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Sludge Collection and Pre-Treatment
Faecal sludge (a mix of faeces, urine, flush water, and solids like toilet paper) is collected from onsite sanitation systems, such as pit latrines. It undergoes initial mechanical separation to divide solids and liquids, followed by disinfection.
Published: September 1, 2025 Read More.jpg)
Fungal Inoculation and Culture Development
Selected fungal spores or liquid cultures are inoculated into the pre-treated sludge. The mixture is incubated in petri dishes or small fermenters at 25–30°C with controlled humidity (80–90%) to promote mycelium colonization.
Published: August 15, 2025 Read More.jpg)
Mycelium Growth in Molds
The inoculated sludge is transferred to sterile molds (e.g., aluminum trays lined with foil for easy release) and incubated in a dark, humid chamber. Here, the mycelium expands rapidly, weaving through the substrate to form a solid, interconnected matrix. This stage lasts 48–72 hours, during which the fungi consume the sludge's nutrients, producing a leathery biomass.
Published: July 20, 2025 Read More.jpg)
Harvesting and Post-Processing
Once fully colonized (visually a uniform, firm sheet), the mycelium is harvested by removing it from the molds. It is then pressed to remove excess moisture and dried at low heat (40–60°C) or air-dried to halt growth and stabilize the material.
Published: July 20, 2025 Read More.jpg)
Harvesting and Post-Processing
This yields flexible sheets suitable for further processing into yarns, fabrics, or leather alternatives. The drying enhances durability, making the material biodegradable yet resilient (e.g., tensile strength comparable to vegan leather). Waste heat from drying can power small-scale briquette production from leftovers.
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Application, Scaling, and Community Impact
The final products are tested for quality (e.g., pathogen-free certification) and integrated into supply chains—mycelium yarns for weaving fabrics, sheets for leather goods, or biochar for soil amendment.
Published: July 20, 2025 Read More