Abstract
The occurrence and distribution of synthetic organic substances following application of dried and granulated (hygienized) municipal sewage sludge in Swedish boreal coniferous forests were investigated. Elevated concentrations of triclosan (TCS), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were detected in the humus layer. Concentrations of ethinyl estradiol (EE2), norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin (FQs), and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were not significantly influenced. Maximum concentrations in humus were as follows (in ng/g dry matter): TCS; 778; PBDEs; 25; and PCB7; 16.7. Fertilization did not alter the levels of the substances in mineral soil, ground water, and various types of samples related to air. Further research within this area is needed, including ecotoxicological effects and fate, in order to improve the knowledge regarding the use of sludge as a fertilizing agent. Continuous annual monitoring, with respect to sampling and analysis, should be conducted on the already-fertilized fields.
Highlights
According to the Swedish government in 2006, the growth of the Swedish forest should increase20% the following ten years, by means of fertilization, in order to replace the use of fossil fuels [1].A similar conclusion was made during the evaluation of the Forest Bill 2007 [2]
The levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) (PBDE #209 not included in the PBDE tot of granulated sludge), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were similar to those reported from the US
PAH-L, elevated in sites fertilized with dried and granulated sludge and the most significant increase were seen in TCS and PBDEs concentrations
Summary
According to the Swedish government in 2006, the growth of the Swedish forest should increase20% the following ten years, by means of fertilization, in order to replace the use of fossil fuels [1].A similar conclusion was made during the evaluation of the Forest Bill 2007 [2]. According to the Swedish government in 2006, the growth of the Swedish forest should increase. 20% the following ten years, by means of fertilization, in order to replace the use of fossil fuels [1]. The usage of such fertilizers in forest land should increase. The most essential nutrient for growth is nitrogen, and forest fertilization with nitrogen based fertilizers has been done over a long period [3]. The losses in growth due to nitrogen deficiency may follow thinning [4]. Wood ash is recommended in order to compensate for the nutrient output following collection of tops and branches [5]. The ash lacks nitrogen and may cause growth reductions in less fertile soils [6]
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