Do biosolids affect the quality of food crops?
Biosolids can be safely used to grow food crops. This issue has been studied by agricultural scientists for decades. In addition to environmental protection, the safety of food crops was a major consideration in setting the standards for biosolids that could be used in agriculture. Research and field experience confirms that crops are not negatively affected when the regulations are followed. King County applies biosolids to wheat, hops, and other crops in eastern Washington. Scientists from WSU have repeatedly tested the crops fertilized with biosolids and found no differences in quality from those treated with chemical fertilizers.
