What are biosolids? Biosolids definition is nutrient-rich organic compounds you recover from wastewater treatment. These biosolids are then used for the benefit of the environment.
To use biosolids as fertilizer or soil cleanser, you must meet certain specifications. The US developed specifications to protect both the environment and human health. These include crops, animals, wildlife, soils, and water life.
Still not sure what are biosolids? Keep reading and find out more.
What Are Biosolids and Disposal Options
As we have mentioned before, you extract biosolids from wastewater. Why? this is to ensure that the treated wastewater is of an acceptable standard. After that, the wastewater plant has 4 options for using or disposing of biosolids. These include:
- Used for landfilling
- Incineration of the biosolids
- Surface disposal
- Land application
Land application of these biosolids is the preferred method for authorities. This is because it is the only option that encourages positive reuse or recycling.
Pretreatment of Wastewater Treatment Plants
Modern industrial pretreatment methods decrease the probability of pollutant contamination of biosolids. Also, most wastewater treatment plants use monitoring and operational controls.
These controls limit hazardous pollutant concentrations in the water. These measures decrease toxic substances and other contaminants in municipal wastewater biosolids.
Biosolids Land Application
Biosolids and domestic wastewater land application is not a novel management idea. Olden civilizations have used wastewater biosolids as fertilizers for some time.
nutrient recovery from biosolids is a solid which is broken down into smaller pieces. Thereafter, it’s mixed with soil. People use biosolids in:
- Agricultural farming
- Forestry plantations
- Mine rehabilitation
- Recreational parks
- Golf courses
- Other disturbed areas
Landscapers, nurseries, and households use compost and treated biosolids for gardening. In addition, biosolids are also used to improve soil and replace conventional fertilizers.
Biosolids’ popularity in most developed countries stems from their nutritional and soil-conditioning benefits.
Besides the many benefits of using biosolids in the soil, there are some drawbacks. For example, you find commercial and industrial wastes in municipal wastewater. Nonetheless, with proper usage restrictions, biosolids should provide little or no health threat.
Brief History of Biosolids
In 1973, a group of researchers got together to talk about how to apply municipal biosolids to the soil. They aimed to provide a comprehensive basis for analyzing long-term risks.
The US bases its existing state and federal sludge laws on scientific research. As a result, the government used the data to come to a scientific consensus on acceptable risks.
Waste Not
In the US, strict state and national rules define how you can use biosolids and how you should handle them.
Water treatment in the US uses some of the cutting-edge treatments of wastewater. It also uses the same technology for biosolids manufacturing. They also use some of the most stringent quality control systems in the world.
Quality control also contributes to ensuring the safe and long-term management of biosolids and other waste.
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