Biosolids and sludge management

Krogmann, Uta; Qu, Mingli; Boyles, Lisa S.; Martel, C. James

doi:10.2175/106143098x134262

Cited by 11 publications

(6 citation statements)

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“…To date, these contaminants have not been assessed by US EPA in regard to land application of sludges. Further research on their effects on humans and animals is needed (Krogmann et al, 1997). Switzerland has banned the use of nonylphenol, and a number of other countries have set standards for these constituents, as well as for total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins and for some measurement of total chlorinated organics.…”

Section: Synthetic Organic Chemicalsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Land application of sewage sludges: an appraisal of the US regulations

Harrison

McBride²,

Bouldin³

1999

IJEP

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Current US federal regulations governing the land application of sewage sludges do not appear adequately protective of human health, agricultural productivity or ecological health. US standards are far less protective than those of many European countries and Canadian provinces. This is due to both policy choices such as a 'do no harm' philosophy applied in some northern European countries and also to many gaps and non-conservative assumptions in the risk assessment performed by US Environmental Protection Agency. The potential for widespread use of sludges on agricultural and residential land, the persistence of many of the pollutants, which may remain in soils for a very long time, and the difficulty of remediation support a cautious approach. Soil, water and crop characteristics in New York State and other areas of the northeastern US raise particular concerns. The authors do not suggest a prohibition of land application but, rather, significantly more restrictive use. Limiting cumulative additions of pollutants to prevent soils from exceeding recommended maximum contaminant levels can be achieved by application of clean sludges or by application of lesser amounts of less high quality sludges. Further investigation is needed to assess risks to ground and surface water and to establish standards for additional contaminants.

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Section: Synthetic Organic Chemicalsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Land application of sewage sludges: an appraisal of the US regulations

Harrison

McBride²,

Bouldin³

1999

IJEP

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“…Depending on its physicochemical and microbiological properties, the accumulated waste may be further processed and used for composting, production of soil-covering paper, insulating and fire-resistant materials, barrier layers, conversion to fuel components and carriers of artificial fertilizers. Waste solids of more inorganic character may be efficiently utilized in the production of building materials such as brick and cement (Charlie 1977, Hudson & Lowe 1996, Jokela et al 1997, Krogman 1998, Liaw et al 1998.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chemical properties and biodegradability of waste paper mill sludges to be used for landfill covering

Zule¹,

Cernec²,

Likon³

2007

Waste Manag Res

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Waste paper mill sludges originating from different effluent treatment and de-inking installations are complex mixtures of inorganic and organic particles. Due to their favourable physico-chemical, and microbiological characteristics, they may be conveniently reused for different purposes as such or after appropriate pretreatment. Sludges from the Slovenian paper industry were extensively tested for their chemical, stability and sealing properties. During the biodegradability tests, evolutions of greenhouse gases CO2, CH4 and H2S as well as the concentrations of released volatile organic acids, such as acetic, propionic, butyric, lactic and glycollic acids as the typical degradation products of organic materials, were measured. Some other important parameters of water leachates such as pH, redox potential, content of starch and leachable ions were also evaluated. The results indicate that most of them can be efficiently applied as alternative hydraulic barrier layers for landfill construction and covering instead of the more expensive clay due to their good geomechanical properties, chemical inertness and microbiological stability. Such replacement brings about considerable economical and ecological benefits as the waste is reprocessed as secondary raw material.

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“…However, the social side of sludge management and the debate per se have not been researched in detail. In a review article on sludge management, Krogmann et al (1997) noted that despite a diverse and growing literature on public perception and acceptance of risks associated with waste management decisions, surprisingly few studies examined perception and acceptance of risk relative to land application of biosolids (sludge that fulfils specific quality standards). Krogmann et al found that studies on this subject were mostly isolated case studies with few general conclusions.…”

Section: Previous Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Actors and interpretations in an environmental controversy: the Swedish debate on sewage sludge use in agriculture

Bengtsson

Tillman

2004

Resources, Conservation and Recycling

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This study examines the Swedish debate on the sustainability of using sewage sludge as fertiliser in agriculture. Although the use of sludge as fertiliser presents potential resource and environmental advantages, it can have negative effects on people and soil productivity. Both proponents and opponents of agricultural application of sludge use environmental arguments to support their positions. By 1990, the Swedish parliament stressed the importance of recycling nutrients from wastewater; however, despite low levels of contamination, compared to other countries, little sludge is used in agriculture today.During the last few decades, a large amount of research has addressed the risks and benefits of using sludge as fertiliser, but the central actors have not been able to reach lasting agreements. This study, which is based on document analysis, direct observations, and interviews, analyses the beliefs, preferences, and arguments of major actors in the national debate on sludge. The study investigates how actors define problems and interpret the risks and benefits of sludge use. Specifically, the study concentrates on the role of science in the sludge controversy. Two distinct ways of thinking-a precautionary frame and a proof-first frame-are identified. These frames are shown almost immune to factual claims and arguments from opponents. It is concluded that actors in the controversy need to address explicitly value judgements and beliefs that go beyond scientific information. In addition, the study concludes that there is a need for policy makers to further develop process leadership skills.

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Biosolids and sludge management

Cited by 11 publications

References 0 publications

Land application of sewage sludges: an appraisal of the US regulations

Land application of sewage sludges: an appraisal of the US regulations

Chemical properties and biodegradability of waste paper mill sludges to be used for landfill covering

Actors and interpretations in an environmental controversy: the Swedish debate on sewage sludge use in agriculture

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