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 |
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?
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:
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?
I Commented on....
Melissa Quinn - Biosolids, Simply Waste, or Agriculture Fertilizer?
Tharajan Gunendran- Biosolids....Is it just Sewage Sludge?