(Archive) Pee to Tree

SEMiLLA Sanitation

Peeing against a tree takes on a completely different meaning with this installation by Van den Berk Nurseries in collaboration with SEMiLLA Sanitation. Visitors to Embassy of Water can contribute to the fertilization of two bog oaks (Quercus palustris) in a female urinal. A fully circular process that saves water and feeds plants.

How does it work?

How does it work? The urinal collects urine, which is treated to decrease ammonia. The urine then goes into a vacuum evaporator. This evaporates 80 to 90% of the water. They allow this evaporated water to precipitate again, but it still contains a small amount of nitrogen and micronutrients. The water with nitrogen and micronutrients (fertilizer) is given to the trees. The trees grow from this, but at the same time act as a filter. The nitrogen residues in the water are filtered by the tree, and the water evaporates again. The tree is nourished, but the tree also purifies. A nice circular process.

Van den Berk Nurseries

Under the project title TREEVOLUTION, Van den Berk Nurseries is working on trees for the future. They are investigating, among other things, how we can benefit more from greenery in a rapidly changing world. SEMiLLA Sanitation converts pee and poop into clean water and fertilizers in circular Sanitation Hubs.