Myco-Substitutes

The treatment process uses viruses known as bacteriophages to feed on and remove bacteria from faecal sludge. Common fungi, such as Basidiomycetes, Rhizopus, Aspergillus niger , and Aspergillus flavus , are then introduced to the remaining solid waste, which functions as a growth medium to cultivate mycelia, the root-like structure of the fungi. Toilet paper in the sludge functions as a carbon source for mycelial growth. After 72 to 120 hours, 10 litres of sludge can produce 500 grams of mycelia for harvest. The ‘Myco’ in the innovation’s name denotes mycelia-based material.