. It also contains secondary éléments, such as calcium and magnésium, as well as trace éléments, such as cobalt, copper, manganèse, and zinc.
The acidified and transformed urine according to the invention may be présent in liquid form. It is then stored in any suitable container, such as bottles, cans, barrels, or tanks, preferably made of opaque plastics materîal or of métal which is résistant to corrosion by the acid product.
The acidified and transformed urine may also be présent in solid form, in partîcular in the form of a pellet, skin or powder. The pellets and/or the skins can be obtained from minerai substrates, such as zeolite and perlite, as well as from organic substrates, such as bat or bird guano.
Furthermore, the acidified and transformed urine according to the invention is preferably compilant with the régulations in force regarding safety, in partîcular relating to the content of trace metals and of pathogenic organisms.
Use of acidified and transformed urine according to the invention
The invention also relates to the use of the acidified and transformed urine according to the invention, in partîcular the acidified and transformed urine, obtained by implementing the method according to the invention, as a fertilizer.
Indeed, on account of the advantageous features thereof, the acidified and transformed urine according to the invention can be used as a fertilizer for any type of plant, including in fields, and whatever the growing media (compost, loam, coconut matting, etc.), in partîcular: for crops in open fields, in partîcular cereals or vines, in market gardening, whether this be for fruit or vegetables,
- in horticulture, for any type of plants, in partîcular during the planting season.
The use according to the invention is preferably performed before sowing or during the first weeks of growth of the plants.
It can also be used in combination with other fertilizers, such as minerai and/or organic fertilizers, as well as soil conditioners such as compost, in order to improve the absorption of minerais and/or to improve the final quality of the fertilizer.
In an embodiment of the invention, the acidified and transformed urine is used to stimulate the growth of vegetables, in particular by stimulating the growth in the végétative phase by means of growth factors (“Plant Growth Promoting Factors”) produced by the microorganisms présent in the acidified and transformed urine, in particular by the bacteria.
For the use thereof:
- when the acidified and transformed urine is liquid, it is preferably diluted in water. For applications in the field, the usage dose of the liquid product is recommended to be between 5 and 50 L/ha diluted in 100 to 500 L water. For the other applications, such as for pot plants, the liquid product is used at a rate of from 5 to 50 mL per liter of water, - when the transformed urine is solid, it is preferably applied directly to the soil. For applications in the field, the usage dose of the solid product is recommended to be between 0.5 and 5 kg/ha. For the other applications, such as for pot plants, the solid product is used at a rate of from 0.5 to 5 g per plant.
Thus, the product accordîng to the invention can be used in a small quantity in order to achieve a significant effect on plant growth.
Advantageously, the fertilizer accordîng to the invention originales from a natural product. The method thereof does not involve any solvent. It does not pose any danger, either for humans or for the environment.
Use of co-products of the method of transformation of urine
The invention also relates to the use of co-products obtained during the implémentation of a method accordîng to the invention.
Indeed, co-products are created during the step of storage before acidification, and during the step of fermentation, and in particular:
- before acidification: minerais, in particular minerais selected from nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus (struvite).
1β
- during the fermentation step: the surface bacterial biofilm. The surface bacterial biofilm is produced by the bacteria during the fermentation. It is in particular made up of exopolysaccharides. Said surface film can be recovered by means of a scraper that is provided with a fi lier having a mesh size of between 1 and 10 pm. The biofilm can subsequently undergo varions treatments, such as washing, dissolution, pressing, and/or drying in the open air, in order to obtaîn a material in liquid or solid form.
Said co-products hâve features which advantageously allow for theîr use as a fertilizer, phytosanitary product, biocontrol product, or for any other agricultural use.
Examples
The invention will now be illustrated by examples.
Example I: Method for transformation of urine, according to the invention, using lactic acid and Lactobacillus sp.
An example of the method according to the invention comprises the following steps of: - depositing 1 wt.% lactic acid in the base of the plastics container (for 100 L urine, add 1 kg lactic acid, i.e. approximately 0.83 L);
- adding urine at an initial pH (6.5 to 7) into the plastics container (for 0.83 L lactic acid, make up to 100 L);
- the mixture has a pH of 4.0, it can be stored under these conditions for up to 6 months, în a hermetic plastics container, at ambient température, away from light; - filtering the acidified urine using a filter made of nylon or a plastics material having a mesh size of 25 pm;
- adding, to the acidified and filtered urine, 1 vol.% of an inoculum of Lactobacillus sp. (1 L for 100 L acidified urine) and 25g.L'1 saccharose (white sugar), at 34 °C for 10 days, while stirring continuously (between 50 and 100 rpm); - recoverîng the acidified and transformed urine after recovery of the co-products and in particular the biofilm formed.
The inocuium used has previously been obtained as follows: - acidifying 10 L of urine in order to achieve a pH of Iower than or equal to 4, by adding lactic acid at 1 wt.% (100 g acid for 10 L);
- filtering the acidified urine using a filter having a mesh size of 25 μηι; - adding 100 mg of the strain of Lactobacillus sp. kept in the form of a concentrated liquid; adding 25g.L’1 saccharose (white sugar);
fermenting it at 30 °C for 5 days; - the final concentration of bacteria obtained is in the région of 106 CFU.mL'1.
| The acidified and | transformed urine obtained | has | the | following | features: |
| a pH | of Iower than | or | equal | to 4, | |
| a concentration | of Lactobacillus sp. of | from | 106 | to 107 | CFU.mL'1, |
| an | NH4/N total | ratio | of | 10%, | |
| an N | ureic/N total | ratio | of | 60%, |
- a C/N ratio of 3.
Example 2: Method for transformation of urine, according to the invention, using laciic acid and Lactobacillus sp.
An example of the method according to the invention comprises the following steps of: - depositing 1 wt.% lactic acid in the base of the plastics container (for 100 L urine, add 1 kg lactic acid, Le. approximately 0.83 L);
- adding urine at an initial pH (6.5 to 7) into the plastics container (for 0.83 L lactic acid, make up to 100 L);
- the mixture has a pH of 4.0, it can be stored under these conditions for up to 6 months, in a hermetic plastics container, at ambient température, away from light; - filtering the acidified urine using a filter made of nylon or a plastics material having a mesh size of 25 qm;
- adding, to the acidified filtered urine, 1 voL% of an inocuium of Lactobacillus sp. (1 L for 100 L acidified urine) and 10 g.L'1 lactose, at 30 °C for 15 days, while stirring continuously (50 to 100 rpm);
- recovering the acidified and transformed urine after recovery of the co-products and in partîcular the biofilm formed.
The inoculum used has previously been obtained as follows: - acîdifying 10 L of urine in order to achieve a pH of lower than or equal to 4, by adding lactic acid at 1 wt.% (100 g acid for 10 L);
- filtering the acidified urine using a filter having a mesh size of 25 pm, - adding 100 mg of the strain of Lactobaciîlus sp. kept in the form of a concentrated liquid, adding 25g,L1 saccharose (white sugar);
fermenting it at 30 °C for 5 days,
| - the final concentration of bacteria obtained is in the région of 10 CFU.mL . |
| The acidified and transformed urine obtained has the following features: |
| a pH of lower than or equal to 4, |
| - a concentration of Lactobaciîlus sp. of from 106 to 10 CFU.mL , |
| an NH4/N total ratio of 10%, |
| an N ureic/N total ratio of 60%, |
C/N ratio of
Example 3: Method for transformation of urine, according to the invention, using nitric acid and Bifidobacterium bifidum.
An example ofthe method according to the invention comprises the following steps of: - depositing 0.5 wt.% nitric acid in the base of the plastics container (for 100 L urine, add 0.5 kg nitric acid, i.e. approximately 0.36 L);
- adding urine at an initial pH (6.5 to 7) into the plastics container (for 0.36 L nitric acid, make up to 100 L)l
- the mixture has a pH of 4.0, it can be stored under these conditions for up to 6 months, in a hennetic plastics container, at ambient température, away from light; - filtering the acidified urine using a filter made of nylon or a plastics material having a mesh size of 25 gm;
- adding, to the acidified filtered urine, 1 vol.% of an inoculum of Bifidobacterium bifidum (1 L for 100 L acidified urine) and 20 g.L'1 glucose, at 34 °C for 10 days, while stirring continuously (50 to 100 rpm),
- recovering the acidified and transformed urine after recovery of the co-products and in particular the biofilm formed.
The înoculum used has previously been obtained as foilows: - acidifying 10 L of urine in order to achieve a pH of lower than or equal to 4, by adding nitric acid at 0.5 wt,% (50 g acid for 10 L),
- filtering the acidified urine using a filter having a mesh size of 25 pm; - adding 100 mg of the strain of Bifidobacterium bifidum kept in the form of a concentrated Iiquid;
| adding 20 fermenting it at 30 °( - the final concentration of bacteria obtained is in | g-L Z for the région | 5 of 106 | glucose; days; CFU-mL''. |
| The acidified and a pH - a concentration of an an N a | transformed urine obtained of lower than Bifidobacterium bifidum of NH4/N total ureîc/N total C/N ratio | has the following or equal from 106 to 107 ratio of ratio of of | features: to 4, CFU-mL1, 10%, 60%, 3. |
Example 4: Method for transformation of urine, according to the invention, with recovery of struvite, lactic acid and Lactobacillus sp.
An example of the method according to the invention comprises the following steps of: - recovering the urines without prior addition of acid, in a hermetic plastics container, such that the urines hâve a pH of greater than or equal to 8;
- preparing, separately, a solution of magnésium sulfate (MgSOQ of between 100 and 150 g.L1 and adding it to the non-acidified uriné at a rate of 1 vol.% (1 L for 100 L); - stirring at 50-100 rpm for 30 minutes, then letting it rest for between 12 and 24 h; - filtering the added urines through a filter having a mesh size of 10 pm in order to separate the urines from the struvite recovered in the filter; - adding 5 wt.% lactic acid to the filtered urine following recovery of the struvite, which has an initial pH of 8-9 (for 100 L urine, add 5 kg lactic acid, i.e. approximately 4,15 L); - the mixture has a pH of 4.0, it can be stored under these conditions for up to 6 months, in a hermetic plastics container, at ambient température, away from light;
- filtering the acidified urine using a filter made of nylon or a plastics material having a mesh size of 25 pm;
- adding, to the acidified filtered urine, 1 vol.% of an inoculum of Lactobacillus sp. (1 L for 100 L acidified urine) and 25 g.L’1 saccharose (white sugar), at 34 °C for 10 days, while stirring continuously (between 50 and 100 rpm); - recovering the acidified and transformed urine after recovery of the co-products and in particular the biofilm formed.
The inoculum used has previously been obtained as follows:
- acidifyîng 10 L of urine in order to achieve a pH of lower than or equal to 4, by adding lactic acid at 1 wt.% (100 g acid for 10 L);
- filtering the acidified urine using a filter having a mesh size of 25 pm; - adding 100 mg of the strain of Lactobacillus sp. kept in the form of a concentrated liquid; adding 2 5 g.L'1 saccharose (white sugar);
fermenting it at 30 °C for 5 days; - the final concentration of bacteria obtained is in the région of 106 CFU.mL'!.
The acidified and transformed urine obtained has the following features:
| - | a pH | of lower | than or | equal | to 4, | ||
| - | a | concentration | of Lactobacillus | sp. | of from | 106 to | 107 CFU.mL'1, |
| - | an | NH4/N total | ratio | of | 10 %, | ||
| - | an N | ureic/N | total | ratio | of | 60 %, |
a
C/N ratio of 3.
Example 5: Method for transformation of urine, according to the invention, using lactic acid, soda and Lactobacillus sp., with pH stabilization during the fermentation.
An example of the method according to the invention comprises the following steps of:
- depositing 1 wt.% lactic acid in the base of the plastics container (for 100 L urine, add 1 kg lactic acid, i.e. approximately 0,83 L);
- adding urine at an initial pH (6.5 to 7) into the plastics container (for 0.83 L lactic acid, make up to 100 L);
- the mixture has a pH of 3, due to variations associated with the provenance of the urines;
- adding 0.5 wt.% sodium hydroxide in order to achieve a pH of 4 (add 0.25 L sodium hydroxide for 100 L acidified urine at pH 3); - the urine can be stored in a hermetic plastics container, at ambient température, and away from light;
- filtering the acidified urine using a filter made of nylon or a plastics material having a mesh size of 25 pm;
- adding, to the acidified fdtered urine, 1 vol.% of an inoculum of Lactobacillus sp. (1 L for 100 L acidified urine) and 10 g.L'1 lactose, at 30 °C for 15 days, whîle stirring continuously (50 to 100 rpm);
- measuring and adjusting the pH using sodium hydroxide in order to stabilize it at 5.5 for the entire duration of the fermentation;
- recovering the acidified and transformed urine after recovery of the co-products and in partîcular the biofilm formed.
The inoculum used has previously been obtained as folio ws:
- acidifying 10 L of urine in order to achieve a pH of lower than or equal to 4, by adding lactic acid at 1 wt.% (100 g acid for 10 L);
- filtering the acidified urine using a filter having a mesh sîze of 25 pm, - adding 100 mg of the strain of Lactobacillus sp. kept in the form of a concentrated liquîd; adding 25g.L'’ saccharose (white sugar);
fermenting it at 30 °C for 5 days, - the final concentration of bacteria obtained is in the région of 10 CFU.mL .
| The acidified and transformed urine obtained has | the | following features: |
| a pH of lower than or a concentration of Lactobacillus sp. of from | 106 | equal to 4, to 107 CFU.mL'1, |
| an NH4/N total ratio an N ureic/N total ratio a C/N ratio | of | 10 %, of 60 %, of 3. |
Test results
Evaluation of the guantity of lactic acid to be added for fresh urines (pH = 7)
The aim of this test is to evaluate the effect of lactic acid on the pH of fresh urines, in order to achieve pH values with are optimal for bacterial growth.
The test was carried out on 1 L urine having less than 2 hours of storage.
A range of lactic acid concentrations was tested, by weight with respect to the weight of the urine, and which is as follows: 0.1%; 0.25%; 0,5%; 0.75%; 1%; 2.5% and 5%.
The results are show in Fig. 1 which shows the variation of the pH of the fresh urine depending on the concentration of lactic acid. It is noted that the addition of 0.1 % lactic acid makes it possible to acidify the urine, and that the addition of 0.25 % makes it possible to achieve a pH of lower than 6. A pH of 4 is achieved after addition of 0.5 % to 0.75 % lactic acid.
Evaluation of the quantité of lactic acid to be added for stored urines (pH = 9)
The aim of this test is to evaluate the effect of lactic acid on the pH of stored urines, in order to achieve pH values with are optimal for bacterial growth.
The test was carried out on 1 L urine having been stored for 15 days in a hermetic container.
A range of lactic acid concentrations was tested, by weight with respect to the weight of the urine, and which is as follows: 0.5%; 1%; 2%; 3%; 4%; 5%; 10% and 20%.
The results are show in Fig. 2 which shows the variation of the pH of the stored urine depending on the concentration of lactic acid. It is noted that the stored urine has a higher pH than the fresh urine, and that it is necessary to add a higher concentration of lactic acid to achieve a pH lower than 6, i.e. between 1 and 2 %. A pH of 4 is achieved after addition of 4 % lactic acid.
Démonstration of the effectiveness of the invention on the growth of maize plants
The aim of this test is to demonstrate the effectiveness, as a fertiiizer, of an acidified and trans form ed urine according to the invention.
The test was performed under controlled conditions, using the product according to the invention of example 1.
| The experimental design of | the | test is described | in the | following: |
| Maize | plants from | seeds | ||
| Duration: | 4 | weeks | ||
| Substrate: | coconut | matting | ||
| Pots of 6 | L; | 400 g | dry | substrate/pot |
| Hydration: 80 % of the | water | rétention capacity | (WRC ; | = 700 %) |
- Procedures: négative control (water) denoted T; positive control (water + NPK minerai fertiiizer 10-40-20 at 0.5 mL.L'1) denoted TE; product according to the invention, of example I, at 1 mL.L’1; 5 mL.L'1; 10 mL.L’1; 50 mL.L'1 plants/procedures
Endpoints: fresh aerial, root and total biomass.
The results are set out în Fig. 3 (Evaluation of the effect of the urine, after transformation according to the method, on the fresh aerial biomass of maize), 4 (Evaluation of the effect of the urine, after transformation according to the method, on the fresh root biomass of maize), and 5 (Evaluation of the effect of the urine, after transformation according to the method, on the total fresh biomass of maize).
It is found that the urine acidified and transformed according to the invention makes it possible to improve the growth of the treated plants, and specifically more signifîcantly than the positive control.
Démonstration of the effectiveness ofthe invention on the growth of vines
The aim of this test is to demonstrate the effectiveness, as a fertiiizer, of an acidified and transformed urine according to the invention.
The test was performed under controlled conditions, using the product according to the invention of example 1.
Experimental design:
Vines from grafts
Duration: 4 weeks
Substrate: compost
Pots of 15 L; 5000 g dry substrate/pot (10 L) - Hydration: 80 % of the water rétention capacity (WRC = 35 %)
- Procedures: négative control (water) 5 mL.L'1; 50 mL.L*1 and water stress procedure (at 50 mL.L'1; hydration/2 for the duration of the test, compared with the control) plants/procedures
Endpoints: fresh aerîal, root and total biomass after 4 weeks.
The results are set out in Fig. 6 (Evaluation of the effect of the urine, after transformation according to the method, on the fresh aerial biomass of vines (WS: water stress)), 7 (Evaluation of the effect of the urine, after transformation according to the method, on the fresh root biomass of vines (WS: water stress)), and 8 (Evaluation of the effect of the urine, after transformation according to the method, on the total fresh biomass of vines (WS: water stress)).
It is found that the urine acidified and transformed according to the invention makes it possible to improve the growth of the treated plants, and specifically more significantly than the control.
Claims (34)
1. Method for treating human or animal urine, characterized in that it comprises:
- a step of acidifying the urine so that the urine has a pH lower than 6,
- a step of filterîng the urine, and a step of transforming the urine by fermentation.
2. Method accordîng to claîm 1, characterized in that the step of acidification is performed by adding, to the urine, at least one acid selected from sulfuric acid, acetic acid, hydrochlorîc acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, and lactic acid.
3. Method accordîng to the preceding claîm, characterized in that the acid îs added at a concentration of between 0.1 and 10 wt.% of the total weight of the urine and acid mixture.
4. Method accordîng to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of acidification is performed by adding, to the urine, between 0.5 and 5 % lactic acid, by weight of the total weight of the urine and lactic acid mixture.
5. Method accordîng to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of acidification is performed by adding at least one acid to the container in which the urines are received, upstream of the réception of the urines.
6. Method accordîng to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of acidification is performed by adding, to the urine, at least one mixture of bacteria in an acid medium, such that the acidification is associated with an inoculation of bacteria.
7. Method accordîng to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, after the step of acidification and before the step of transformation of the urine by fermentation, it comprises a step of adding at least one base to the acidified urine such that said urine has a pH that is higher than that obtained after the step of acidification, but still lower than 6.
8. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the base is selected from calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and the mixtures thereof.
9. Method according to any of the preceding daims, characterized in that the pH of the urine before transformation by fermentation is a pH suitable for the growth of bacteria used for the fermentation of urine.
10. Method according to any of the preceding daims, characterized in that the urine is stored after the step of acidification and before the step of filtration, or after the step of filtration and before the step of transformation by fermentation.
11. Method according to any of the preceding daims, characterized in that the urine, after the step of acidification, is stored for a period of less than or equal to 6 months.
12. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized by a filtration on a filter having a mesh size of between 0.1 and 80 μιη.
13. Method according to any of the preceding, daims, characterized in that the filtration can be performed on a filter that absorbs organic compounds, such as an activated carbon filter, a chabazite filter, a zeolite filter.
14. Method according to any of the preceding daims, characterized in that the step of transformation of the urine by fermentation consists in adding, to the urine, at least one carbon source and at least one inoculum of bacteria.
15. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the carbon source is added at a rate of 1 to 40 g.L'! with respect to the volume of urine to be transformed.
16. Method according to either daim 13 or claim 14, characterized in that the carbon source is selected from fructose, glucose, lactose, maltose, saccharose, and the mixtures thereof.
17. Method according to any of daims 13 to 15, characterized in that the bacterial inoculum is added at a rate of 0.1 to 10 vol.% with respect to the volume of urine and carbon source mixture.
18, Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the bacterial inoculum is obtained from a mother solution made up at least by an acidified urine having a pH of lower than 6, a carbon source, and at least one bacterium.
19. Method according to any of the preceding daims, characterized in that the step of transformation by fermentation is performed at between 25 and 35 °C.
20. Method according to any of the preceding claîms, characterized in that the step of transformation by fermentation is performed during a period of between 3 and 12 days.
21. Method according to any of the preceding daims, characterized in that the fermentation is lactic fermentation.
22. Method according to any of the preceding daims, characterized in that the fermentation is performed using at least one bacterium selected from the bacteria of the order of
Lactobacillales.
23. Method according to any of the preceding daims, characterized in that the fermentation is performed using at least one bacterium selected from the Lactobacillaceae, Streptococcoceoe, Enterococcaceae, Leuconostocaceae, Pseudomonadales, Bifidiobacteriaceae.
24. Method according to any of the preceding daims, characterized in that the fermentation is performed using at least Lactobacillus sp.
25. Method according to any of the preceding daims, characterized in that the fermentation is performed using at least two different bacteria.
26. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of fermentation comprises a step of stabilizing the pH, by adding at least one base or one acid.
27. Acidified and transformed urine which can be obtained by implementing the method according to any of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that it has at least the following features:
a pH of lower than 6, and
- a micro-organism concentration of at least 106 CFU.mL'1.
28. Acidified and transformed urine according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it has a bacteria concentration of at least 106 CFU.mL'1.
29. Acidified and transformed urine according to either claim 27 or claim 28, characterized in that it also has at least one of the following features:
a dry matter content of greater than or equal to 1%, an NH4/N total ratio of less than or equal to 30 %, an N ureic/N total ratio of greater than or equal to 50 %, a C/N ratio of greater than or equal to 2.
30. Acidified and transformed urine according to any of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that it is présent in liquid form or in solid form.
31. Use of an acidified and transformed urine according to any of claims 25 to 28, as a fertilizer.
32. Use of an acidified and transformed urine according to any of claims 25 to 28, for the stimulation of plant growth.
33. Use according to either of claims 31 to 32, characterized in that the acidified and transformed urine îs diluted in water at a rate of from 1 to 50 ml liquid acidified and transformed urine per liter of water.
34. Use of co-products obtained during the step of fermentation, during the implémentation of a method according to any of claims 1 to 26, as a fertilizer, a phytosanitary product, or a biocontrol product.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRFR1910186 | 2019-09-16 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| OA20809A true OA20809A (en) | 2023-05-05 |
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