title: Optimization of fertilization characteristics of urine by addition of Nitrosomonas europaea bio-seed.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors: Waterfirst Lab, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Shervin
authors: S
authors: Hashemi
authors: Waterfirst Lab, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Mooyoung
authors: M
authors: Han
authors: Integrated Research Institute of Construction and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Tschungil
authors: T
authors: Kim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D059827:Agricultural Inoculants / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D000465:Algorithms; D064751:Ammonium Compounds / Q000378:metabolism / Q000652:urine; D019149:Bioreactors / Q000382:microbiology; D005308:Fertilizers / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D049915:Ipomoea nil / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D009566:Nitrates / Q000378:metabolism / Q000652:urine; D058458:Nitrogen Cycle; D043370:Nitrosomonas europaea / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D058871:Organic Agriculture / Q000379:methods*; D056910:Republic of Korea; D012639:Seeds / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D012987:Soil / Q000737:chemistry; D014556:Urine / Q000737:chemistry; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D064751:Ammonium Compounds; D005308:Fertilizers; D009566:Nitrates; D012987:Soil
keywords: Nitrosomonas europaea; fertilizer; nitrogen profile; sanitation; urine