Re:Why were medieval monks so susceptible to intestinal worms?
by deepdriver on Friday August 19, 2022 @05:29AM
(#32519022)
Did some searching, looks like pyrolysis can convert waste into biochar in way that eliminates pathogens:
https://www.susana.org/_resources/documents/default/2-1832-2...
>Complete elimination of pathogens from Human Solid Waste (HSW) is a priority of our biochar reactor. By heating an appropriate flow of input material to high temperatures above 450 C for about 15 minutes, the material thoroughly chars, causing a 100% elimination of pathogens.
Doesn't say anything about heavy metals or pharmaceuticals. In particular I don't know whether heat can denature or destroy birth control hormones like ethinylestradiol. If it's suspended in water, it can be removed through a reverse osmosis or activated charcoal filter. Maybe leaching before charring and filtering the runoff would help? Dunno.
On the other hand, combustion could also help with destroying the antibiotics found in the manure, which spread to the soil and accumulate in produce.