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>.
Blogs I Commented On:
Great post Mary, it was very informative! I agree with you, the topic of biosolids causes for a divisive. It is a fairly new concept and only time will tell its effects, whether they will be good or bad. But for now, I, myself, am gravitating towards supporting the use of it as fertilizer. Biosolids are treated quite a bit and have standards for quality, contrary to popular belief. The unhealthy and maybe even toxic materials you mentioned in the biosolids is quite concerning. However, these are not naturally occurring. They are in the soil because of irresponsible people who don’t get rid of waste properly. So, these problems could easily averted. Biosolids are good for everything, people just need to disregard the stigma surrounding it.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary! Great BioBlog! I agree that the pro and cons on the use of biosolids are quite equal. However, I personally feel that biosoils have more benefits than disadvantages. As you mentioned in your blog, these biosoils contain various minerals and nutrients that not only aid in the growth and development of our crops and also reduces the potential of soil erosion and run off. As for the odour and 'health hazards' issue of the usage of biosoils, as Meg mentioned in her comment above, these things CAN be avoided. If people took the time to properly dispose their vairous waste products, less dangerous chemicals and such would make thier way into our water treatment systems. Biosolids have much to offer and I think individuals should embrace this fairly new alternative.
ReplyDeleteGreat Blog Mary! I think that this topic was interesting to search about because of it being so man-made and natural! One think I didn’t know is the health hazards that came with biosolids. The ones mentioned above could be very serious for our health. It’s clear though that biosolids has its advantages. The low-cost organic and natural fertilizer is way better than paying so much money on chemicals, reducing production cost. Biosolids also suit the government since saving them money on the disposal and removal of waste. Overall, there is obviously the need for further studies to make sure that these natural products won’t harm any part of the world.
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