The use of biosolids

There are many persepctives on this situation, and the U.S environmental protection agency (EPA), the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies all believe that biosolids are a good thing.  Some say the use of biosolids help improve, replenish and mantain healthy soil, and some say when using biosolids, the product is usually filled with a low amount of nutrient.  In my opinion, I believe bio solids are a convention way for growing.  All my life, I have been appalled by the fact we have been using manure for growing crops.  Until a few years, I have learned that growing in manure was a good thing.  So this argument between bio solids being a good thing or a bad thing is making me think because im left with a question: if using manure is a good thing, why isnt using bio solids?  Isn't bio solids kind of the same thing?  Other than the fact what is bring flushed down, or going through the sink is dirty, Im pretty sure the components are being filtered by something, or at least being cleaned in some way. On another note, I have read that bio solids also have a big downside.  Many people have been intoxicated by the use of biosolids, but no one knows for sure if those are cases of the bio solids or just mere coincidences.   Because of the minimum research on bio solids, researches dont know if the symptoms of rashes, allergies or others are actually caused because of bio solids, and once again, mere coincidences.

Biosolids have been used for many years, and apart from that, I have only heard of good things happening.  I have learned that bio solids land application and composting can reduce soil erosion and improve the water quality.  Adding biosolids to the soil can also supply organic nautrients that are released slowly to growing plants.  Aside from reducing erosion, and protecting or enhancing water quality, the bio solids are also able to provide topsoil for recreational uses, as well as reclamining or rejuvenating land.  As an oraganic fertilizer, biosolids meet EPA'S requirments, also providing nutrient rich materials for uses on golf courses, sport fields, public parks, and other recreational areas.  For many coal strip mines, gravel pits, quarries, construction sites, and landfills, biosolids become a very good topsoil.  Using bio solids on these areas replaces lost topsoil and improves soil fertility and stability, while decreasing erosion.  The view of human waste as an unsanitary and disgusting is influencing to those who are concerned of where their food comes.  I dont believe many people are influenced by the western view, considering we are still using biosoilds, but there are occasions where people are very much influenced.

The use of biosolids have been around for a very long time, and because of the small amount of research on this topic, there are not many perspectives.  All we know is that bio solids have been very beneficial, and we should ask ourselves, if what were using is working, why stop? The bio solids could be the future of farming, and could be the future of soil quality.  Why end something that only helps us?  The thought of bio solids can be very disturbing, considering is what we once threw down the toilet, but this quick and efficient way could be the pathway to a more  efficient and sustainable future.  


SOURCES
http://www.biosolids.com/benefits.html
http://www.epa.gov/region8/water/biosolids/
http://www.mindfully.org/Pesticide/Sewage-Sludge-Pros-Cons.htm

COMMENTS
Mae

Kendra