Viruses and fungi turn sewage into yarn

One scientist is creating a circular economy for faecal sludge – waste goes in, yarn comes out

Spotted: Waste treatment is an expensive and complex process, and many less-developed countries lack the resources to provide efficient services to everyone. This is true in Ghana, where, according to the UN, less than eight per cent of domestic wastewater undergoes some form of treatment.

Ghanaian lecturer in Ecotourism and Environmental Management, Abubakari Zarouk Imoro, has developed a unique solution to meet this need. Imoro’s circular sewage treatment system, called Myco-Substitutes, uses viruses and fungi to treat faecal waste and produce fibres and leather substitutes.

The treatment process starts with bacteriophages, which feed on bacteria found in faecal sludge. The remaining solid waste then acts as a growth medium for common species of fungi. Toilet paper in the sludge provides a carbon source for mycelial growth. In 72 to 120 hours, 10 litres of sludge can produce around 500 grams of mycelia, the root-like structure of the fungi.

The mycelium is harvested and used to create fibres for the garment industry. It can also be grown in large sheets and used as an alternative leather. Leftover liquid is treated and used for irrigation, and the remaining sludge is converted into biochar to enrich soils or for creating environmentally friendly cooking briquettes.  

Imoro and his team were shortlisted for the 2023 Africa Prize, awarded by the Royal Academy of Engineering. Innovators on the shortlist receive support including business incubation, mentoring, fundraising, and access to a global network of high-profile engineering and business experts.  

Sewage treatment is a necessity, not a nice to have. Luckily, Springwise is spotting a growing number of innovations working to make sewage treatment more efficient and effective. These include a plug-and-play system that can be used in areas lacking the necessary infrastructure and a membrane that cleans wastewater and generates electricity.

Written By: Lisa Magloff