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Risk characterisation and management of sewage sludge on agricultural land‐implications for the environment and the food‐chain
Author(s) -
ROSS AD,
LAWRIE RA,
KENEALLY JP,
WHATMUFF MS
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
australian veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.382
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1751-0813
pISSN - 0005-0423
DOI - 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1992.tb07514.x
Subject(s) - agriculture , sewage sludge , food chain , sewage , environmental science , agricultural land , environmental protection , pollution , business , environmental planning , waste management , environmental engineering , engineering , ecology , biology
SUMMARY The disposal of sewage wastes may cause severe environmental problems as was graphically demonstrated with pollution on Sydney's ocean beaches in recent years. Sewage sludges contain valuable plant nutrients and organic matter which can improve the fertility and structure of the soil. However, human parasites, pathogenic micro‐organisms and chemicals capable of causing soil contamination, phytotoxicity and residues in animal products may also be present. Although sewage sludge is frequently spread on agricultural land overseas, it is not common in Australia and most states do not have specific regulations to minimise risk and promote good practice. A sludge‐to‐land program began in the Sydney region in 1990. It follows guidelines written by NSW Agriculture to encourage beneficial agricultural use of sludge by adoption of environmentally sustainable practices. This article describes the major risks to the food‐chain and the environment, which may be associated with applying sewage sludge to agricultural land. It summarises how the risks are managed, and where further research data are required.