Global Fertilizer Shortage: Understanding the Nutrient Makeup of Aquamation Wastewater

This is PART 3 of a series about the connection between a global fertilizer shortage and a possible solution to help mitigate the impending global damage.

Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation. The primary byproduct of this process is an effluent (wastewater) that is rich in nutrients. As the global farming industry seeks more sustainable fertilizer options, understanding the nutrient makeup of aquamation wastewater is essential for exploring its potential as a valuable resource in agriculture.

The process of aquamation breaks down the organic matter of the body using water, heat, and an alkaline solution. As a result, the wastewater contains essential nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus—key elements needed for healthy plant growth (Harrington & Neuendorf, 2018). Nitrogen helps plants grow strong stems and leaves, phosphorus supports root development, and potassium enhances overall plant health. These nutrients make the wastewater an intriguing candidate for use as a liquid fertilizer.

While aquamation effluent is primarily water, potassium, and the nutrients of the bodies that went through alkaline hydrolysis, it is also important to recognize that it must be treated and regulated to ensure safety before use in agricultural applications. The wastewater often has a high (but safe) pH level, which means it must be neutralized before it can be safely introduced to soil (EPA, 2020). However, one of the cool benefits of using Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) is that the pH level neutralizes over time. The effluent could offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers that deplete soil health over time, but more scientific attention is needed to finalize this.

As farmers continue to seek new ways to feed growing populations sustainably, the nutrient makeup of aquamation wastewater presents a promising opportunity. By recycling the byproducts of this eco-friendly process, we could help reduce the environmental impact of agriculture and move closer to a circular, sustainable farming system.

References

Harrington, C., & Neuendorf, K. (2018). The alkaline hydrolysis process and its potential applications in agriculture. Journal of Environmental Science & Health, Part B, 53(2), 125-130.

EPA. (2020). Guidelines for the safe treatment and use of wastewater in agriculture. United States Environmental Protection Agency.