Will the metals and pollutants in biosolids enter the food chain?
Protecting human and stock health is a cornerstone of the various Biosolids Guidelines in place in Australia and New Zealand. These Guidelines are usually endorsed by relevant Departments of Health or related regulatory authorities. The Guidelines ensure there is no harmful build-up of metals or pollutants in the soil or in crops. Many of the trace metals in biosolids are also present in conventional fertilisers and manure. These substances are non-toxic at the low concentrations and low rates at which they are applied. A summary of the specific Guidelines for biosolids management in Australia and New Zealand can be found here.
