Many people make claims, but few cite sources! #science #sewage sludge #biosolids

Facts and Citations are important! Great resource! Thanks, Philidelphia
http://www.phila.gov/water/BR-Science_.html

Biosolids--Grounded in Sound Science

Finding: Biosolids are extremely safe when used in agriculture as a nutrient source and soil conditioner. They can be used in ways that do not endanger the environment or the food chain.

Source: Article for the October 1990 issue of BioCycle; Rufus L. Chaney discussed the impact of biosolids on the human diet and took an updated look at biosolids management regulations. Chaney is with the Soil-Microbial Systems Laboratory of Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Finding:  Biosolids provide nutrients and organic matter that can be used beneficially for growing crops. They can supply appreciable amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus. The return of organic solids to the soil will contribute to the maintenance of organic matter levels. Some biosolids also help neutralize acidity in soils (similar to the function played by agricultural limestone) so as to help maintain the proper soil pH for crop growth.

Source:  Lee W. Jacobs reviewed the agricultural application of biosolids for a recent book on biosolids. Jacobs is associate professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences of Michigan State University.

Finding:  Runoff from pastures receiving a surface application of biosolids exhibited the least overall potential for pollution when compared with pastureland that received applications of dairy and poultry manure or to commercial fertilizer.

Source:  One of the conclusions from a 1984 article in the Journal of Environmental Quality by R.V. McLeod and R.O. Hegg.

Finding:  Research into the application of biosolids to agricultural land for over 20 years indicates that properly applied, high quality biosolids can be safely utilized on crop and forest lands, for reclamation of disturbed lands, and on urban and residential turf grass and ornamental plantings.

Source:  The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) documented long-term experience of biosolids land application programs in a report issued in 1993.

Read more:  http://www.phila.gov/water/BR-Science_.html