Gross, disgusting, nasty, what is that thing? These words come to mind when we see or think about poop. Bio-solids are a semi-solid material that contain a nutrient-rich substance that is left behind from the sewage treatment process. Many of our sustainable agricultural farmers today use this nutrient-rich substance in order fertilize their crops and not to mention complete a natural cycle in the environment. Using bio-solids promotes waste water plants to produce capable high quality bio-solids, a resource farmers should take opportunity of. Recycling bio-solids benefits farmers by reducing production costs, improves soil fertility, stimulate plant growth, and betters the soil structure . I could see why farmers benefit from production costs because according to (Ontario's ministry of agriculture and food) "as a fertilizer equivalent, the nitrogen and phosphorous in bio-solids has an approximate value of $250/hectare". Recycling bio-solids to land is also an environmentally friendly choice because it doesn't promote landfill disposal. Although, bio-solids do contain pathogens, flame retardants, PCB's, these constituents are in low in
concentrations after the sewage treatment process. Nevertheless, "the use of these materials in the production of crops for human consumption
when practiced in accordance with existing federal guidelines and regulations, presents negligible risk to the consumer, crop production, and the environment" (National Academy of Science). In other words if farmers carefully monitor, apply, and follow the regulations, there will be no risk towards the consumer and environment. Of course there is a possibility that sludge won't get properly processed and could pose a health hazard, but this is all in the hands of the treatment facilities
It is true that when poop is the subject, people automatically turn away and neglect all of the wonders that poop could provide our environment. Bio-solids are sustaining our agriculture, helping our environment, and supporting our farmers through financial problems. Today we already bio-solid grown produce, and we're living proof that there are no health risks from using bio-solids as fertilizer. Hopefully we continue to recycle bio-solids into our land instead of promoting waste diversion.
Sources
Bio-solids: Fertilizer or pollution?, Lynchburg college, 8 June, 2011 <http://www.sencer.net/Outreach/pdfs/DCSymposium08/Posters/LUbiosolids.pdf>
Sewage bio-solids: A valuable nutrient source, Ontario ministry of agriculture, 8 June,2011 <http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/nm/nasm/sewbiobroch.htm>
FAQ - Bio-solids, Canadian water and waste water association, 8 June, 2011
Frequently asked Bio-solids questions, Waste management and processors, 8 June, 2011
Comments
Good Post Mr Caligner!
ReplyDeleteDespite your great points and evidence, it would have been nice for you to give your personal view on the topic, whether you support the usage of Biosolids or feel it is a hazard. Though your blog seem to have convinced me that you support Biosoilds. I greatly agree with your points, I feel as Biosolids have an immense amount of advantages to us humans. However I have to say that you were wrong in saying that Biosolids have "no health risks". As you read though Mr. Maznabi's blog he mentions and incident of a child who have suffered and died from the effect of Biosolids. Although Biosolids have numerous beneficial factors, there are in fact disadvantages of this method. Well, anyways Good job, keep up the good work.
I agree that biosolids are more beneficial than they are a hazard. While yes there are a few cases that may have been a result of biosolids like felix mentioned above, I don't think it'll happen too often. I don't agree that there are "no health risks" but I certainly do believe that it's at a minimum. I just think that the pro's outweigh the cons when it comes down to biosolids.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree Jeff. It doesn't make any sense for us to ignore valuable resources when they are right there for us to use. Especially if these valuable resources mean more jobs and less pollution. And I don't understand why there's even a discussion about biosolids if they've been proven to have no adverse effect on our health. Sometimes we're just to picky. I like the post though Jeff, and I share the same view.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Mr. Caligner in using biosolids not only just as a fertilizer but also a way to reduce what we put in our landfill sites and extend our resources a little more. If what Felix is said about what happened in Mr. Maznabi's blog I do feel sorry for the boy. But it was also the companies fault. They were supposed to make sure that their food is safe. I also agree with Felix with putting more of your opinion with you blog. Elaborate more.All in all it was a great blog!
ReplyDelete