What is human waste called?

Key Takeaways

• Human waste is known by many different names, including feces, excrement, and stool.

• The composition of human waste varies depending on factors such as diet, health, and age.

• Human waste can be a valuable resource that can be used to produce fertilizer and other products.

• It is important to dispose of human waste properly to prevent the spread of disease.

• There are a variety of technologies available for treating human waste.

What is Human Waste Called?

Definition of Human Waste

Human waste is the solid or liquid waste produced by the human digestive system. It is also known by many other names, including feces, excrement, stool, and poop. Human waste is composed of undigested food, bacteria, and other waste products. The composition of human waste varies depending on factors such as diet, health, and age.

Types of Human Waste

There are two main types of human waste: solid waste and liquid waste. Solid waste is typically composed of undigested food, bacteria, and other waste products. Liquid waste is typically composed of water, urea, and other waste products.

Composition of Human Waste

The composition of human waste varies depending on a number of factors, including diet, health, and age. However, the following are some of the most common components of human waste:

• Water (75-80%)

• Organic matter (10-15%)

• Nitrogen (1-2%)

• Phosphorus (1-2%)

• Potassium (1-2%)

• Calcium (1-2%)

• Magnesium (1-2%)

• Sodium (1-2%)

• Chloride (1-2%)

• Sulfate (1-2%)

• Bicarbonate (1-2%)

• Iron (1-2%)

• Zinc (1-2%)

• Copper (1-2%)

• Manganese (1-2%)

• Fluoride (1-2%)

Value of Human Waste

Human waste can be a valuable resource that can be used to produce fertilizer and other products. The organic matter in human waste can be used to fertilize crops, and the nitrogen and phosphorus in human waste can be used to produce fertilizer.

Disposal of Human Waste

It is important to dispose of human waste properly to prevent the spread of disease. The most common methods of disposing of human waste are:

• Wastewater treatment plants: Wastewater treatment plants collect and treat human waste and other wastewater. The treated water is then discharged into rivers, streams, or lakes.

• Septic tanks: Septic tanks are underground tanks that collect and treat human waste. The treated water is then discharged into the ground.

• Composting toilets: Composting toilets are toilets that compost human waste. The compost can then be used to fertilize crops.

Technologies for Treating Human Waste

There are a variety of technologies available for treating human waste. The most common technologies include:

• Activated sludge treatment: Activated sludge treatment is a biological process that uses bacteria to break down organic matter in human waste.

• Trickling filters: Trickling filters are a biological process that uses bacteria to break down organic matter in human waste.

• Rotating biological contactors: Rotating biological contactors are a biological process that uses bacteria to break down organic matter in human waste.

• Membrane bioreactors: Membrane bioreactors are a biological process that uses membranes to separate bacteria from treated water.

• Ultraviolet disinfection: Ultraviolet disinfection is a process that uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria in treated water.