Sewage sludge, also known as biosolids, is what is left behind after water is cleaned in waste treatment works. It is high in organic content and plant nutrients and, in theory, makes good fertilizer. However, most developed countries regulate its use because it also can contain a multitude of metals, organic pollutants, and pathogens. The application of sewage sludge to land, especially on agricultural lands, has been contentious since the late 1980s, when national and international clean water regulations prohibiting the ocean dumping of sludge were first enacted. Advocates enthuse about the natural ability of sludge, like soil, to immobilize potentially toxic metals, and they point to cleaner water, as well as higher crop yields for farms that use the material.
It makes the most sense to be 100% about an idea before following through no matter what it may be. Therefore I would suggest waiting to find out details such as the true composition of biosolids and how harmful they actually can be. However, this is not an issue that is being brought to my attention very often and if I was not told about the issue I probably would never have chosen a side. I think that if it is saving money it is a good idea as long as it does not harm any living things, including crops.
I think that many people may be affected by the western view of society and would be completely disgusted by such an idea. It can easily be seen as unsanitary and disgusting, of course, but if the research is done properly and biosolids proves to be a reasonable source of fertilizer I would support the cause. As we continue to use up more and more of our non-renewable resources on this plant we need to start learning to use what we have and will be able to last us. We need to start thinking about the future generations and how we can help them as well as ourselves.
The pressing issue of whether or not biosolids would be a sustainable agricultural fertilizer is something countries all over the globe are thinking about. North America and Europe are especially interested in the possibility; however, there are many mixed opinions in both continents which is leading to much debate. If it were up to me I would put a lot of funding into the research of this issue in hopes of being able to soon make use of the biosolids as best as possible.
Resources:
http://www.mindfully.org/Pesticide/Sewage-Sludge-Pros-Cons.htm
http://www.sencer.net/Outreach/pdfs/DCSymposium08/Posters/LUbiosolids.pdf
3 comments:
Hey Olivia, great blog! Even though I already knew most of this information, your wording of things made it a pleasure to read. I like how to started off with a positive outlook prior to researching the topic. I found out that in the U.S during the 1920's, biosolids started to be used as fertilizer, but due to poor treatment, they had some negative effects to the farming community it was applied in. It was deemed dangerous by the U.S government, and from there on our, people regarded biosolids with suspicion and disgust. I didn't know that the late 1980s was when laws banning the dumping of sewage into oceans was prohibited. I realized that you put that biosolids immobilize potentially toxic metals as a pro, but isn't it a con? The immobilized metals would stay in the soil and effect the plants and water supply, wouldn't they? I too agree though that we should be 100% sure that biosolids are safe before more extensive use as a sustainable fertilizer. I hadn't fully thought about the fact that this issue hadn't been brought to my attention either, even though it seems so pressing. I guess it hasn't been deemed as important as other things. You're right, many countries are interested in biosolids as a sustainable fertilizer, but who's actually using it? I've heard that man developing countries are already using it to fertilize the crops that we eat every day, but what effect will this have on us? I think some international laws should regulate the use of biosolids until we know more about them, don't you think?
Your point was very well communicated through your blog and I completely agree with your opinions. It's also great to consider how technology has played a key role in treating the biosolids before they're used in order to rid them of any pathogens or bacteria that can pose a hazard of our health. I especially enjoyed how you thought about the future and took considerations on how this decision to use biosolids as fertilizer can create a positive impact on our world and on future generations. Non renewable resources are being used carelessly and organic materials are the answer these rising issues about our planet's condition.
Thanks for sharing, Chin MW, http://www.YCglobalENT.com
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