In many parts of Africa, finding a clean and safe toilet to use, especially at night can be a dangerous prospect if you’re a little girl. Apart from the possibility of falling into a pit, as latrines are the most common toilets found in remote parts of Africa, there is also the chance of being assaulted. However, the risk can be somehow reduced if the areas were lit, so that girls can become more aware of the surroundings to better respond to what might happen as they try to pee. In this regard, scientists from the Bristol Bioenergy Center have tested the method they have developed to convert urine into energy in Seseme Girls School in Kisoro, Uganda.
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With the ingredients found in urine, scientists put microorganisms that breakdown urine into components which can be used to power a fuel cell which then generates electricity. Dubbed “pee power” by the Seseme girls, a survey showed that there was a high level of acceptance for the technology as it made them feel safer at night. Several also expressed the hope that the technology can be introduced to their village. Launching the field trials at the school also helped in lowering the cost of electricity at the school. The next step for the project is simply to mass-produce the fuel cells, so that they can be rolled out. It would require more investment and funding, but the benefits are well worth the costs.
(Image credit: Rohan Makhecha/Unsplash)
Source: neatorama