According to a recent United States Geological Survey research, poop water contains plenty of precious metals.

Research found out that waste water at several treatment plants contain 28 parts of silver per million. Other metals such as gold, lead, copper and vanadium also appear in considerable amounts. The study took eight years to complete and samples were taken every month.

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The research cautioned the survey doesn;t represent the whole country. But it does point out a lot of precious metals are being released as poop.

The findings were presented recently at the National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society. Kathleen Smith, a USGS geologist, explained the metals could have come from consumer goods such as detergents, hair care products and even sock deodorants.

Researchers were able to extract the precious metals with the use of industrial mining methods.  The research, however, didn't mention cost effectiveness of this extraction process. Dr. Smith said they're interested in gathering precious metals such as copper and vanadium, which can be converted to alloys or parts for computers or cell phones.

Early this year, a published study estimated a city with a million people has the potential to generate around $13 million of precious metals annually from sewage.

The environment will also benefit if a metal removal scheme is developed. Only sewage not tainted by metal is suitable for fertilizer.    

Recent advances in technology have enabled people to find alternative uses for human wastes and sewage.

Non-profit organizations such as the Gates Foundation have successfully developed waste conversion technologies that will greatly benefit people living in developing countries. The Bill and Melissa Gates Foundation developed the Janicki Omniprocessor, a device capable of converting waste materials to potable water, electricity and fertilizer.

TagsPoop, poop metal, metal, new study, Research, poop research