Source: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA submitted to NRP
CHEMISTRY AND BIOAVAILABILITY OF WASTE CONSTITUENTS IN SOILS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0184214
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
W-170
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 1999
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2004
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
G022 MCCARTY HALL
GAINESVILLE,FL 32611
Performing Department
SOIL & WATER SCIENCE
Non Technical Summary
Certain agricultural practices contribute to the problem of phosphorus in water. This project examines the relative availability of residuals-borne and fertilizer- nutrients.
Animal Health Component
50%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
50%
Applied
50%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2012420104020%
2012420105020%
2012499104020%
2012499105015%
2062420104015%
2062499104010%
Knowledge Area
206 - Basic Plant Biology; 201 - Plant Genome, Genetics, and Genetic Mechanisms;

Subject Of Investigation
2420 - Noncrop plant research; 2499 - Plant research, general;

Field Of Science
1040 - Molecular biology; 1050 - Developmental biology;
Goals / Objectives
1. Characterize the chemical and physical properties of residuals and residuals-amended soil. 2. Evaluate methods for determining the bioavailability of nutrients, trace elements, and organic constituents in residuals.
Project Methods
Studies will be conducted to evaluate P chemistry and mineralogy in a variety of materials, including biosolids, animal manures, fertilizers, etc. Characterization will involve sequential extraction schemes, as well as various soil tests. Greenhouse and field studies of plant uptake of oxyanions (e.g., P, Mo) from residuals-amended soil will evaluate residuals-borne oxyanion bioavailabilities. Plant uptake will be correlated with various measures of oxyanion chemistry and extractability with soil tests.

Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04

Outputs
Biosolids and manures are normally land applied at rates based on the N needs of crops being grown to maximize the amount of waste applied consistent with agronomic needs. However, such rates typically apply (total) P far in excess of crop needs, so P accumulates in soils and represents potential sources of water contamination (eutrophication). Not all total P in waste sources, however, is equally soluble or labile. This project evaluated biosolids- and manure-P solubility, bioavailability, and susceptibility to runoff to provide information needed to wisely recycle wastes without endangering the environment. Laboratory and greenhouse studies confirmed the differing lability of P in various biosolids and manure sources. Generally, animal manures provided greater concentrations of agronomically and environmentally labile P than common biosolids (aerobically or anaerobically digested). Whereas some animal manure (especially dairy manure) is nearly as effective at supplying labile P as TSP fertilizer, common biosolids have P labilities only about 50% of fertilizer-P sources. Major exceptions to the generality are biosolids produced via biological P removal processes (BPR materials) and biosolids with unusually high total Fe and Al concentrations that are also heat-dried. The latter have P labilities only 5-10% of fertilizer-P, suggesting that these materials could be land-applied at N-based rates without significant environmental hazards. The lability of BPR or common biosolids-P can be reduced by amendment with Fe or Al salts or Fe- or Al-water treatment residuals (WTRs). Rainfall simulations, conducted in accordance to national protocols, also confirmed the different labilities of the different waste-P sources. Phosphorus in runoff or leachate from waste-amended soils was greater with manure or BPR biosolids, less from common biosolids, and least from biosolids containing high Fe or Al concentrations and/or heat-dried. Additions of Fe- or Al-WTRs dramatically reduced P runoff or leaching. Phosphorus agronomic or environmental lability correlated well with the water soluble P (WSP) in waste sources. Other measures of P lability in the waste sources, such as soil tests were not as effective. The accumulated data suggest that state P Indexes should include WSP characterization of waste sources to more effectively estimate the vulnerability of P in various waste-land application scenarios. Data also suggest that WTRs can be effective amendments for use with high WSP wastes, or as amendments to soils with high WSP concentrations because of histories of waste application. The stability of WTR-immobilized P appears to be high, suggesting that although total soil P can increase from waste applications, the lability of the applied P can be controlled. This may provide sufficient confidence that wastes can continue to be applied at N-based rates without unnecessary environmental concerns about P when WTRs are added. The lab, greenhouse, and rainfall simulation data must be field validated. The limited field data available are consistent with the results from the controlled studies, but more soils and wastes (and WTRs) need to be field tested.

Impacts
Land application of biosolids and manure at rates based on N typically apply (total) P far in excess of crop needs, so P accumulates in soils and represents potential sources of water contamination (eutrophication). Not all total P in waste sources is equally soluble or labile. This project evaluated biosolids- and manure-P solubility, bioavailability, and susceptibility to runoff and, thus, provides information needed to wisely recycle the wastes without endangering the environment.

Publications

  • Sarkar, D. and G.A. O Connor. 2004. Plant responses to biosolids-P in two Florida soils with high P content. Commun. Soil Sci. Plt. Anal. 35: (In press).
  • O Connor, G.A., D. Sarkar, S.R. Brinton, H.A. Elliott, and F.G. Martin. 2004. Phytoavailability of biosolids-P. J. Environ. Qual. 33:703-712.
  • Brandt, R.C., H.A. Elliott, and G.A. O Connor. 2004. Water extractable P in biosolids:implications for land-based recycling. Water Environ. Res. 76: 121-129.
  • Makris, K.C., H. El-Shall, W.G. Harris, G.A. O Connor, and T.A. Obreza. 2004. Intraparticle P diffusion in a drinking water residual at room temperature. J. Colloid & Interf. Sci. 277 (2): 417-423.
  • O Connor, G.A., H.A. Elliott, N.T. Basta, R.K. Bastian, G.M. Pierzynski, R.C. Sims, and J.E. Smith, Jr. 2005. Sustainable land application: an overview. J. Environ. Qual. 34: (In press).
  • Makris, K.C., W.G. Harris, G.A. O Connor, and T.A. Obreza. 2004. Phosphorus immobilization in micropore of drinking-water treatment residuals: Implications for long-term stability. Environ. Sci. Technol. (In press).


Progress 10/01/02 to 10/01/03

Outputs
A manuscript quantifying the relative phytoavailability of biosolids-P (compared to fertilizer-P) was submitted and approved for publication. Efforts to field-validate the greenhouse data described in the manuscript have, so far, been thwarted by delays in a major field study. The field study is finally underway and should generate data in 2004. Simulated rainfall studies confirm limited biosolids-P runoff, and confirm the need to adjust P Index determinations for differences in biosolids-P solubility.

Impacts
Land application of biosolids and manure at rates based on N typically apply (total) P far in excess of crop needs, so P accumulates in soils and represents potential sources of water contamination (eutrophication). Not all total P in waste sources is equally soluble or labile. This project evaluates biosolids- and manure-P solubility, bioavailability, and susceptibility to runoff and, thus, provides information needed to wisely recycle the wastes without endangering the environment.

Publications

  • Brinton, S.R., and G.A. O'Connor. 2003. Sorption of molybdenum in soils field-equilibrated with biosolids. Commun. Soil Sci. Plt. Anal. 34:1331-1346.


Progress 10/01/01 to 10/01/02

Outputs
Laboratory and greenhouse studies characterized P forms, solubilities, and bioavailabilities of 12 biosolids, 3 manures, and a commercial fertilizer (TSP).Inorganic P forms dominated all P-sources, but P solubility, bioavailability, and leachability varied widely with source. Biosolids produced via biological P removal (BPR) processes were most like fertilizer-P, whereas most biosolids produced nationally have relative bioavailabilities about 50% of TSP. In general, leachability of P-sources varied as follows: TSP>manures>biosolids. Additional funding has been obtained to verify the results under field conditions and to conduct runoff studies.

Impacts
Land application of biosolids and manures is usually based on the N content of the materials. Such rates, however, typically apply total P far in excess of crop P needs so P accumulates in soils and represents potential sources of water contamination (eutrophication). Not all total P in waste sources is equally soluble or bioavailable, nor equally less bioavailable than fertilizer-P. This study evaluates biosolids- and manure-P solubilities and bioavailabilities and, thus, provides information needed to wisely recycle the wastes without unnecessarily endangering the environment.

Publications

  • Elliott, H.A., G.A. O'Connor, and S. Brinton. 2002. Phosphorus leaching from biosolids-amended sandy soils. J. Environ. Qual. 31:681-689.
  • Elliott, H.A., G.A. O'Connor, P. Lu, and S. Brinton. 2002. Influence of water treatment residuals on phosphorus solubility and leaching. J. Environ. Qual. 31:1362-1369.
  • Tiffany, M.E., L.R. McDowell, G.A. O'Connor, F.G. Martin, N.S. Wilkinson, S.S. Percival, and P.A. Rabiansky. 2002. Effects of residual and reapplied biosolids on performance and mineral status of grazing beef steers. J. Anim. Sci. 80:260-269.
  • Brandt, R.C., H.A. Elliott, and G.A. O'Connor. 2002. Comparative evaluation of water extractable P in biosolids and animal manures.WEF Biosolids Conf. Proc. (CD). 16th Annual Residuals and Biosolids Management Conf., 3-6 March, 2002, Austin, TX.
  • O'Connor, G.A., H.A. Elliott, and P. Lu. 2002. Characterizing water treatment residuals phosphorus retention. Soil Crop Sci. Florida Proc. 61:67-73.
  • O'Connor, G.A. and H.A. Elliott. 2002. Co-application of biosolids and water treatment residuals. Trans. World Congress Soil Sci. (CD). 14-21 Aug. 2002, Bangkok, Thailand.


Progress 10/01/00 to 10/01/01

Outputs
Laboratory and greenhouse studies continued for a second year to determine the forms, solubilities, and bioavailabilities of P in biosolids, manures, and commercial fertilizer. Inorganic P forms dominate all P-sources, but P solubility, bioavailability, and leachability vary widely with source. Biosolids containing appreciable Fe and Al, or soils amended with both biosolids and water treatment residuals (high in Fe or Al), provide the least labile P for plant uptake and leaching. A 0.01 M KCl extract seems to characterize waste P-source availability to plants reasonably well. A phosphorus saturation index (PSI), calculated from moles of oxalate extractable P divided by moles of oxalate extractable Fe and Al, identified waste P-sources vulnerable to significant P leaching losses. About 15 biosolids and manures (representative of materials produced nationally) have been evaluated in both the lab and greenhouse. A proposal has been submitted to verify the results in field settings.

Impacts
Land application of biosolids and manures is usually based on the N content of the materials. Such rates, however, typically apply total P far in excess of crop needs so P accumulates in soils and presents potential sources of water contamination (eutrophication). Not all total P in waste sources is bioavailable, nor equally less bioavailable than fertilizer-P. This study evaluates biosolids- and manure-P bioavailabilities and, thus, provides information needed to wisely recycle the wastes without unnecessarily endangering the environment.

Publications

  • Lu, Peng, and G.A. O'Connor. 2001. Biosolids effects on P retention and release in some sandy FL soils. J. Environ. Qual. 30:1059-1063.
  • O'Connor, G.A., T.C. Granato, and N.T. Basta. 2001. Bioavailability of biosolids-Mo to soybean grain. J. Environ. Qual. 30:1653-1658.
  • Sarkar, D. and G.A. O'Connor. 2001. Using the Pi soil test to estimate available P in biosolids-amended soils. Commun. Soil Sci. Plt. Anal. 32:2049-2063.
  • Sarkar, D. and G.A. O'Connor. 2001. Estimating available Mo in a biosolids-amended soil using iron oxide impregnated filter paper. Commun. Soil Sci. Plt. Anal. 32:2033-2048.
  • O'Connor, G. A., Robert B. Brobst, Rufus L. Chaney, Ron L. Kincaid, Lee R. McDowell, Gary M. Pierzynski, Alan Rubin, and Gary G. Van Riper. 2001. A modified risk assessment to establish molybdenum standards for the land applications of biosolids. J. Environ. Qual. 30:1490-1507.
  • O'Connor, G.A., T.C. Granato, and N.T. Basta. 2001. Bioavailability of biosolids molybdenum to soybean grain. J. Environ. Qual. 30:1653-1658.
  • Tiffany, M.E., L.R. McDowell, G.A. O'Connor, H. Nguyen, F.G. Martin, N.S. Wilkinson, and N.A. Katowitz. 2001. Effects of residual and reapplied biosolids on forage and soil concentrations over a grazing season in north Florida.I Macrominerals, crude protein, and in vitro digestibility. Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 32: 2189-2209.
  • Tiffany,M.E.,____________,______________,____________,___________.___ ______, and ___________. 2001. Effects of residual and reapplied biosolids on forage and soil concentrations over a grazing season in north Florida. II. Microminerals. Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 32:2211-2226.


Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/00

Outputs
Laboratory and greenhouse studies are being conducted to determine the forms, solubilities, and bioavailabilities of P in biosolids, manures, and commercial fertilizer. Preliminary results indicate that inorganic P dominates all P-sources, although P solubility, bioavailability, and leachability vary widely with source. Biosolids containing appreciable Fe and Al provide the least labile P for plant uptake and leaching. A 0.01 M KCl extract of waste P-sources seems to characterize P available to plants and to leaching well. Eight biosolids sources (representative of biosolids nationally) have been studied to date. Studies will continue in 2001 with predominately manure P-sources.

Impacts
Land application of biosolids and manures is usually based on the N content of the materials. Such rates, however, typically apply total P far in excess of crop needs so P accumulates in soils and presents potential sources of water contamination (eutrophication). Not all total P in waste sources is bioavailable, nor equally less bioavailable than fertilizer-P. This study will evaluate biosolids- and manure-P bioavailabilities and, thus, provide information needed to wisely recycle the wastes without unnecessarily endangering the environment.

Publications

  • Tiffany, M.E., L.R. McDowell, G.A. O'Connor, F.C. Martin, N.S. Wilkinson, E.C. Cardose, S.S. Percival, and P.A. Rabiansky. 2000. Variation of forage and extractable soil minerals over two grazing seasons in north Florida. J. Anim. Sci. 78:1331-1337.
  • Brinton, S. and G.A. O'Connor. 2000. Factors affecting Mo sorption in soils: potential biosolids effects. Soil Crop Sci. Soc. Fl. Proc. (In press).
  • O'Connor, G.A., T.C. Granato, and R.H. Dowdy. 2000. Bioavailability of biosolids-Mo to corn. J. Environ. Qual. (In press).
  • Anjos, J.T., D. Sarkar, and G.A. O'Connor. 2000. Extractable-P in biosolids and biosolids-amended soils: an incubation study. Revista de Estudos Ambientas (Environ. Studies J.). (In press).
  • Tiffany, M.E., L.R. McDowell, G.A. O'Connor, H. Nguyen, F.G. Martin, N.S. Wilkinson, and E.C. Candose. 2000. Effects of pasture-applied biosolids on forage and soil concentrations over a grazing season in north Florida. I. Macrominerals , crude protein, and in vitro digestability. Commun. Soil Sci. Plt. Anal. 31:201-213.
  • Tiffany, M.E., L.R. McDowell, G.A. O'Connor, H. Nguyen, F.G. Martin, N.S. Wilkinson, and E.C. Cardose. 2000. Effects of pasture-applied biosolids on forage and soil concentrations over a grazing season in north Florida. II. Microminerals. Commun. Soil Sci. Plt. Anal. 31:215-227.