Dive Brief:
- Two researchers from the University of Puerto Rico have created a system which can convert the waste bi-products from astronauts' bodies into fuel and drinking water.
- Researchers used forward osmosis to convert urine into water and ammonia by separating the harmful by-products. The ammonia could then be used as fuel, and the water is turned into drinking water.
- Astronauts in space expeditions create almost half of the total waste on board in the form of urine.
Dive Insight:
According to the researchers, the new technology could also be designated for use at wastewater treatment plants.