Is the rumor true, that biosolids are being used as agriculture fertilizer? Well first things first, what are biosolids? Essentially it refers to human waste, or treated sludge and is a term used by the waste water industry to denote the byproducts of domestic and commercial sewage and wastewater treatment. They contain nitrogen, phosphorus and organic matter as well as essential micro-nutrients such as copper, iron, molybdenum and zinc, which are all important for plant growth and soil fertility. In other parts of the world it is used as sustainable agriculture fertilizer. There are various pros and cons to this particular usage, for example:
Pros of Biosolids as Agriculture FertilizerCons of Biosolids as Agriculture Fertilizer -creates jobs-potential health hazard -it is a cost effect method of disposal-effects irreversible -recycles versus filling landfills-contamination resulting from accumulation of industrial waste -promotes farming-its true composition is unknown -reduces emissions from transportation to landfills-may contain hazardous chemicals -good free fertilizer-possibly transferable to crops -It’s regulated according to EPA law 503-decreases property value -- reduces the need for commercial fertilizers-not sufficiently regulated --improves soil fertility-odor -enhances soil structure, moisture retention and soil permeability
-adds organic material that helps to maintain good soil and reduce the potential for soil erosion and runoff
Pros of Biosolids as Agriculture FertilizerCons of Biosolids as Agriculture Fertilizer -creates jobs-potential health hazard -it is a cost effect method of disposal-effects irreversible -recycles versus filling landfills-contamination resulting from accumulation of industrial waste -promotes farming-its true composition is unknown -reduces emissions from transportation to landfills-may contain hazardous chemicals -good free fertilizer-possibly transferable to crops -It’s regulated according to EPA law 503-decreases property value -- reduces the need for commercial fertilizers-not sufficiently regulated --improves soil fertility-odor -enhances soil structure, moisture retention and soil permeability
-adds organic material that helps to maintain good soil and reduce the potential for soil erosion and runoff
After completing some research I discovered that biosolids can be disposed of or dealt with in numerous ways. For example, incineration can be used which is the burning of biosolids. Biosolids can be disposed in landfills where they are buried and mixed in and layered with municipal soil waste. They can be disposed of in the ocean, and as stated above they can be used to fertilize agricultural crops and forests. As previously stated the elements essential for plant growth are all found in biosolids, including nutrients such as nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, boron, manganese, zinc, and copper. This organic material benefits the soil in many ways. Most importantly, it improves water infiltration and helps hold water and nutrients for use by the plants, therefore reducing runoff and erosion.
Judging from the evidence provided, in my opinion it is clearly evident what the correct path to take is. Using biosolids as agriculture fertilizers is the more beneficial choice. I say this because if we take into consideration the current state of our planet and how it is experiencing the affects of global warming and undergoing many negative environmental changes, we as human beings, must do everything we can to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Unfortunately, due to the standards of western society, taking this step may prove to be difficult. Because of our affluence and advanced technology we may find other methods more efficient, and we will choose not to take the environmental direction, due to its few disadvantages, such as odor or unsanitary factors. However, we as a society need to make a change. We need to use biosolids as agriculture fertilizer so we can recycle and go green, providing a positive example for all nations around the world, saving and caretaking for our planet, one step at a time! 
Sources- Biosolids: Fertilizer or Pollution? Lynchburg College Principles of Science 102Ahttp://www.sencer.net/Outreach/pdfs/DCSymposium08/Posters/LUbiosolids.pdf- Exeter Supervisors Hear Options for Biosolidshttp://www.berksmontnews.com/articles/2011/02/10/southern_berks_news/news/doc4d53fdc80963b266606119.txt- Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs. Sewage Biosolids: A Valuable Nutrient Sourcehttp://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/nm/nasm/sewbiobroch.htm- Pollution Issues: Biosolidshttp://www.pollutionissues.com/A-Bo/Biosolids.html- The Beauty of Biosolidshttp://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/realfiles/docs/1997/105-1/focus1-abs.html
Blogs I Commented On- http://claudia-d-123.blogspot.com/2010/12/biosolids-as-agricultural-fertilizer.html?showComment=1305596714911#c9026490922646050489\-
Blogs I Commented On- http://claudia-d-123.blogspot.com/2010/12/biosolids-as-agricultural-fertilizer.html?showComment=1305596714911#c9026490922646050489\-
http://natashasbioblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/give-poop-i-mean-bio-solids-chance.html?showComment=1308152637088#c4001226160995256517
