They're able to pull this off through membrane distillation that gets rid of 95 percent of all ammonia present in urine. The liquid is collected in a big tank and is heated in a solar-powered boiler. The heated urine then passes through the membrane which separates out the water as well as nutrients like nitrogen and potassium, which can be used to make fertilizers.

The current goal is to install larger versions of these machines in airports and sports venues. The scientists also want to help out rural communities in the developing world where drinkable water is in short supply.