Sanitation Lab at Duke Aims to Clean the World’s Water

3/22/23 Pratt School of Engineering

Duke ECE research scientist Brian Hawkins explains a self-contained toilet that requires no infrastructure

finger depressing flush button on toilet
Sanitation Lab at Duke Aims to Clean the World’s Water

Brian Hawkins, an associate research professor at Duke University, and his team are designing a self-contained toilet that requires no infrastructure, can reclaim water for flushing, washing, and irrigation, and can reuse nutrients removed from the water. Their work has taken on added urgency as the climate changes and water becomes even more precious.

This video aligns with the Duke Climate Commitment, which unites the university’s education, research, operations and public service missions to address the climate crisis.