Biosolids for Fertilizers?

Sewage sludge, biosolids and human waste? How are they connected? Biosolids are what is left behind when sewage sludges are carefully treated and monitored, basically human waste. It is highly organic and nutrients and is thought to make good fertilizer. However, most developed countries regulate its use because it can contain a multitude of metals, organic pollutants, and pathogens. From late 1980’s, the use of biosolids to land, especially on agricultural land, has been controversial. Activists motivate the natural ability of biosolids, like soil, to restrain from potentially toxic metals, and cleaner water.

The important question that many ask is Are Biosolids Safe? In Water Environment Association of Ontario’s report in 2001 indicated that, at least in Ontario, the practices of biosolids are sufficiently conventional and if followed properly show no major risk to the environment or human health.

Some of the advantages are: biosolids contain humus which helps soil to hold water and nutrients. Biosolids contain all the tradition and necessary nutrient amounts as a normal fertilizer like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are essential plant nutrient especially helpful for healthy and strong tree growth. Using biosolids as fertilizers also reduces the evolvement of liquid waste which ends up in waterways. The disposal of biosolids can be expensive, so not only helping the environment but also reducing costs. Those supporting the land application of biosolids claim that it is the most efficient and environmentally way of disposing of sewage sludge. The United States Department of Agriculture states, "Practices which return plant residues to the soil, such as no-till farming and crop rotations, are slowly rebuilding the Nation's stock of soil organic matter” (ehow.com). It provides a safe, effective low-cost fertilizer for farmers and turns waste into a useful product.

One of the main concerns though that for the long-term would be the build-up of heavy metals in the soil. They state that metals like cadmium, zinc and copper could build up to very high levels damaging agricultural soils. Farmers might not realize the consequences but in the long run, once the soil is damaged, it will be hard to retrieve. Those who oppose the land application of biosolids argue that the product contains contaminants that could prove harmful to human health and the environment. There is no comprehensive, independent, third party testing of the biosolids to ensure safety and efficacy.

The potential stakeholders in this issue include farmers and the government. Farmers can use the low-cost fertilizers for their agricultural land. The government also saves money by not paying thousand for the disposal of biosolids. The topic of biosolids clearly needs some further chemical and health studies, to be certain that using this man-made waste doesn’t contain any chemicals and substances that can be harmful to our environment and our health.

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Resources: 

"FAQ - Biosolids". 1986-2011. Web. June 8.2011

< http://www.cwwa.ca/faqbiosolids_e.asp>

 "Frequently Asked Biosolids Questions". Pennsylvania: Waste Management & Processors, Inc. ,                     2002. Web. June 8.2011

< http://www.biosolidsinstitute.com/faqs/page3.shtml>  

  Lee, Asba . "Fertilizers Used in Farming". Web. June 8.2011

< http://www.ehow.com/list_6564077_fertilizers-used-farming.html> 

"What are biosolids, and can I use them to fertilize crops on my land?". Nova Scotia Federation of                  Agriculture , 2008. Web. June 8.2011

< http://www.nsfa-fane.ca/question-17-what-are-biosolids-and-can-i-use-them-fertilize-crops-my-                    land> 

<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxC998FB4RA>

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