Abstract |
Biosolids are solid residues produced by wastewater that are treated to meet federal and state regulations for land application. About 60% of biosolids are applied to land as an agricultural amendment in the United States. Communities in all 50 states reuse their biosolids, many for the nutrient-rich benefits. Anything that can be flushed down a toilet, go down a drain in a home or industrial facility, or enter a storm sewer can potentially end up in wastewater. Chemicals such as pharmaceuticals and cleaning products often used in homes are being detected in wastewater. Domestic wastewater also contains bacteria and other microbes from the digestive tracts of humans. Appropriate wastewater treatment methods are designed to remove pathogens in biosolids to safe levels. Many chemicals are monitored in biosolids before land application. |