So what is a biosolid? Biosolids are a form of sludge that has been taken from our sewage and our wastewater systems. Most people would think that is gross, but the sludge is treated so that the soil like residue is free of all bacteria and is nothing but organic matter. About 60% of biosolids are used as sustainable agriculture fertilizer.
So what is sustainable agriculture fertilizer (SAF)? SAF is a humane and socially correct method of farming. Basically its agriculture that has been taken from the Earth and is being put back into it, therefore nothing new is being used. The cycle can be done over and over again.
With all this having been said. I think some obvious pros have been pointed out. With the use of biosolids we are saving up a lot of land space that would otherwise be used to hold the biosolids. Another practical use is that it offers people the opportunity to recycle without exerting much effort. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) highly supports the recycling of biosolids and ensures that it is safe. Biosolids is also good to help maintain forest and landscapes. Another important pro is that it cost much less to use biosolids than to produce the next alternative, which is usually landfilling. Biosolids also reduces soil erosion, (which is when soil is washed away by water) which is a significant cause of water pollution.
But even with all of these pros there also some cons that come with biosolids. If a biosolid is not treated properly it may cause many problems. Probably the most important one to discuss is the health hazard that biosolids may cause. Many people are concerned that the use of recycled soil can be dangerous for them. But the EPA and health services have conducted studies and have stated that there is extremely little harm and that it is not even worth caring about. Another important con is that toxic chemicals may concentrate into biosolids and can be harmful to crops and other plants. There may even be an odor caused by the breaking down of organic matter.
The stakeholders of this issue are the companies that produce biosolids, one example of a company in this industry is the Merell Brothers. However many people have been influenced by the western view of human waste because a lot of people are trying to avoid any type of germs and will not feel completely comfortable accepting soil that was once going down you're drain. But an argument that could be made with that is the use of animal manure as fertilizer which is practiced in many places across the world but has never raised very much concerns. I stand by the use of biosolids because with world pollution becoming such a growing issue it's refreshing to hear that we are finding new ways to use our waste. Again I ask, why waste our waste?
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Great post JP. I like how you used official environment groups in your post to back up your information. I was also surprised when i heard about our human waste being used for sustainable agriculture fertilizer. I agree with you with how we should use our waste at least our waste isn't just staying in a landfill, where more waste gets accumulated. Its great they found a way to use our waste for something that could help out the earth.
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