Biosolids Save the Day-ly Bread!!

With a rapidly-growing population, it is obvious that manufacturers must discover new innovative methods of producing enough food for the masses. Farmers all over the world have begun to find new ways of fertilizing their crop in an effective and sustainable manner: BIOSOLIDS. Biosolids are literally the by-products of domestic and commercial sewage treatment. Basically, it is human waste that has been treated repeatedly to remove any toxins and pathogens, which is then used by farmers as fertilizer to grow crops which we will eventually consume, only to start the cycle all over again. 
Human waste is rich in phosphates which are vital to plant growth. A Vancouver company is already developing a process by which the phosphates can be extracted; a monumental innovation for the agricultural sector. But are biosolids really the optimal selection to cater to our needs? Could they be the leading energy of the future? As we move towards sustainable resources, biosolids might be able to answer all our needs.

The positive effects of biosolid fertilization are quite evident in its sustainability. The source of the fertilizer comes from our waste, which would come from consumption of food. By using the waste as fertilizer instead of allowing it to sit in a landfill and contribute to our large garbage output, is a great eco-friendly solution to a large problem in today's consumerist society. As more and more companies develop methods of creating fuels or sources of energy from biosolids,we will optimistically be heading towards a great reduction in our carbon footprint, due to the biosolids' positive impact on the environment. Also a study created by Colorado State University showed that biosolids constantly applied to wheat crops produced higher amounts of protein, thus creating larger economics returns compare to crops fertilized with the commercial fertilizer.

Biosolids are by-products of waste treatments

Although already treated, biosolids have often been regarded as breeding grounds for bacteria, pathogens and other contaminants that would infiltrated plants, which would end up being consumed by humans. Biosolid treatment plantations take great care in ensuring that contaminants are dealt with. The waste is pressurized, heated, and the pH is raised to kill off anything that would eventually be harmful to humans. Groundwater can also be permanently contaminated by leached biosolids. The main concerns about using biosolids as fertilizer are the harmful effects that they could have on our health and the environment. However, biosolids have been used as fertilizers for many years now, and scientists cannot provide any evidence of sickness or health issues related to their use.  

Everything has its benefits and disadvantages, however like most new innovations in our society, there are risks, but they are greatly outweighed by the advantages of biosolids.There is always a wrong way and a right way to go about a new advance. For example, if chicken is cooked the wrong way, the result can be salmonella. This doesn't mean that all chicken is bad. The same theory can be applied to biosolids used as fertilizers. Biosolids will be harmful if they are not provided in a responsible manner. For the most part, biosolids have been a great, cost effective substitution for harsh chemicals. If it has been used for thousands of years, why shouldn't we use it now? 

Even with all the benefits biosolid fertilization offers, people regard this whole idea as "uncivilized", since we are eventually eating the food that was previously grown in our waste. The majority of North Americans consider our human waste as disgusting, but if it is contributing to a greater cause, what’s the difference? Humans are not directly eating the biosolids, as plants are benefit from the otherwise unused nutrients from our waste. Just because biosolids do not conform to the views of society, it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be moving towards new innovation? 
Biosolids, traditionally known as, “disgusting fesses that are unsanitary”, are truly a vital energy source for agricultural purposes. They may not be the most conventional path; however biosolids are simply the first step on the journey to a new and more sustainable tomorrow. 

MUST WATCH: Everything you Need to Know About BIOSOLIDS!

SOURCES:

1. http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/qa/105-1focus/focusbeauty.html

2. http://www.greenworks.tv/radio/todaystory/20020416.htm

3.  http://southeastfarmpress.com/biosolids-seen-fertilizer-alternative

4. http://www.scijourner.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=34:from-toilet-to-table-biosolids-for-fertilizer&catid=13:technology&Itemid=40

5.  http://www.biosolids.com/benefits.html

6.  http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/16/biosolids-and-human-health/

I Commented on....
 Melissa Quinn - Biosolids, Simply Waste, or Agriculture Fertilizer?

Tharajan Gunendran- Biosolids....Is it just Sewage Sludge?