Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/05
Outputs
Fate and Availability of P from Biosolids, Manure, and Fertilizer. P-based nutrient management will impact most biosolids land application programs; most state P Indices have been developed for livestock manures, with little explicit consideration of biosolids (or other applied P sources); unless the typically lower solubility of biosolids P is taken into account, site index tools will overestimate P loss from biosolids application sites; sustainability of many land application programs may hinge on the final P-Index model adopted for biosolids. Metal-Binding Properties of Soils in Long-term Sewage-Sludge Plots. Standard sequential extraction methods are least selective and meaningful for the most labile metals (Cd, Zn) in sludge-amended soils. Strongly bonded metals such as Cu are more suited to these methods; long-term residual impact of sewage sludge amendment may decrease the lability of some metals (e.g., Pb, Ni) while increasing others ( Cd, Zn); residual solids
(mineral and organic) from sludges added to soils do not necessarily increase the strength of Cd binding to soils, and for some sludge types, may decrease Cd binding. Cd, Zn in sludged soils are more available than control even 25yrs later. Cu and Pb were not. Ni was less available, depending on type of sludge. Additive Phytotoxicity of Cu and Zn In Soybeans. Soil characteristics are important in determining phytotoxicity of Cu and Zn in soybeans; CaCl2 extractable metal concentration can be a good indicator of the bioavailable fraction of Cu and Zn in soils; phytotoxicity of Cu and Zn in soybeans has some degree of additivity. Residual Sludge Mo Availability to Soybean. Mo seed concentrations were within normal ranges in soybean, but seed tissue concentrations were increased by sludge application, much more than foliage; agreement was fairly good between Mo determinations from ICP-OES and GF-AAS; Ontario's current maximum permissible Mo loading of 94 mg Mo/kg of dried sludge may be
not protective, as Mo input in this study was well below the current guideline. Worms and Worms, Nematodes and Vermicomposting. No significant reduction in ascaris through vermicomposting was found; many tests (EPA method) do not effectively detect ascaris; biosolids may not have ascaris to begin with. Use of Synthetic Fibers to Detect Sludge Application. Synthetic fibers are used to identify sludge-applied soils. They were detectable in field site soils up to 15 yrs after application, retaining the characteristics seen in sludge products. Recovery was semi-quantitative after 5 years in soil columns.
Impacts
Committee research regarding fate and transport of phosphorus (P) suggests a P management that should a) consider soil test P interpretation based on environmental risk; b) recognize buffer zone practices the mitigate P export; c) consider source P solubility differences; and d) consider P source phytoavailability differences. Regarding fate and transport of Mo it was found that cumulative loading of Mo is not relevant and that pH is key to Mo availability. Research comparing different soil testing methods shows that most standard methods are not measuring biologically important concentrations and point to the need for revised methods. Research and extension publications have been produced that provide research-based information on the availability of phosphorus from biosolids, the relation of biosolids application to soil acidification and resultant leaching, an assessment of environmental impacts of biosolids application on a dairy farm, and guidance for dairy
farmers regarding land application. On a national level, the committee was involved in developing and piloting methods for engaging stakeholders in sewage biosolids research. As a result, dairy farmers and their advisors will be able to make decisions about sludge use based on up to date information and can adopt practices to minimize risks. Methods to monitor and assess the impact of contaminant additions to soils have been improved. Decision-makers in government, agriculture and business have better data on which to base their decisions regarding regulation and use of sludges.
Publications
- Akhand NA, Lapen D, Topp E, Edwards M, Roy R, Ball Coelho B, Sabourin L, Duenk P, Payne M. 2005. Evaluation of MACRO for Simulating Liquid Municipal Biosolid and Precipitation Induced Flow in Structured Soils: South-Western Ontario, Canada. Manuscript accepted for publishing in the Agricultural Water Management on April 27, Paper no. AGWAT 356.
- Akhand NA, Lapen D, Topp E, Edwards M, Roy R, Ball Coelho B, Sabourin L, Duenk P, Payne M. 2004. Modeling Preferential Flow and Risk of Biosolid Contamination to Tile Drains Using a Dual Porosity Model. Paper No. 042238. Proceedings of the 2004 ASAE/CSAE Annual International Meeting, August 1-4. Ottawa, ON
- Bean CL, Brabants JJ, Widmer G, Batzer G, Balkin H, Margolin AB. 2005. Class B Alkaline Stabilization to Achieve Pathogen Inactivation.submitted.
- Beecher N, Harrison EZ, Goldstein N, McDaniel M, Field P, Susskind L. 2005. Risk Perception, Risk Communication, and Stakeholder Involvement for Biosolids Management and Research. Journal of Environmental Quality 34(1):122-128.
- Brabants JJ, Margolin AB. 2005. Inactivation of Adenovirus Type 5, Rotavirus Wa and Male Specific Bacteriophage During Class B Lime Stabilization. Water Environment Research Foundation:accepted.
- Brandt RC, Elliott HA. 2005. Sensitivity Analysis of the Pennsylvania Phosphorus Index for Agricultural Recycling of Municipal Biosolids. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 60:209-219.
- Brandt RC, Elliott HA, O'Connor GA. 2004. Water Extractable Phosphorus in Biosolids: Implication for Land-Based Recycling. Water Environment Research 76:121-129.
- Bryson GM. 2004. Phytoextraction of Zinc from Soils. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
- Ciparis S, Hale RC. 2005. Bioavailability of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether Flame Retardants in Biosolids and Spiked Sediment to the Aquatic Oligochaete, Lumbriculus variegatus. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 24(4):916-925.
- Elliott HA, Brandt RC, O'Connor GA. 2005. Runoff Phosphorus Losses from Surface-Applied Biosolids. Journal of Environmental Quality 34(5):1632-1639.
- Elliott HA, Wormer J, Kang J-H, Brandt RC, O'Connor GA. 2005. Neutral Ammonium Citrate Extraction of Biosolids Phosphorus. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 36:in press.
- Hale RC, La Guardia MJ, Harvey E, Gaylor MO, Mainor TM. 2005. Brominated Flame Retardant Concentrations and Trends in Abiotic Media. Chemosphere accepted, in press.
- Zubris KAV, Richards BK. 2005. Synthetic Fibers as an Indicator of Land Application of Sludge (DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2005.04.013). Environmental Pollution 138:201-211.
- Rattner BA, McGowan PC, Golden NH, Hatfield JS, Toschik PC, Lukei Jr. RF, Schmitz-Afonso I, Rice CP. 2004. Contaminant Exposure and Reproductive Success of Ospreys (Pandion Halietus) Nesting in Chesapeake Bay Regions of Concern. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 47(1):126-140.
- Toschik PC, Rattner BA, Mcgowan PC, Christman MC, Carter DB, Hale RC, Matson CW, Ottinger MA. 2005. Effects of Contaminant Exposure on Reproductive Success of Ospreys (Pandion Haliaetus) Nesting in Delaware River and Bay, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 24(3):617-628.
- Wagenet LP, Lemley AT, Grantham DG, Harrison EZ, Hillman K, Mathers K, Younge LH. 2005. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Public Television as a Method for Watershed Education (www.joe.org/joe/2005april/a5.shtml). Journal of Extension 43(2):10.
- Hu Y, Barker AV. 2004. Effects of Vomposts and Their Combinations Wth Other Materials on Nutrient Accumulation in Tomato Leaves. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 35(19-20):2809-2923.
- Hu Y, Barker AV. 2004. Evaluation of Composts and Their Combinations With Other Materials on Tomato Growth. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 35(19-20):2789-2807.
- Katz BD, Margolin AB. 2005. Inactivation of Hepatitis A HM-175/18f, Reovirus Type 1and Male Specific Bacteriophage During Alkaline Stabilization of Biosolids.submitted.
- La Guardia M, Hale RC, Harvey E, Bush EO, Mainor TM, Gaylor MO. 2004. Organic Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Land-Applied Sewage Sludge (Biosolids). Journal of Residuals Science & Technology 1(2):111-122.
- Makris KC, Harris WG, O'Connor GA, Obreza TA, Elliott HA. 2005. Physicochemical Properties Related to Long-Term Phosphorus Retention by Drinking-Water Treatment Residuals. Environmental Science and Technology 39(11):4280-4289.
- Martinez CE, Jacobsen AR, McBride MB. 2004. Lead Phosphate Minerals: Solubility and Dissolution by Model and Natural Ligands. Environmental Science and Technology 38:5584-5590.
- Mezin L, Hale RC. 2004. Combined Effects of Humic Acid and Salinity on SPMD of DDT and Chlorpyrifos, an Estimator of Their Bioavailability. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 23:756-582.
- Mezin L, Hale RC. 2004. Effect of Humic Acids on Toxicity of DDT and Chlorpyrifos to Freshwater and Estuarine Invertebrates. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 23:583-590.
- O'Brien TA, Herbert SJ, Barker AV. 2003. Paper Sludge as a Soil Amendment For Production of Corn. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 34:2229-2241.
- O'Connor GA, Elliott HA, Basta NT, Bastian RK, Pierzynski GM, Sims RC, Smith JE. 2005. Sustainable Land Application - An Overview. Journal of Environmental Quality 34:7-17.
- O'Connor GA, Sarkar D, Brinton SR, Elliott HA, Martin FG. 2004. Phytoavailability of Biosolids Phosphorus. Journal of Environmental Quality 33:703-712.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
This project examines the application of sewage biosolids to agricultural soils in the northeastern U.S. Primary focus of this year's research was the presence, fate and transport of nutrients (with an emphasis on P) and contaminants (with an emphasis on copper, molybdenum and selected organic compounds of emerging concern). Committee research regarding fate and transport of P suggests a P management that should a) consider soil test P interpretation based on environmental risk; b) recognize buffer zone practices the mitigate P export; c) consider source P solubility differences; and d) consider P source phytoavailability differences. Regarding fate and transport of Mo it was found that cumulative loading of Mo is not relevant and that pH is key to Mo availability. Research comparing different soil testing methods shows that most standard methods are not measuring biologically important concentrations and point to the need for revised methods. Based on the work of the
committee, research and extension publications have been produced that provide research-based information on the availability of phosphorus from biosolids, the relation of biosolids application to soil acidification and resultant leaching, an assessment of environmental impacts of biosolids application on a dairy farm, and guidance for dairy farmers regarding land application. On a national level, the committee was involved in developing and piloting methods for engaging stakeholders in sewage biosolids research.
Impacts
This project will help the agricultural community in the Northeast to make more informed decisions about land application of sewage biosolids taking the Northeast specific conditions into account.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Significant progress was made over the year in meeting the project objectives: Objective 1: To evaluate the utilization of sewage biosolids in soil management in the Northeast by assessing the sustainability of soil quality, water quality and food safety (for people and other animals) where sewage biosolids are applied to agricultural land. Project Progress: Research results for the following work were reported: Survey of Metals in STP Biosolids and Agricultural Soils - J. Hargreaves, U of Guelph; Organic Chemicals in Sewage Sludges, E. Harrison, Cornell; Molybdenum Extractability in Soils and Uptake by Alfalfa 20 years after Sewage Sludge Application - M. McBride, Cornell; Use of Hot 0.01 M CaCl2 Extractant to Determine Mo Availability and Uptake by Crops - R. Stehouwer, Penn State; Development of a Zinc-Contaminated Soil for Research - A. Barker, U. Mass.; EcoTox Testing - A. Hay, Cornell; Earthworm Response to Cornell s Old Orchard - J. Smith, Cornell;
Characterizing Microbial Communities in Sludge Amended Soils - J. Thies, Cornell; Nutrient and Trace Element Flux Following Surface Mine Reclamation with Biosolids - R. Stehouwer, Penn State; Biosolids Phosphorous: Issues and Emerging Strategies - H. Elliott, Penn State, Short and Long-term Trace Element Mobility - B. Richards, Cornell. Objective 2: To evaluate the legal, social, and political aspects of long-term utilization of sewage sludge products in the Northeast and to identify modes of stakeholder participation in biosolids utilization decision-making. Research results for the following work were reported: Integrating Development of Extension Materials and Formative Informal Evaluation: Land Application of Sewage Sludge as a Case Example" - U. Krogmann, Rutgers. Objective 3: To develop appropriate outreach materials and educational events for the Northeast that links the current research to actual field management of sewage biosolids products in the Northeast. Project Progress:
Considerations for Diary Farms Regarding Use of Sewage Sludges, Sludge Products and Septage, E. Harrison, Cornell.
Impacts
This project will help the agricultural community in the Northeast to make more informed decisions about land application of sewage biosolids taking the Northeast specific conditions into account.
Publications
- McBride, M.B., E.A. Nibarger, B.K. Richards and T. Steenhuis. 2003. Trace metal accumulation by red clover grown on sewage sludge-amended soils and correlation to Mehlich 3 and calcium chloride-extractable metals. Soil Sci. 168: 29-38.
- McBride, M.B. 2003. Cadmium concentration limits in agricultural soils: weaknesses in USEPA's risk assessment and the 503 rule. Human Ecol. Risk Assess. 9, 661-674.
- O'Brien, T.A., S.J. Herbert, and A.V. Barker. 2003. Paper sludge as a soil amendment for production of corn. Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 34:2229-2241.
- Qureshi, S., B. K. Richards, A. G. Hay, C. C. Tsai, M. B. McBride, P. Baveye, and T. S. Steenhuis. 2003. Effect of microbial activity on trace element release from sewage sludge. In press, Environmental Science & Technology (ES&T web release date: June 26, 2003).
- Stehouwer, R.C. 2003. Land application of sewage sludge in Pennsylvania: Effects of biosolids on soil and crop quality. Environmental Soil Issues, Penn State College of Agric. Sci., University Park, PA.
- von Willert, F.J. and R.C. Stehouwer. 2003. Compost and calcium surface treatment effects on subsoil chemistry in acidic minespoil columns. J. Environ. Qual. 32:781-788.
- von Willert, F.J. and R.C. Stehouwer. 2003. Compost, CaCO3, and gypsum effect on Ca and Al transport in acidic minespoil. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 67:778-786.
- Hamlin, R.L., C. Schatz, and A.V. Barker. 2003. Zinc accumulation in Brassica juncea as influenced by nitrogen and phosphorus nutrition. J. Plant Nutrit. 26: 177-190.
- Krogmann, U. and V. Gibson. 2003. Integrating development of extension materials and formative informal evaluation: Land application of sewage sludge as a case example. J. of Extension 41, www.joe.org/joe/2003february/a1.shtml.
- La Guardia, M.J., R.C. Hale, E.P. Harvey, E.O. Bush, T.M. Mainor and M.O. Gaylor. 2003. Emerging chemicals of concern in biosolids. Proc. WEF/AWWA/CWEA Joint Residuals and Biosolids Management Conference, Baltimore, MD. Session 18.
- Martinez, C.E., A.R. Jacobson and M.B. McBride. 2003. Aging and temperature effects on DOC and elemental release from a metal contaminated soil. Environ. Poll. 122: 135-143.
- McBride, M. B., E. A. Nibarger, B. K. Richards and T. S. Steenhuis. 2003. Trace metal accumulation by red clover grown on sewage sludge-amended soils and correlation to Mehlich 3 and calcium chloride-extractable metals. Soil Sci. 168:29-38.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Drs. Uta Krogmann and William Goldfarb attended the regional conference in Toronto, Canada. Both made presentations on developments in their areas over the past year.
Impacts
Land application of sewage sludge is a highly controversial issue, both in the United States and Europe. Serious questions have been raised by responsible scientists concerning the adequacy of USEPA's sewage sludge land application regulations to protect public health and the environment. Public policy analysts have also questioned the adequacy of EPA's land application regulatory system to monitor the quality of land-applied sewage sludge and enforce against violators of regulations. Doubts have also been raised about whether those states that regulate land application of sewage sludge are performing their responsibilities in an acceptable manner. Studies criticizing the current system have recently been published by the USEPA Inspector General's Office and the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences. In addition, state legislatures, local governments, and courts are increasingly addressing this contentious issue. Thus, it is critical that the
New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station conduct research into all aspects of land application of sewage sludge - scientific, legal, planning, and managerial, and extend this information to the farmers and general citizenry of the state, in order to protect the health of New Jersey's population, the strength of the State's agricultural economy, and the quality of its environment.
Publications
- Krogmann, U. and Chiang, H.N.: Selected Nutrients and Heavy Metals in Sewage Sludge from New Jersey POTWs, Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 38(3), 2002, 681-692.
- Goldfarb, William: Federal Court Temporarily Upholds Pennsylvania Township Sludge Management Ordinance (court case anazlysis that was distributed to regional group members in July 2002).
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Progress 12/31/00 to 12/31/01
Outputs
Based on the identified needs of the state of New Jersey, in 2000 and 2001 this project focused on three areas: 1.Evaluation of legal, planning and social aspects of long-term use of sewage biosolids. 2.Evaluation of the temporal variability of the chemical composition of sewage biosolids. 3.Development of appropriate outreach materials that link the current research to actual field management of sewage biosolids products in New Jersey. Understanding farmers' perceptions and choices regarding land application of sewage sludge is key to developing locally accepted strategies for managing sewage sludge. Semi-structured interviews with mostly open-ended questions were conducted with 50 fruit and vegetable farmers at the New Jersey Annual Vegetable Meeting in 1999. These surveys were analyzed in 2000. The in-depth interviews indicated that the application of sewage sludge to land is currently not a common agricultural practice for these growers. Perceived risks, including
heavy metals in sewage sludge (soil-build up, crop-uptake), negative public perception, odor complaints, and increase of contaminants in water supply, outweigh economic incentives and soil improvement benefits. When naming benefits and drawbacks, farmers tend to think first of their crop and their land, and do not mention the environment. It is only when they are questioned directly about environmental benefits and risks that they discuss these aspects. This research showed that communication efforts should focus on practical information to which farmers can relate. The project team is also conducting an ongoing study of the legal and planning aspects of land application of sewage biosolids. This study has already resulted in publication of the seminal article in the field: Goldfarb, W., Krogmann, U., and Hopkins, C., Unsafe Sewage Sludge or Beneficial Biosolids?: Liability, Planning, and Management Issues Regarding the Land Application of Sewage Treatment Residuals, Boston College
Environmental Affairs Law Review, (26), 1999, pp. 687-768. In order to determine appropriate application rates and to ensure low pollutant levels in sewage sludge, knowing the chemical composition of sewage sludge is of great importance in a land application program. The objective of this study was to evaluate the variability of selected chemical characteristics of sewage sludge from New Jersey publicly owned treatment works (POTWs). This part of the project was completed in 2001. In 2000, guidelines and eight fact sheets concerning land application of sewage biosolids were completed. The audience for the guidelines and fact sheets is the New Jersey farmers. The project team, led by Professor Krogmann, has continuing contact with County Agents and New Jersey farmers in order to disseminate the latest information about the scientific, legal, and social aspects of land application of sewage sludge.
Impacts
Land application of sewage sludge is a highly controversial issue, both in the United States and Europe. Serious questions have been raised by responsible scientists concerning the adequacy of USEPA's sewage sludge land application regulations to protect public health and the environment. Public policy analysts have also questioned the adequacy of EPA's land application regulatory system to monitor the quality of land-applied sewage sludge and enforce against violators of regulations. Doubts have also been raised about whether those states that regulate land application of sewage sludge are performing their responsibilities in an acceptable manner. Studies criticizing the current system have recently been published by the USEPA Inspector General's Office and the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences. In addition, state legislatures, local governments, and courts are increasingly addressing this contentious issue. Thus, it is critical that the
New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station conduct research into all aspects of land application of sewage sludge - scientific, legal, planning, and managerial, and extend this information to the farmers and general citizenry of the state, in order to protect the health of New Jersey's population, the strength of the State's agricultural economy, and the quality of its environment.
Publications
- Krogmann, U., Boyes, L.S.: Land Application of Sewage Sludge (Biosolids), #7: Organic Contaminants. Rutgers Fact Sheet #957, 2000, 4 pp. Krogmann, U., Boyles, L.S.: Land Application of Sewage Sludge (Biosolids), #8: Pathogens. Rutgers Fact Sheet #958, 2000, 3 pp.
- Krogmann, U., Gibson, V., and Chess, C.: Land Application of Sewage Sludge: Perceptions of New Jersey Vegetable Farmers. Waste Manage. Res., 19(2), 2001, 115-125.
- Krogmann, U.: Composting. In: Spinosa, L., Vesilind, P.A. (eds.) Sludge to Biosolids, London/UK, IWA Publishing, 2001, pp. 259-277.
- Rutgers Cooperative Extension Working Group: Guidelines for the Land Application of Sewage Sludge for New Jersey Agriculture. Edited by Krogmann, U., Boyles, L.S., Heckman, J.R. Rutgers Fact Sheet #E228, 2000, 29 pp.
- Rutgers Cooperative Extension Working Group: Land Application of Sewage Sludge (Biosolids), #1: Questions to Ask Before Considering Application on Farmland. Rutgers Fact Sheet #951, 2000, 2 pp.
- Krogmann, U., Boyles, L.S.: Land Application of Sewage Sludge (Biosolids), #2: Regulations. Rutgers Fact Sheet #952, 2000, 3 pp.
- Krogmann, U., Boyles, L.S.: Land Application of Sewage Sludge (Biosolids), #3: Different Types of Sewage Sludge. Rutgers Fact Sheet #953, 2000, 3 pp.
- Rutgers Cooperative Extension Working Group: Land Application of Sewage Sludge (Biosolids), #4: Guidelines for Land Application in Agriculture. Rutgers Fact Sheet #954, 2000, 6 pp.
- Krogmann, U., Boyles, L.S.: Land Application of Sewage Sludge (Biosolids), #5: Heavy Metals. Rutgers Fact Sheet #955, 2000, 3 pp.
- Krogmann, U., Heckman, J.R., Boyles, L.S. and Wiederhold, C.: Land Application of Sewage Sludge (Biosolids), #6: Soil Amendments and Heavy Metals. Rutgers Fact Sheet #956, 2000, 4 pp.
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