The nutrients in urine can cause overgrowth of aquatic plants in lakes, rivers, and streams. When they die and decompose, they use up oxygen in the water, which suffocates other aquatic, life such as fish. This is called hypoxia When it gets into drinking water supplies, nitrogen can result in such diseases as methemoglobinemia or… Continue Reading
A range of 6.7 to 182 grams (.23 to 6.4 oz) of nitrogen-containing constituents are excreted by one person in 24 hours. Many studies give the average daily output for a healthy adult at 11 grams. The average northern European adult produces about 40.6 fluid ounces (1.2 liters) of urine and 20.3 fluid ounces (0.6… Continue Reading
Urine is the fluid secreted from the blood by the kidneys, stored in the bladder and discharged by the urethra. In healthy humans, it is amber colored. About 1,250 milliliters (about a third of a gallon or 0.044 cu ft of urine are excreted in 24 hours with normal specific gravities of 1,024. Flow ranges… Continue Reading
With proper engineering, a composter can drain leachate through 1 to 2 in. (25.4 to 50 mm) drain pipe. This large size prevents clogging by solids and allows larger volumes, should a flush toilet be used. Note: Drain lines should be vented. Many codes require separate venting for any drain system, but you might be… Continue Reading
Draining leachate with a drain line lowers your handling of the leachate. Generally, you should drain it to: A tank that is pumped out by a septage hauler; A septic system (septic tank and leach field); A system to be combined with graywater for irrigation of plants such as the Ecocyclet. U.S. regulators usually require… Continue Reading
