Low Carbon: Ellesmere Port scientists create turn sewage into odourless fertiliser
SCIENTISTS from an Ellesmere Port water treatment works have created a fertiliser made from what we flush down the toilet.
It has taken two-and-a-half years for scientists at the United Utilities water works to perfect a technique to turn sewage into odourless fertiliser pellets which can boost crop yields.
In trials, the pellets out-performed traditional fertilisers when growing high-value crops such as maize and rape seed - and gave off less CO2.
United Utilities now believes the breakthrough could leave farmers across the country flushed with success.
The fertiliser begins life as sludge - the gunk left over after sewage has been treated.
The sludge is placed in a rotating heated drum, breaking it down into safe, odour-free pellets, packed with nutrients.
Dr Son Le, United Utilities technology development manager, said: "The product has enormous potential. The UK generates millions of tonnes of sludge every year, so finding safe, environmentally-friendly ways to dispose of the material is a must."
The picture shows Dr Son Le of United Utilities and Broxton farmer Richard Tomlinson (in green jacket) who trialled the fertiliser.
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