What if sewage could become a resource rather than a threat to fragile coral reefs?
An innovative technology that turns sewage into fertiliser is on its way to the Maldives, where it will be trialled as part of a project led by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) and Maldives National University.
Dubbed ‘lightning in a box’, the compact plasma unit uses renewable energy to transform untreated sewage into a nutrient-rich liquid fertiliser, helping to reduce pollution entering the ocean while supporting local food production.
The technology, developed by Norwegian company N2 Applied, will be tested on the island of Thoddoo through the FAO Clean and Healthy Ocean Integrated Program Maldives, a five-year initiative implemented by UNEP and supported by the Global Environment Facility. The trial marks the first time the technology has been used on human sewage in a real-world setting.
UKCEH is leading scientific research and monitoring within the project, helping assess whether the treated liquid is safe and effective for agricultural use, while also evaluating its potential benefits for groundwater resources, water quality and coral reef health.
UKCEH ecologist Dr Bill Bealey, who is project coordinator for the GEF-UNEP Clean & Healthy Oceans project for the Maldives said, “This technology provides a scalable blueprint for small island developing states worldwide to eliminate marine sewage dumping while simultaneously building agricultural sustainability and protecting internationally important coral reefs”.
Wastewater pollution is a major challenge for the Maldives, where untreated sewage can damage the coral reefs that support tourism, fisheries and local livelihoods. By recovering nutrients from wastewater and preventing sewage from entering the ocean, the project aims to demonstrate a practical solution that benefits both people and nature.
If successful, the approach could offer a model for other small island nations seeking to improve food security, reduce pollution and build resilience to climate change.
Read more about the story on UNEP’s technical highlights page.