In some parts of the world, biosolids from sewage treatment plants are treated and used as a sustainable agricultural fertilizer. Biosolids are nutrient-rich organic materials obtained from wastewater treatment (1). This nutrient-rich organic material can then be used as fertilizer. The question is however, is if biosolids are a realistic alternative to our current agricultural practices? In every situation there are both pros and cons but in this case, do the cons outweigh the pros? In my opinion, I would say no. The EPA promotes the land application of biosolids as a safe recycling method (2). Biosolids can be processed into fertilizers for farms, forests, and landscaping.
Before biosolids can be used on the land they need to go through a sewage treatment in which its harmful compounds are transformed into harmless compounds (3). In order to do this, the solid segments of the sewage must be removed first. Then sewage treatment facilities remove pathogens and other harmful elements. Once the cleansing and processing steps are done, the newly formed biosolids can be put to work.
The idea of using biosolids as a kind of fertilizer is a double-sided topic. The pros to using biosolids as fertilizer are (3):
- Cost effective way of disposing human waste
- Recycles waste rather then filling landfills with it
- Promotes farming and works as a free fertilizer
- Accepted by the EPA
The cons to using biosolids as a fertilizer are (3):
- Potential health hazard if the human waste is not treated properly
- Very foul smell
- Contamination resulting from an accumulation of industrial waste
Biosolids contain nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus which both improve and increase plant growth. When biosolids are used on agricultural lands it is beneficial to farmers, municipalities, and the community as a whole (2). The only problem with using biosolids as a fertilizer is that the western society views it as an unsanitary and disgusting way to get rid of human waste. Many people find it hard to eat food if it was once grown in biosolids. This taints the view of biosolids and makes people not want to use them. Many also find the strong odor of the biosolids a nuisance due to their musty, ammonia scented odor (4).
Personally, I believe that if the EPA finds biosolids a safe means of reusing human waste then I do not see a problem in it. It gives us an opportunity to put our human waste into good use rather then cluttering up landfills. If we do not take steps to help preserve our environment now, we may not have anything left. So, if biosolids help to improve our environment, then… why not?
Blogs i commented on:
1.) Caitlin Cosgrove: Biosolids
2.) Dora: Love organic! Then love yourself!
References:
1.) "Dictionary." Define: Biosolids. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/biosolids
2.) "The Biosolids Life Cycle." Benefits. Division of Wastewater Engineering. 1999. http://www.biosolids.state.va.us/
3.) "Sewage Treatment." Water Treatment. 2009. http://sewagetreatment.us/tertiary-treatment/waste-water-treatment-sewage-treatment/
4.) "United States Environmental Protection Agency." Water: Sewage Sludge (Biosolids). EPA. 13 Aug 2009. http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/wastewater/treatment/biosolids/genqa.cfm
5.) "Northwest Biosolids Management Association." Biosolids Facts. NBMA. http://www.nwbiosolids.org/index.php
