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
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