How safe are biosolids?
Biosolids have been used for centuries, with no demonstrated adverse effects on human health. One of the most important considerations in the production of biosolids is treatment for the reduction of pathogens. These pathogen treatment processes include digestion, drying or temperature elevation such as the addition of lime or composting. Further when biosolids are applied to the land, conditions in the soil quickly kill any remaining pathogenic organisms. In Western Australia biosolids are typically applied to agricultural land for the production of broadacre crops such as canola, wheat, and oats. These crops are in turn processed after harvest, which further reduce potential health risk.
