Processing of sanitary and household waste in biotechnical life support systems

Abstract

In order to establish material loops in biotechnical life support systems (BTLSS), various types of organic waste generated within the system need to be effectively processed. A universal method should be developed to produce mineral fertilizers for the higher-plant compartment of the BTLSS regardless of the level of reduction of the organic compounds contained in the waste and the contents of mineral elements in it. A method of producing mineral fertilizers by organic waste oxidation in the hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution under application of an alternating current electric field is proposed as a possible approach. Methods of processing of human wastes and inedible plant biomass were discussed in previous studies. The present study demonstrates the approach to processing cotton waste and kitchen wastewater. The study describes processing of such wastes by using a supplementary oxidizer (nitric acid) and co-oxidation with other types of organic waste typically generated in the BTLSS. Recommendations are offered on using these approaches to process sanitary/household waste in the BTLSS.