Phosphorus Recovery From Human Urine: Combining Electro‐Coagulation and Extraction Methods

ABSTRACT Phosphorus recovery from alternative waste streams is critical for sustainable nutrient management and circular economy strategies. This study investigates phosphate removal from human urine using electrocoagulation under different current densities and pH conditions. Batch experiments were performed in an electrochemical reactor with iron electrodes, and phosphate removal efficiency, pH variation, conductivity changes and reaction kinetics were evaluated. Results showed that higher current densities substantially enhanced removal rates, with 24 mA/cm 2 achieving over 80% phosphate removal within 10 min. Acidic conditions (pH 6) consistently resulted in the highest phosphate removal, while efficiency declined at higher pH due to reduced iron solubility and hydroxide competition. Kinetic analysis confirmed first‐order behaviour for phosphate removal across all operating conditions. In addition, phosphorus recovery from EC sludge was evaluated using chemical and microwave‐assisted extraction methods, achieving recovery efficiencies up to 62%. Overall, the results demonstrate that electrocoagulation is an effective method for phosphate removal from source‐separated human urine and provides considerable potential for subsequent phosphorus recovery.