Researchers use electricity to separate nutrients, chemicals from manure

Researchers use electricity to separate nutrients, chemicals from manure

Photo: Lab showing separation of nutrients from manure by Rui Wang/University of Wisconsin

New research at the University of Wisconsin shows farmers might someday be able to extract several valuable products from manure.

Chemistry researcher Song Jin tells Brownfield that by energizing a special electrode, ammonia and potassium can be separated from manure and then reused for fertilizer while preventing nitrates and other nutrients from contaminating ground and surface water.  Jin says this could potentially save farmers money and generate additional revenue.