Embracing Urine Diversion for Sustainable (Waste)Water Management: Common Practices, Advantages, and Challenges

Source-separation of urine (urine diversion) is a well-established concept with proven sanitation benefits, promoting sustainable (waste)water management and circular economy, gaining increased attention worldwide. Although urine comprises only 1% in municipal wastewater by volume, it mostly accounts for nutrient loads in wastewater (85-90% of N, 50-80% of P, and 80-90% of K). Source-separation of urine: improves sanitation, conserves water, can partly substitute synthetic fertilizers in agriculture, and reduces energy and space requirements at wastewater treatment plants. This paper reviews the developments in source separation and valorization of urine, its benefits, methods for treatment, and challenges for implementation. Further, implications of source-separation of urine in Indian context (as an example of developing/emerging economy) is highlighted.