Potential Health Effects from Persistent Organics in Wastewater and Sludges Used for Land Application

摘要

The potential health problems associated with the presence of persistent organic chemicals in wastewater and sludge, when applied to agricultural lands, are reviewed. The type and amounts of organic chemicals present in wastewater and sludge, their fate on land, and available control measures are discussed. The potential health effects of organic chemicals on workers/populations who come in contact with them during wastewater treatment, transportation, and/or application are considered. The review concludes that there is not sufficient information at present to assess the full extent of long-term health risks of exposure to organics in the wastewater treatment plants or at land application sites. Recommendations are made concerning guidelines and further research. Further research is recommended on the uptake of organic chemicals by food crops. Long-term follow-up is also recommended for populations who have had acute short-term exposure to organic chemicals from waste materials.