Many may not like the fact that our biosolids are being treated and re-used for different causes, but there so many positive points about it. With this there are also cons that come about when using our human waste as sustainable agricultural fertilizer. I will first start off with all of the pros, as there are an numerous number of advantages when using the biosolids for fertilizer. Well, According to the EPA (Environmental Protective Agency) "Biosolids are the treated residuals from wastewater treatment that can be used beneficially." The many benefits offered by the use of recycled wastes as fertilizers include lower disposal costs to waste treatment centres, the use of nutrients which otherwise would be wasted, a reduced use of chemical fertilizers and contributing to sustainable farming practices, land reclamation, forest fertilization and erosion control. Biosolids as fertilizer is actually a great invention! It's better to reuse these wastes than putting it to no use. It's said that, crop yields were significantly increased for all four subsequent years after the biosolids study in 1993. Results showed the biosolids treatment influenced grain moisture at harvest and helped the crops out greatly. Biosolids really make a great use in many ways! Either beneficial in lower disposal costs, the use of nutrients or reduced use of chemical fertilizers, human wastes can really be an effective method in re-using for fertilizer.
Although there are so many positive solutions with using our biosolids as fertilizer there are also cons in using this method. The negative points could be the contamination resulting from an accumulation of industrial waste, proposed health hazard, or the foul smells the wastes can send out. Even though biosolids may be high in nutrients, it can contain a multitude of metals, organic pollutants, and pathogens, which are harmful to us and the environment. A main concern on the issue of biosolids as fertilizers is that metals such as cadmium, zinc, and copper could build up to levels high enough to damage agricultural soils, causing long-term metal build-up. In Burlington City, N.C., residents have attributed their illnesses to farmers' use of biosolids. Not everybody loves this idea of biosolids even if it has a positive end to it. Legislators in Colbert County for instance are trying to amend the state constitution to stop the biosolids use. The powerful smell of the biosolids can offend many people as the biosolids may have a slightly musty ammonia order of scent.
It was great that you pointed out the obvious fact that many people think biosolids are gross and should just be thrown away because it's human waste. A good pro that you talked about in your blog was that biosolids are a great use for fertilizer! Isn't it great that you can save money without buying fertilizer from the store? I agree that the smell is horrendous, but i mean if it's good for the earth, we should just suck it up right? Really good blog post, and cute pictures :) Good job kait!!!
ReplyDeleteHey Kaitlin, i think it was really effective when you gave solid facts from the EPA (Environmental Protective Agency)and from that resident in New York. As well, the legislator which you referenced made me to believe that he was wrong due to the conclusion of your article. I completely agree with you when you say we should continue the use of biosolids. Other than that i liked the pictures and the content. Peace out KAITLIN.
ReplyDeleteI think that you did a really great job on getting the point across that a majority of society think that biosolids are disgusting and should not be used because it is our own feces. You also showed alot of information in talking about how they are very useful for fertilizer. Even though it is gross, and has a bad smell, it is still able to give many advantages for our earth. Good job on your blog!
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