Biosolids, Nutrients, and the PFAS Complication
Treating wastewater produces nutrient-rich solids long spread on farmland. PFAS contamination is now forcing a rethink of that practice.
Wastewater treatment doesn't just clean water — it concentrates the solids removed from it. These 'biosolids' are rich in nutrients and have long been treated and applied to farmland as fertilizer, closing a nutrient loop.
The discovery of PFAS 'forever chemicals' accumulating in some biosolids has upended the practice. Maine banned land application after contaminated fields tainted crops and livestock, and other states are scrutinizing their programs.
The challenge connects wastewater, agriculture, and reuse: managing biosolids safely is part of building a trustworthy water-recycling system.
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PFAS Contamination
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