Fertilizer. It’s a term we know about, learned about, but never really paid much attention too. Most fertilizers are made of other animals’ wastes, we are already aware of this piece of information. Today, a new term called “biosolid” has been introduced to society.
Biosolids are nutrient-rich materials that result from the treatment of municipal wastewater. They contain nitrogen, phosporus and organic matter as well as essential micro-nutrients such as copper, iron, molybdenum and zinc, all of which are important for plant growth and soil fertility. Ontario has successfully regulated land application of sewage biosolids as a crop fertilizer since the early 1970's.
Most of you are probably thinking, really? The very things we get rid of with a flush of a toilet, are now used to help grow the food we eat. But, believe it or not, biosolids have their share of pros, and not surprisingly, its share of cons.
Most of you are probably thinking, really? The very things we get rid of with a flush of a toilet, are now used to help grow the food we eat. But, believe it or not, biosolids have their share of pros, and not surprisingly, its share of cons.
The biggest disadvantage of biosolids is that it is a potential health hazard, and this one explains itself. Biosolids are reported to contain: Pharmaceuticals, steroids, flame-retardants, metals, hormones and human pathogens, among other things. There is also the risk of contamination in biosolids as it can accumulate industrial waste and it may contain hazardous chemicals. Another disadvantage, and this time more for farmers, is that it decreases land property value, and there is also the issue of the odor biosolids give off. Nevertheless, biosolids do have their share of advantages. Sewage biosolids are a valuable nutrient source for growing field crops such as corn, soybeans, canola and cereals. They are also highly suitable for growing forage crops and for improving pasture. Biosolids reduce the need for commercial fertilizers, so it reduced production costs. It also improves soil fertility, soil structure and permeability. Lastly, it adds organic matter and reduces the potential for soil erosion and runoff.
To many of us, the issue of biosolids is a mind-splitter. On one hand, biosolids are proving to be better for the soil and appears to be cheaper. This is great for many farmers. On the other hand though, biosolids are dangerous to our health. It may contain numerous hazardous chemicals for all we know. As humans, we already use other animals’ wastes as fertilizers, so why do we make a huge issue about using our own wastes instead? People are torn in the issue. Many are fine with using biosolids as fertilizers. Farmers are already embracing some of the advantages it gives them and their farms. Others still haven’t ‘embraced’ biosolids, finding it unsanitary. It’s true that when we use biosolids to help grow our food, we are technically digesting back what our body disposed of. When it comes to biosolids, we automatically assume that it’s a bad idea. Right now, it’s not the biggest problem we have in the world, and it’s pros and cons are pretty equal at the moment. Our society just needs more time to educate themselves in this issue and figure out how to deal with biosolids, eventually.
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References:
- "Sewage Biosolids: A Valuable Nutrient Source." Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs. 14/01/2010. Web. 16 Mar 2011. <http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/nm/nasm/sewbiobroch.htm>.
- Ferguson, Kevin. "‘Biosolids’ and Human Health." The New York Times. 16/04/2009. Web. 16 Mar 2011. <http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/16/biosolids-and-human-health/>.
- Mitchell, Charles. "Biosolids seen as fertilizer alternative." Southeast Farm Press. 04/06/2008. Web. 16 Mar 2011. <http://southeastfarmpress.com/biosolids-seen-fertilizer-alternative>.
- Ogg, Barb. "Fertilizing with Biosolids ." University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 2011. Web. 16 Mar 2011. <http://lancaster.unl.edu/enviro/biosolids/fertil.shtml>.
- "BIOSOLIDS: Fertilizer or Pollution?." Lynchburg College Principles of Science 102A. Web. 16 Mar 2011. <http://www.sencer.net/Outreach/pdfs/DCSymposium08/Posters/LUbiosolids.pdf>.
- "Biosolids Benefits." biosolids.com. 2002. Web. 16 Mar 2011. <http://www.biosolids.com/benefits.html>.
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