The health impacts of biosolids use on land

摘要

Opinion about the safety of using biosolids in land application is polarised, particularly on land used for growing food or grazing stock. Those who are involved in finding appropriate disposal or reuse mechanisms for biosolids and many users tend to consider biosolids a very safe and effective alternative to inorganic fertilisers and a great benefit in land rehabilitation. Proponents point to the greater safety and sustainability of biosolids use compared to inorganic fertilisers and the merits of recycling. On the other hand, there is a group of consumers, neighbours and some primary producers who believe the safety of biosolids use is uncertain at best, and more likely a grave concern. This article presents a review of evidence, scientific and anecdotal, regarding the potential health impacts of biosolids use, primarily for land application and assumes that biosolids will be used in accordance with relevant local regulations.