Biosolids: Advantages v.s. Disadvantages!

Left: a picture of biosolid being poured onto a hand

Biosolids are the organic waste that has been treated under large tanks known as “digesters”. The purposes of the digesters are reduce odours and to break down the bacteria living in biosolids. The term biosolids may sound disgusting because it is formed from organic waste, but did you know that they play a huge role in our society? That’s right, biosolids act as fertilizers in our farms to stimulate the growth of crops.

Above: Biosolid being distrubted onto the grounds

Before biosolids were introduced to us, our environment suffered from the increasing mountains of organic waste dumped into waste lands and contamination to the rivers. Now that biosolids are used as fertilizers, it has help reduce the piling of organic waste and clear pollutio such as contamination in the water and atmosphere. Not only do they improve the land, they are also seen as excellent sources of fertilizers for many reasons:

• Nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, copper, and other nutrients are present in biosolid, which are important components into aiding the growth of crops
• Humus is found in biosolid and can be used to store water and nutrients
• Phosphorus is an essential nutrient because it is found in every living plant cell and is used to transform energy in the plant cells into proteins, lipids, and metabolic efficiency (Ogg 1).
• Nitrogen is stored in the molecules of the organic waste and is released when growing season is nearing to stimulate the growth of crops
• Studies show that by using biosolids, trees lacking nutrients will become healthy again and result in longer needles and buds as well as become greener in colour (Wickman 1).

Although the use of biosolids may seem like an advantage to the society, there are also many down sides regarding this product:

• Over a period of time, the so-called 'nutrients' will build up and damage the soil
• If biosolid is consumed, there will be a slight chance that the person may become ill
• Excess proportions of copper, lead, zinc, and mercury may be dangerous to the environment
• The odour coming from the organic waste may be disturbing to many people
• Pathogens may be present in biosolid and cause diseases

In conclusion, I would consider that the advantages of biosolids outweigh the disadvantages at this point. My reasoning to it is because biosolid does not seem to be threatening our society, but saving it from the massive pile of organic waste. Imagine if the idea of biowaste has not come to mind, the world would be filled with organic waste and cause pollute to the atmosphere and water. Overall, I would think that as long as biowaste is not causing any outstanding harm towards the society, then this method should be given a chance.

Sources:

http://www.mindfully.org/Pesticide/Sewage-Sludge-Pros-Cons.htm

http://lancaster.unl.edu/enviro/biosolids/whatare1.shtml

http://www.viu.ca/forestry/biosolids/index.asp

http://www.ecolawinfo.org/WaterFAQ-BiosolidsSeptage.aspx#biosol03

http://lancaster.unl.edu/enviro/biosolids/fertil.shtml

Picture References:

http://www.nefcobiosolids.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/understand_biosolid_img.jpg

http://www.surfcityvoice.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/es103903d_img-300x188.jpg

Blogs I have commented on:

http://patrick-bioblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/sewage-renewage.html?showComment=1307626463823#c4861090496131292699

http://kicksurface.blogspot.com/2011/06/stool-to-cool.html?showComment=1307627279954#c4560091346284487842

Sustainable vs Industrial

Remember when we were little, our teachers would read us books about animals on the farm mooing and quacking in a warm and grassy field. But as we grow up, we’ve learn that the world cannot be based on our little story books. We are now old enough to face the reality and put aside our fantasy from our childhood. Nowadays, farms are divided into two categories; the sustainable agriculture and industrial agriculture.

Cows on a sustainable farm

Sustainable agriculture can be defined as the practice of farming in an eco-friendly manner such as using natural resources to raise their crops and animals. The crops and animals are respected under one harmonious system which includes the treatment of crop rotation, covering crops, soil and nutrient management. By using the eco-friendly methods, plants and animals will be raised in a healthy behaviour and provide a better diet for us to enjoy. Although the food is produced in a more eco-logically friendly routine, the current state of our society does not allow that to take place.

Cows on an industrial farm

With the population increasing daily, the demand for food is crucial to feed our world and that is where the second method comes into play. Industrial agriculture can be described as modern farming that uses unsanitary methods to produce crops and raise animals. The reason why this method is being practiced by many farmers is because it is cost efficient and the time it takes to produce a large amount of products for our society to enjoy.

Sustainable Agriculture

• Crops contain more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant which can help fight against cancer
• Foods are produced without the use of pesticides and other chemicals
• Animals are raised without the use of antibiotics which cannot be poisonous which prevents the growth of resistance for plants and animals.
• Animals are not given hormones which provides a steady and healthy growth
• Animals are treated with respect and are able to wander around in the fields
• Conserves water resources and keep them from being contaminated by harmful chemicals.

Industrial Agriculture

• Crops contain more artificial vitamins and minerals as well as preservatives
• Foods are produced with the use of pesticides and that increases the risk of cancer
• Animals are raised with the use of antibiotics which can be costly and be less effective for us when treated with a sickness
• Animals are given hormones which speed up their growth and increase the risk of cancer
• Animals are placed in a crowded area with limited sunlight and fresh air
• Contaminates their water with harmful chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers, and manure

Based upon the comparison mentioned above, I am in favour of sustainable agriculture. Sustainable agriculture provides a healthy and clean environment for both the animals and humans to coexist. Although the industrial agriculture may benefit a bigger part of the world by providing it with more food, it does so at the cost of our environment, which our future generations will grow up in. By using the sustainable agriculture, we are protecting our environment and making it a better place for us to live in.

Sources:

http://www.sustainabletable.org/intro/comparison/
http://www.indigodev.com/Susagr.html
http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetchArticle.action?articleURI=info:doi/10.1289/ehp.02110445
http://www.small-farm-permaculture-and-sustainable-living.com/advantages_and_disadvantages_organic_farming.html
http://www.portaec.net/library/food/costs_and_benefits_of_industrial.html

Picture References:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Oo77oYy-sH4/TRJ_yqF1ReI/AAAAAAAAABg/BlxuHgM6qjc/s1600/cow_pasture+5.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Confined-animal-feeding-operation.jpg/250px-Confined-animal-feeding-operation.jpg

Blogs I've Commented On:

http://hellomynameissarahbrown.blogspot.com/2011/02/closer-look-at-farming.html
http://kicksurface.blogspot.com/2011/03/devils-playground.html?showComment=1300831317562#c2746698472581557446