Sewage Sludge Application Research Articles

ПРАКТИЧЕСКОЕ ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ ОСАДКА СТОЧНЫХ БЫТОВЫХ ВОД НА ПРИМЕРЕ ВОЗДЕЛЫВАНИЯ САФЛОРА КРАСИЛЬНОГО

Purpose: to study the main indicators of sewage sludge in the town Volzhsky and the possibility of its practical application on farmlands. Materials and methods. The object of research is sewage sludge from waste treatment plants of the town Volzhsky, Volgograd region. The chemical composition of sewage sludge was studied under laboratory conditions. Field experiments were laid in accordance with generally accepted methods. Results and discussions. Experimental studies have determined that high concentration of nitrogen (3.3 %), phosphorus (4.27 %), potassium (0.31 %) was noted in the sewage sludge, the organic matter content was 32.0 %. The water extract analysis data indicate a high concentration of calcium cations (33.25 mmol/100 g of soil) and magnesium (14.25 mmol/100 g of soil), as well as sulfate anions (5.80 mmol/100 g of soil). Heavy metals are present in the sludge, but their amount is much lower than the maximum permissible concentration. When testing sewage sludge in the field, it was found that, a decrease in soil bulk density to 1.10 t/m cub. is achieved in combination with chisel tillage. (dose of sewage sludge is 5 t/ha) and up to 1.07 t/m cub. (dose of sewage sludge is 10 t/ha). The data analysis on the safflower yield shows that the processed sewage sludge application increases the yield of safflower seeds in all years of research. The variant of combined action of sludge at a dose of 10 t/ha and chisel tillage turned out to be preferable, which made it possible to increase the safflower yield to 1.51 t/ha on average over the years of research. Conclusions: under the arid conditions of Volgograd region, it is advisable to use deep chisel tillage in combination with sewage sludge at a dose of 10 t/ha in order to increase the productivity of safflower and reduce the bulk density.

Sewage Sludge Application Stimulated Soil N2o Emissions with a Low Heavy Metal Pollution Risk in Eucalyptus Plantations

Sewage Sludge Application Stimulated Soil N2o Emissions with a Low Heavy Metal Pollution Risk in Eucalyptus Plantations

Uptake, Occurrence, and Effects of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Analgesics in Plants and Edible Crops.

The plant uptake of pharmaceuticals that include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics from contaminated environment has benefits and drawbacks. These pharmaceuticals enter plants mostly through irrigation with contaminated water and application of sewage sludge as soil fertilizer. Aquatic plants withdraw these pharmaceuticals from water through their roots. Numerous studies have observed the translocation of these pharmaceuticals from the roots into the aerial tissues. Furthermore, the occurrence of the metabolites of NSAIDs in plants has been observed. This article provides an in-depth critical review of the plant uptake of NSAIDs and analgesics, their translocation, and toxic effects on plant species. In addition, the occurrence of metabolites of NSAIDs in plants and the application of constructed wetlands using plants for remediation are reviewed. Factors that affect the plant uptake and translocation of these pharmaceuticals are examined. Gaps and future research are provided to guide forthcoming investigations on important aspects that worth explorations.

Risk Assessment of Contaminants in Sewage Sludge Applied on Norwegian Soils

Risk Assessment of Contaminants in Sewage Sludge Applied on Norwegian Soils

Cumulative effect of sewage sludge application on soil adsorption complex and nutrient balance: a field study in semi-arid region (Oued Souhil, Tunisia)

Cumulative effect of sewage sludge application on soil adsorption complex and nutrient balance: a field study in semi-arid region (Oued Souhil, Tunisia)

THE INTENSITY OF THE HEAVY METALS BY TOPINAMBUR IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE OIL-POLLUTED AREAS

This study was aimed to investigate the ability of Jerusalem artichokes (Helianthus tuberous L.) to absorb heavy metals in an oil-contaminated ecosystem. The research was carried out in a territory of the oil and gas pipeline at the village of Bytkiv of Nadvirna district. Jerusalem artichokes were used for this study and planted on an area of 25 m2. The area of the experimental field in the village of Maidan of Tysmenytsia district (control option № 1). A total of eight treatments of the experiment with different rates of sewage sludge. It is established that the concentration of heavy metals in oil-contaminated soil and Jerusalem artichoke plants increases with increasing the amount of fertilizers in the soil. The maximum content of metals in the tested soils, green mass and Jerusalem artichoke roots was observed mainly in the variant of sewage sludge application at the rate of 40 t/ha and fertilizer N10P14K58.The green mass and roots of Jerusalem artichoke exhibited the highest content of heavy metals absorption the transition coefficients of metals in the system "roots - green mass" increase in the following : Pb → Co → Ni → Cd. The coefficients of biological absorption of metals by Jerusalem artichoke increase in a number of elements: Co → Ni → Ld → Ca. Where as The coefficients of biological accumulation of heavy metals with Jerusalem artichoke increase in a number of elements following series : L → Co → Ni → Ca. It is recommended to use Jerusalem artichoke as a phytoremediator of man-made areas.

Microbial Diversity and P Content Changes after the Application of Sewage Sludge and Glyphosate to Soil

Pesticides, despite their side effects, are still being used in almost every agriculture, horticulture, maintaining municipal greenery in urban areas and even in home gardens. They influence human life and health and the functioning of entire ecosystems, including inanimate elements such as water and soil. The aim of the study was the evaluation of the suitability of sewage sludge in improving the quality of soil treated with a non-selective herbicide-glyphosate, applied as Roundup 360 SL. A pot experiment was conducted with the use of two arable soils (MS and OS), which were amended with sewage sludge (SS), glyphosate (GL) and sewage sludge with glyphosate (SS+GL). Soil samples were taken after 24 h, 144 h and 240 h and total phosphorus (TP) content (TP), total number of bacteria/fungi, activity of dehydrogenases (Dha), acidic phosphatase (Acp), alkaline phosphatase (Alp), genetic biodiversity of bacteria/fungi using the terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism method were determined. The application of SS and GL to OS caused an increase in Acp (approximately 35%) and a decrease in Alp activity (approximately 20%). Additionally, GL may influence on an increase in the number of fungi and the decrease in the number of bacteria. In soil with SS+GL increase in the fungal diversity in MS and OS was also observed. Moreover, a positive between TP and the number of bacteria and the activity of phosphatases correlation was reported. The obtained results indicate that analyzed sewage sludge could be potentially applied into soil in in situ scale and could constitute a valuable reclamation material.

Analysis of migration of pathogenic drug-resistant bacteria to soils and groundwater after fertilization with sewage sludge.

The paper discusses the analysis of the effect of using sewage sludge for fertilization on the level of soil and groundwater contamination with drug-resistant bacteria. Other sanitary contaminants in these environments were also analysed. Composted sewage sludge was introduced into the sandy soil over a period of 6 months. The examinations were conducted under conditions of a lysimetric experiment with the possibility of collecting soil leachates (in natural conditions). The following doses of sewage sludge were used: 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 t/ha calculated per experimental object containing 10 kg of sandy soil. The research were carried out within the time frame of one year. Dactylis glomerata grass was grown on the fertilized soils. In soils and leachates from soils (which may have polluted groundwater) collected from fertilized experimental objects, the sanitary condition and quantity of drug-resistant bacteria (mainly from the families Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus) were analysed one year after fertilization. Their drug resistance to selected antibiotics was also analysed based on current recommendations. The study showed that fertilization with sewage sludge (even after stabilization and hygienization) results in contamination of soil and infiltrating waters with many species of drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria. The lowest level of contamination of soil and water environment was found after the application of sewage sludge at a dose of 10 t/ha. The isolated drug-resistant strains of intestinal bacteria were less sensitive to older generations of antibiotics including cefazolin, ampicillin, and co-amoxiclav.

Structural and Predicted Functional Diversities of Bacterial Microbiome in Response to Sewage Sludge Amendment in Coastal Mudflat Soil.

Simple SummaryImproving microbial community and functional diversity is essential for the fertility activation and development of coastal mudflat soils, an important reserve resource for sustainable agricultural development. Although sewage sludge has been proven to be an effective agricultural practice to alleviate saline sodic stress and nutrient deficiency and thereby enable coastal mudflat reclamation, knowledge regarding the structural and functional diversities of bacterial microbiome in response to sewage sludge application remains unclear. In this study, we simultaneously investigated the effects of sewage sludge amendment on physicochemical characteristics, composition, diversity, and predicted function of bacterial community in coastal mudflat soil. Results revealed that both structural and functional diversities of bacterial microbiome were significantly improved due to microhabitat modification (i.e., mitigated saline–alkali and nutrient deficiency conditions) induced by sewage sludge amendment compared to untreated soil. Additionally, bacterial groups involved in cycling processes of carbon and nitrogen were significantly enriched in sewage sludge-amended mudflat soils. The current study enhanced our understanding of mechanisms underlying microbial community and functional diversities promoted by sewage sludge amendments.The study investigated the influence of sewage sludge application at rates of 0 (CK), 30 (ST), 75 (MT), and 150 (HT) t ha−1 to mudflats on bacterial community diversity and predicted functions using amplicon-based sequencing. Soils under sewage sludge treatments, especially the HT treatment, exhibited lower pH, salinity and higher nutrient contents (C, N, and P). Moreover, restructured bacterial communities with significantly higher diversities and distinct core and unique microbiomes were observed in all sewage sludge-amended soils as compared to the control. Specifically, core bacterial families, such as Hyphomicrobiaceae, Cytophagaceae, Pirellulaceae Microbacteriaceae, and Phyllobacteriaceae, were significantly enriched in sewage sludge-amended soils. In addition, sewage sludge amendment significantly improved predicted functional diversities of core microbiomes, with significantly higher accumulative relative abundances of functions related to carbon and nitrogen cycling processes compared to the unamended treatment. Correlation analyses showed that modified soil physicochemical properties were conducive for the improvement of diversities of bacterial communities and predicted functionalities. These outcomes demonstrated that sewage sludge amendment not only alleviated saline–sodic and nutrient deficiency conditions, but also restructured bacterial communities with higher diversities and versatile functions, which may be particularly important for the fertility formation and development of mudflat soils.

Stabilization of metals in sludge-amended soil using red mud and its effects on yield and oil quality of Brassica juncea cultivar Kranti.

Prolonged application of sewage-sludge may cause excessive accumulation of metal(oid)s in soil, leading to phytotoxic effects. Spread of contaminants in soil can probably be hindered by using an effective metal(oid) stabilizer. Pot experiment in open field conditions was conducted for five months to evaluate the metal(oid) (Al, Cu, Zn, Cd and Cr) stabilization potential of red mud (RM) in sludge-amended soil and its effects on growth, yield, oil quality parameters and metal(oid) accumulations in Brassica juncea cultivar Kranti. The test plant was grown at different RM concentrations (0, 5, 10 and 15% w/w) in sludge-amended soil (soil/sludge: 2:1 w/w). As the total and phytoavailable metal(oid) concentrations in sludge were high, its application increased their concentrations in soil compared to the control (no RM and sludge). Increasing RM concentrations in sludge-amended soil effectively stabilized Cd followed by Cr, Cu, Zn and Al, leading to their reduced contents in plants coupled with enhanced growth performance and yield. Maximum plant (root and shoot) biomass (14.9%) and seed yield (40.4%) were found in 10% RM treatment, whereas oil content showed substantial increase with increasing RM treatments in sludge-amended soil. Mustard oil showed low rancidification, high long-chain fatty acids, saturated and polyunsaturated (ω-3 and ω-6) fatty acids within FAO ranges for edible oils under varying RM treatments compared to sludge-amended soil. Furthermore, high oleic and low erucic acid contents in mustard oil indicated a better oil quality under different RM treatments. Metal(oid) contents in seeds under different red mud treatments were within FAO/WHO limits for consumption. Thus, RM applications preferably 5 and 10% (w/w) in sludge-amended soil might be effective in stabilization of metal(oid)s using B. juncea cultivar Kranti coupled with better yield, improved oil quality and metal(oid)s within limits for human consumption.

Application of Sewage Sludge and Its Impact on Soil Characteristics, Including Morphological and Biochemical Properties of Vigna radiata Plant

This experiment was conducted in pots to study the effects of sewage sludge application on some morphological, physiological and accumulation characters of Vigna radiata. The experiment contained the following treatments: control (C) 0 gm sludge/30 kg soil, (T1) 300 gm sludge/30 kg soil, (T2) 600 gm sludge/30 kg soil and (T3) 900 gm sludge/30 kg soil. All sludge treatments showed a significant increase in all morphological, physiological and accumulation characters compared with control. (T2 ) treatment gave a significant increase as compared to other treatments in all morphological characters (height of the plant, leaf area, and total dry weight for shoots and roots). It increased by 34.1 cm, 33.1 cm2, 29.8 gm and 3.3 gm, respectively, compared with the control. T2 treatment also gave significant values in all physiological characters (chlorophyll and protein content) as compared to other treatments and the control treatment, (2.60 μg/gm and 17.7%) respectively compared with the control. T3 treatment showed a higher accumulation of Cd and Pb in all plant parts, the root system showed greater susceptibility to bioaccumulation than the shoot system for both the heavy metals.

Sewage sludge, digestate, and mineral fertilizer application affects the yield and energy balance of Amur silvergrass

Sewage sludge and digestate can be applied as fertilizers to reduce the use of mineral fertilizers and reliance on non-renewable resources in their production. A field experiment was conducted in north-eastern Poland (2016–2018) to evaluate the biomass yield and the energy efficiency ratio (EE) of Amur silvergrass [Miscanthus sacchariflorus (Maxim.) Hack] in production technologies that differed in the form and rate of nitrogen fertilization: (i) unfertilized control; (ii) 100 kg N ha−1 applied as mineral fertilizer; (iii) 100 kg N ha−1 applied as sewage sludge; (iv) 100 kg N ha−1 applied as digestate; (v) 160 kg N ha−1 applied as mineral fertilizer; (vi) 160 kg N ha−1 applied as sewage sludge; (vii) 160 kg N ha−1 applied as digestate. The application of 100 kg N ha−1 increased dry matter yield (DMY) by 15% relative to the control treatment (8.5 vs. 9.7–9.8 Mg ha−1). An increase in the nitrogen rate to 160 kg N ha−1 did not increase biomass yields. The yield-forming effects of digestate and sewage sludge were comparable with those exerted by mineral fertilizers. The energy inputs (EI) in the production technology involving mineral fertilizers ranged from 16.3 (100 kg N ha−1) to 20.9 GJ ha−1 (160 kg N ha−1). Organic wastes decreased EI in the production of Amur silvergrass by 34–40% (sewage sludge) and 41–48% (digestate). Energy output (EO) peaked when M. sacchariflorus was supplied with 100 kg N ha−1, regardless of fertilizer type. Energy gain (EG) was highest (131 GJ ha−1 y−1) when Amur silvergrass was fertilized with digestate at a rate equivalent to 160 kg N ha−1. Nitrogen fertilization decreased the EE of biomass production by 25–32% (sewage sludge and digestate) to 54–65% (mineral fertilizer). The EE was highest in the production technology involving digestate (13.2–14.4), followed by sewage sludge (11.4–13.0), and it was lowest under the influence of mineral fertilizers (6.7–8.8).

Health Risk Assessment, Pore Water Chemistry, and Assessment of Trace Metals Transfer from Two Untreated Sewage Sludge Types to Tomato Crop (Lycopersicon esculentum) at Different Application Levels

The application of untreated sewage sludge to cropland in water-deficient areas is common practice. A study was conducted to investigate the transfer of trace elements from sewage sludge to tomato crop and the potential health risk to humans. Two types of sewage sludge, ISS (I-9 Sector wastewater treatment plant, Islamabad) and WSS (Water and Sanitation Authority wastewater treatment plant, Faisalabad), were applied at 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% w/w and compared with control (without any amendment). The test crop was tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). Results revealed that the ECe of soil was increased by these treatments with respect to all application levels. The levels of Pb (lead) and Zn (Zinc) solubility in soil were increased about 46- and 28-fold by the application of ISS at 1.5% and 16- and 22-fold by the application of WSS at 1.5%, respectively. The highest shoot biomass was recorded with 0.5% level of WSS, while higher rates (1.0% and 1.5%) of both ISS and WSS showed significant (p < 0.001) decline in shoot biomass production, and the lowest SFW was recorded with the addition of ISS at 1.5% application rate (a significant reduction of 44%) compared to control. The pore water analysis and correlation depicted that dissolved organic carbon (DOC) controlled the release of Zn and Pb. The PLI (value < 1) indicated that the overall pollution of trace metals in the investigated samples was absent, but the Igeo and CF showed the contamination potential for Cd, Cu, and Ni was moderate to strong. DIM and HRI analysis suggested that the tomato was safe for human consumption. The HRI values for all trace metals were below the permissible limit (HRI = 1) described by USEPA-IRIS. It was concluded that a lower rate of both sewage sludge types produces more biomass and less accumulation of trace metals in the test crop.

Application of sewage sludge combined with thiourea improves the growth and yield attributes of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes under arsenic-contaminated soil.

Arsenic (As) contamination is a serious threat to agriculture and human health worldwide. It can adversely affect the growth attributes of food crops. On the other hand, using thiourea (TU) to ameliorate As stress is an economically consistent approach. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding the combined use of TU and Sewage sludge (SS). SS is considered important, unutilized biomass. It can be used as a fertilizer that has high organic matter and nutrients. Therefore, the current study was performed to evaluate TU and SS sole and combined responses under As toxicity on two wheat genotypes (Markaz 19 and Ujala 16). There were four treatments control (As 50 mg kg-1), SS (30 g kg−1)+TU (6.5 mM)+As, TU+As and SS+As applied with four replications. Results revealed that SS+TU performed significantly better over SS, TU and control for improvement in root and shoot fresh and dry weight of wheat varieties Markaz 19 and Ujala 16 under As toxicity. A significant decrease in POD, SOD and APX of Markaz 19 and Ujala 16 also validated the effective functioning of SS+TU over control. The maximum increase of 71 and 77% was noted in phosphorus, where SS+TU was applied over control in Markaz 19 and Ujala 16, respectively. In conclusion, SS+TU is a better approach than the sole application of SS and TU under As contamination for improvement in wheat growth attributes. More investigations are recommended at the field level under different As contamination and agro-climatic zones to declare SS+TU an effective amendment to mitigate As toxicity in wheat.

Assessing heavy metal accumulation in plants and soil with sewage sludge application under rice–wheat system in an Indo-Gangetic Inceptisol

Assessing heavy metal accumulation in plants and soil with sewage sludge application under rice–wheat system in an Indo-Gangetic Inceptisol

Efficiency of a new allylagarose-assembled DGT in measuring Cd, Zn, and Pb bioavailability in sludge-treated soil

The purpose of this study was to assess and validate measures of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) bioavailability in a contaminated calcareous soil treated with sewage sludge (0, 10, and 30 g kg −1 ) under peppermint ( Mentha pipertia L.) cultivation using new allylagarose-assembled diffusive gradients in thin-films technique (DGT). To achieve the best gel composition, various diffusive hydrogels were made from different amounts of acrylamide monomer (15, 20, and 25%) and allylagarose cross-linker (0.3, 0.4, and 0.6%). The DGT assembled with 15% acrylamide and 0.3% allylagarose was the best hydrogel based on the obtained swelling rate (3.2) and diffusion coefficients of Cd (5.81 ×10 cm 2 s −1 ), Pb (8.07 cm 2 s −1 ), and Zn (6.13 cm 2 s −1 ). Sewage sludge application increased resupply (R-value) and effective concentration (C E ) of Cd, Pb, and Zn. The highest amounts of C E -Zn (2202 μ g l −1 ), Cd (982.5 μ g l −1 ), and Pb (1847 μ g l −1 ) were observed in soil treated with 30 g kg −1 sewage sludge. Comparison of correlation revealed that 0.3% allylagarose-measured C E -Zn and Pb had a significant logarithmic correlation with the corresponding plant metals concentrations, while C E -Cd was linearly correlated with the plant Cd concentration. These results support the conclusion that the combination of 15% acrylamide and 0.3% allylagarose as a diffusive gel in DGT is a robust gel to predict metal bioavailability and can be reliably used to replace the patented gel cross-linked with agarose. • Increasing percentages of cross-linker led to a reduction in gel pore size. • The high swelling hydrogel facilitated the metals diffusion through the hydrogel. • Increasing sewage sludge level resulted in increasing the re-supply (R) of metals. • 15% acrylamide and 0.3% allylagarose gave the best estimate of bioavailability.

Speciation and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal(loid)s in the Municipal Sewage Sludge of China

To reveal the speciation and pollution status of heavy metal(loid) s (HMs) in the dewatered sewage sludge(SS) of municipal wastewater treatment plants(MWTPs) in China, SS samples were collected from 40 MWTPs located in different regions of China. The total concentrations and geochemical fractions of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the SS samples were analyzed. The ecological risks induced by HMs in the SS were assessed based on the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure(TCLP), risk assessment code(RAC), and potential ecological risk index(RI). The median values of HMs in SS followed the order Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Ni > As > Cd. The general attainment rates of HMs in SS were satisfactory(>90%). As showed a generally even distribution among all the fractions; Cd and Zn mainly existed in the reducible fraction; Cr mainly occurred in the residual fraction, followed by oxidizable and reducible fractions; Cu mainly occurred in the oxidizable fraction; Ni occurred mainly as exchangeable forms; and Pb mainly occurred in the reducible and residual fractions, with its exchangeable form being the lowest fraction. According to the RAC method, the environmental risks induced by HMs in the SS followed the order Ni > As > Zn > Cd > Cu > Cr > Pb. The ecological risk of Ni was high; Zn, As, and Cd had a medium level of risk; Cr and Cu had a low level of risk; and the risk of Pb was negligible. According to the RI method, Cd and Cu showed the highest potential ecological risk, indicating that these are the primary HM pollutants in the SS. However, if the agricultural application of SS is carried out in accordance with the national standards, the overall level of risk from soil HM pollution is considered relatively low.

Agricultural application of microplastic-rich sewage sludge leads to further uncontrolled contamination

Municipal sewage sludge has been shown to be high in microplastics (MP) and is applied to agricultural land as fertiliser in many countries. The authors recently proposed in a viewpoint article that MP applied to land in this way may well contaminate other areas in an uncontrolled way. This study examined experimental plots with known history of application of sewage sludge. Results showed that 44% of the MP load found on sludge-applied land was found on nearby land never directly applied with sludge. Examination of polymer type compositions demonstrated marked similarity between the two fields indicating the sludge-applied field was a source of contamination for surrounding areas. Furthermore, MP was detected at a depth of 60–90 cm in the sludge-applied soil indicating that MP may also penetrate deep enough to reach agricultural drainage systems, although this effect is slight (1.6% of surface load). These results show that application of municipal sewage sludge on agricultural land can lead to further uncontrolled contamination, paving the way for future research to improve understanding of the extents of such effects on real farms to better inform future agricultural policy.

Heavy metal and fertility in a Tropical Oxisol amended with sewage sludge under Eucalyptus plantation

The objectives of our study were to evaluate i) the soil fertility and fractionation of Ba, Cd, Cu, and Zn in the topsoil layer (0-0.20 m depth); and ii) production and concentration and accumulation of Ba, Cd, Cu, and Zn in the components of Eucalyptus trees at 36 months after sewage sludge (SS) application, with or without mineral P fertilizer, compared to mineral fertilization. Application of SS (at N criteria) with P increased soil organic matter and heavy metal concentrations, which were mostly bound to the oxidic and organic matter fractions. SS provided Eucalyptus production and heavy metal concentrations and accumulation in the trunk, branches, and leaves similar to mineral fertilization for high wood production. The application of SS (at N criteria) supplied with P increased soil heavy metal, fertility, and Eucalyptus production, without risk of environmental contamination.

Potential environmental risk assessment of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate emissions from a municipal solid waste landfill leachate.

BackgroundIn certain countries, including Poland, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) waste, together with di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) contained within (up to 60%), is mostly directed to municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills. From there, over time, it is released from the polymer matrix and can migrate with landfill leachate into the environment. The amount of DEHP placed on the Polish market since the start of industrial production and the prevalent landfilling disposal of PVC waste in Poland, indicate that DEHP pollution can increase risk factors in the future. The objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of DEHP in leachates from a chosen MSW landfill directed to a local sewage treatment plant (STP) and estimate the associated potential risks to the environment.ResultsDEHP concentrations in leachates ranged from < LOQ to 394.4 µg/L, depending on the sampling year and season. DEHP is a pervasive environmental contaminant present in all investigated landfill leachate samples. The results from The European Union System for the Evaluation of Substances (EUSES) modelling related to DEHP in leachate directed to STP indicated potentially unacceptable risk to freshwater organisms; and birds and mammals feeding on earthworms (where a sewage sludge applications in agriculture take place). The results indicated low risk for other environmental components including local fresh-water sediment, local soil and microorganisms of STP, and freshwater fish-eating birds and mammals.ConclusionsFuture DEHP emissions may occur after the technical lifetime of the landfill and/or decay its bottom sealing. To avoid contamination, the monitoring of landfills after closure should include DEHP concentrations and last longer than the recommended (inter alia in Poland) 30 years, or until emissions from PVC to leachate are eliminated. More research on leachate of DEHP and its potential risks should be conducted, utilising detailed modelling which can including other landfills and different routes of DEHP emissions in leachates.