collecting and purifying urine separately is more environment friendly and cost-effective than simply allowing it to flow into the sewer, claims a Dutch study. Conducted by Jan Wilsenach of the Delft University (du) in the Netherlands, the study says the measure would save electricity and chemicals used at sewage treatment facilities.

"If 50 per cent of the urine is separately purified, it would save 25 per cent of the energy needed for the entire purification system,' says Wilsenach. Moreover, the stench of the sewer will be lessened, environmental pressure on the surface water will be reduced, and sewer pipes will be better protected against rot, he adds.

The new approach could increase the capacity of wastewater treatment plants by 30 per cent even at around 30