The use of biosolids from wastewater treatment plants in agriculture

Abstract

The global population explosion and the accompanying industrialisation have resulted, on the one hand in an increase in wastewater volumes and an almost innumerable list of constituents, and conversely, in an increasing shortage of water resources and basic food supplies, at least in some regions of the world. Current technologies enable almost all constituents to be eliminated from wastewater assuming the necessary financial resources are available, but appreciable quantities of sludge are produced. However, this handicap can be turned to advantage: sludge, when transformed into biosolids, is an ideal soil conditioner and fertilizer in agriculture. Thus the supposed threat of increasing waste can be transformed into a bonanza ‐ if operationally efficient logistics, administration and cost management systems are in place. Outlines current wastewater treatment practice in Germany, including the applicable directives and guidelines.