Energy from your toilet...

Scientists from Singapore have designed a new low-flow toilet which separates human solids and liquids and requires a reduced water volume per use. According to the article the new design reduces water use 90% compared to standard Singaporian systems. (((Note - The water reduction appears a little inflated. Singapore mandates use of high efficiency toilets: ~1.6 gal/solids flush and/or ~0.8 gal/ liquid only flush. The new toilet uses 0.2 gal/liquid only flush, a 75% reduction; and 1 gal/solids flush, a 60% reduction. The 90% is a comparison of the old solid/new liquid water use. Still, these reductions are significant, provided a proven design... pilot test results pending.))) The remains would be separated on site for materials reuse - liquids for fertilizers; and solids for biomass fuels.

I have heard a lot about biomass, and was intrigued by the  idea, so more research ensued. There are many organizations and public agencies working with various types of biomass materials, ranging from corn-based ethanol, to (clean) coal, fecal matter, and even trash!!! combustion. Each of these areas have a common intent to upcycle perceived waste materials into an alternative fuel, but all are subject to different governing criteria. Typically a biomass' energy is harnessed through burning. My father was the air quality expert, not me, but having grown up around the industry, I feel hesitant to sign-off on burning as a clean, green, renewable means to harness energy. But as a conservationist, I also do not condemn the entire biomass fuel supply in favor of a wind/solar-only energy grid.

Generally, I agree with the Energy Justice position that Anything that creates pollution in the course of producing electricity shouldn't be considered clean... or renewable. I do believe that...

• Wastewater sludge is the best and greenest biomass option. It has an renewable, endless human supply (yes, I am a future fan of the No-Mix Vacuum Toilet design). Sludge/solids biomass is an improvement upon raw fossil fuel combustion, but it is associated with four odors and green house gases. These side effects may be controllable on a smaller scale. I can think of a few start up technologies useful for inline treatment. We shall see.
• Agricultural waste is a not-so-great biomass option. Anaerobic digestion of this type of waste  helps factory farms manage their chemical-laden non-organic biproducts. In reality, agricultural waste should be incorporated back into the land, or composted before it is burnt. Landfills don't need more slop.
• While wood is a biomass, it is also a valuable, dwindling resource. I prefer straight upcycling to its destruction. Also, wood biomass has a potentially toxic risk - accidental burning of wood treated with copper chromium arsenate (CCA) is toxic and shown to be carcinogenic. According to Energy Justice, 30% of biomass wood burned contains CCA (eeep!).
• Burning trash is a horrible option, only slightly less bad than raw fossil fuels and a wonderful waste of potential resources. 

I have a lot more to learn on this topic. Input and counter views are welcomed.

Cheers ~
S