Summary
This systematic review synthesizes evidence on human excreta-derived fertilizers (HEDFs) as a circular agriculture solution, examining their nutritional value, typical contaminants (pharmaceuticals, persistent organic compounds, heavy metals, pathogens), and environmental outcomes. The authors found HEDFs deliver overall positive effects on crop yield, soil nutrients, and microbial interactions, with processing treatments substantially reducing contaminants, though complete removal is not achieved. The review emphasises that public acceptance is achievable with appropriate regulation and outreach, particularly in regions where conventional fertilizers are scarce.
UK applicability
The findings are potentially applicable to UK policy discussions around nutrient recovery and circular economy agriculture, though UK regulations (Water Industry Act, Environmental Permitting) currently restrict HEDF use. The review's emphasis on processing standards and risk management may inform future regulatory frameworks if attitudes toward resource recovery from sewage systems shift.
Key measures
Crop yield; soil nutrient content; plant-soil-microbe interactions; plant pathogen suppression; water contamination risk; human pathogen risk; consumer and farmer acceptance; contaminant reduction through processing treatments
Outcomes reported
This systematic review evaluated the suitability of human excreta-derived fertilizers (HEDFs) as nutrient sources, their contaminant profiles, environmental impacts on crops and soils, and societal acceptance. The review assessed how processing treatments affect fertiliser quality and the relative risks of pathogen contamination compared to inorganic fertilizers.
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