The 1993 regulation (Part 503 Rule) governing the land application of biosolids was established to protect public health and the environment from reasonably anticipated adverse effects. Included in the regulation are chemical pollutant limits, operational standards designed to reduce pathogens and the attraction of disease vectors, and management practices. This report from the Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology evaluates the technical methods and approaches used by EPA to establish those standards and practices, focusing specifically on human health protection. The report examines improvements in risk-assessment practices and advances in the scientific database since promulgation of the regulation, and makes recommendations for addressing public health concerns, uncertainties, and data gaps about the technical basis of the biosolids standards.

The 1993 regulation (Part 503 Rule) governing the land application of biosolids was established to protect public health and the environment from reasonably anticipated adverse effects. Included in the regulation are chemical pollutant limits, operational standards designed to reduce pathogens and the attraction of disease vectors, and management practices. This report from the Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology evaluates the technical methods and approaches used by EPA to establish those standards and practices, focusing specifically on human health protection. The report examines improvements in risk-assessment practices and advances in the scientific database since promulgation of the regulation, and makes recommendations for addressing public health concerns, uncertainties, and data gaps about the technical basis of the biosolids standards.

Over 50% of the 6,900 million dry tons of sewage sludge generated each year in the United States is land applied. The principal controversies surrounding land application involve heavy metals and pathogens. This book provides a comprehensive review of various aspects of land application, with an extensive discussion on the main issues of heavy metals and pathogens. Consideration is given to crop removal of metals, soil erosion, and leaching, as well as to approaches and regulations in Europe and Canada. The result is an authoritative, science-based, and unbiased perspective on the potential risk of land application to human health and the environment.

Biosolids (appropriately treated sewage sludge) can make an important contribution to sustainable environmental management, through the return of organic material, trace elements, moisture and nutrients to our soils. The Guidelines for Environmental Management: Biosolids Land Application enables this beneficial use of biosolids, by providing a management framework that ensures any chemical and microbiological risks are appropriately managed.

This book covers the advantages, limitations and operational standards for common land application of biosolids practices, including uses on agricultural lands, forest lands, reclamation sites, and public and private use sites. It is useful to people in all aspects of the wastewater industry.

The aim of Biosolids Treatment Processes, is to cover entire environmental fields. These include air and noise pollution control, solid waste processing and resource recovery, physicochemical treatment processes, biological treatment processes, biosolids management, water resources, natural control processes, radioactive waste disposal and thermal pollution control. It also aims to employ a multimedia approach to environmental pollution control.