scholarly journals Sewage sludge application on cultivated soils: effects on runoff and trace metal load

2009 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 368-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo Valadares Galdos ◽  
Isabella Clerici De Maria ◽  
Otávio Antonio de Camargo ◽  
Sonia Carmela Falci Dechen

The use of sewage sludge in agricultural soils as a macro and micronutrient source and as a soil conditioner has been one of the alternatives for its disposal. However, sewage sludge contains trace metals, which are potential sources of pollution. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of sewage sludge application on surface water contamination through runoff when it was applied in a soil cultivated with corn. The effect of sludge application on the concentration and load of copper, nickel and zinc and the volume of runoff water and sediment were evaluated. The experiment was set up in plots used to study erosion losses in Campinas, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The soil is a clayey Rhodic Hapludox. Three treatments were studied: no sewage sludge, sewage sludge to supply the N required by the crop and twice that amount, with four replications. The water and sediment lost by runoff were measured after each rainfall, and sampled for chemical analysis. The volumes of water and sediment lost by runoff decreased after sewage sludge application. The waste application increased trace metal concentration in the runoff water and sediment, especially zinc, which was present in high concentration in the sewage sludge used. Nevertheless, the load of trace metals transported from the plot was mostly dependent on the total runoff volume. Most of the Cu, Zn and Ni losses were via sediment, and occurred in a few highly erosive rainfall events in the period studied.

2002 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 323-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
M B McBride ◽  
L J Evans

The long-term potential for sewage sludge amendments to alter forage trace metal concentrations was determined on bromegrass, which received no sludge application for 20 yr following annual application during 1973-1980 on a no-till randomized-plot experimental site. In addition, soils were analyzed for trace metals, both total and extractable (using hot 0.01 M CaCl2), by axial-view inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. For Cu, Ni, Zn and Cd, extractability from the soil (by CaCl2) as well as plant tissue concentrations were relatively low considering the high loadings of these particular metals, a fact attributable to the near-neutral pH and high organic matter content of these calcareous soils. However, total and extractable soil Mo remained elevated in the sewage-sludge-amended plots above the levels measured in the fertilized control plots some 20 yr after the last sewage sludge application. Mo bioaccumulated in the bromegrass more than the other trace metals investigated at this site. The Cu:Mo ratio in the forage, a measure of potential to induce Cu deficiency in grazing ruminants, was substantially depressed by most of the sewage sludge treatments. Comparison of the 2000 and 1980 bromegrass analyses suggests an increase in the long-term plant availability of Mo in soils amended with high-Fe and high-Al sludges. Conversely, there was a long-term decrease in Mo availability on the high-Ca sludge treatment, consistent with evidence that much of the Mo has been lost from the topsoil since sludge application. For Cu, Ni and Zn, plant availability appears to have decreased between 1980 and 2000, attributable in part to a calculated loss of substantial fractions of these metals from the topsoil. Bromegrass concentrations of Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd and Mo were strongly correlated to CaCl2-extractable and total metals in the soils, indicating the utility of 0.01 M CaCl2 in predicting plant availability. The chemical differences in the three sludge types applied at the site (high-Ca, high-Al, high-Fe) had little long-term impact on the extractability and phytoavailability of most trace metals remaining in the topsoil. Key words: Biosolids, molybdenum, copper, forage, cadmium, heavy metals


2014 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose Navarro Pedreño ◽  
Ignacio Gómez Lucas ◽  
Jose Martín Soriano Disla

The mineralisation of organic matter (OM) when sewage sludge was used as amendment in 70 contrasting agricultural soils from Spain was analysed. Soils received a single dose of sewage sludge (equivalent to 50t dry weight ha<sup>-1</sup>) and the O<sub>2</sub> consumption was continuously monitored for 30 days using a multiple sensor respirometer in a laboratory experiment. The cumulative O<sub>2</sub> consumption and rates after 8 and 30 days of incubation (O<sub>2 cum</sub> 8d, 30d and O<sub>2 rate</sub> 8d, 30d), the respiratory quotient (RQ), the maximum O<sub>2</sub> rates over the incubation period (O<sub>2 max</sub>) and time from the beginning of the incubation when O<sub>2 max</sub> occurred (T<sub>max</sub>), were determined in both amended and non-amended soils. Sewage sludge application resulted in increased values for O<sub>2 max</sub>, O<sub>2 rate</sub> 8d, and O<sub>2 cum</sub> 30d. Differences were minor for T<sub>max</sub>, RQ 8d and O<sub>2 rate</sub> 30d. A considerable amount of the initial OM applied was mineralised during the first 8 days. Organic matter decomposition (as expressed by O<sub>2 cum</sub> 30d) was favoured in soils with high values of pH, carbonates, soil organic carbon and low values of amorphous Mn. Soils with these characteristics may potentially lose soil C after sewage sludge application.


2019 ◽  
Vol 266 ◽  
pp. 04003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norpadzlihatun Manap ◽  
Kavitha Sandirasegaran ◽  
Noor Shahifah Syahrom ◽  
Amnorzahira Amir

The primary objective of this study is to determine trace metal contamination in environmental samples obtained from Pahang River and Kelantan River, Malaysia which may help to identify the risk of sustainable dredging in these areas. This research also proceeds to compare the trace metal concentration with the National Water Quality Standards of Malaysia, Interim Canadian Sediment Quality Guidelines and Malaysian Food Act 1983 to determine its limits and risks. Samples of water, sediment, snails and fishes were collected and analyzed for As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Fe, Pb, Ni, Mn, and Hg by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. It was found that the concentration of trace metals namely As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, and Hg in river water, sediment, snail and fish samples in Pahang River were lower than the maximum allowable limits, except for Fe and Mn. In Kelantan River, the concentration of trace metals indicating that it is contaminated with Fe, Mn, Pb, Cr, Cu, Hg, and As as all trace metals exceeded the maximum allowable limits. Negative impacts may arise, and the river may contaminate more in future if there is no proper management to tackle this issue during execution of dredging activities.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zang-Ho Shon ◽  
Ju-Hee Jeong ◽  
Yoo-Keun Kim

The effect of large-scale firework events on urban background trace metal concentrations was investigated using 24 hr data collected over 3 days at three sites in Busan Metropolitan City, Republic of Korea, during the falls (Oct.) of 2011–2013. The firework events increased local background concentrations of trace metals as follows: K (1.72 times), Sr (2.64 times), As (2.86 times), Pb (2.91 times), and Al (5.44 times). The levels of some metals did not always drop to background level one day after the firework event. The contribution of fireworks to trace metal concentration levels (and emissions) for 2011 event was negligible compared to 2012 and 2013 events due to different meteorological conditions (precipitation). In addition, the impact of firework events on the ambient concentration levels of trace metals was likely to be different depending on their chemical speciation. The impact of firework events in Busan on urban air quality (trace metal) was less intense compared to other similar festivals worldwide. The largest emission of trace metals and elements from firework burning was represented by K (128–164 kg), followed by Pb, Cd, Cu, Mg, Ba, As, Al, Ga, Co, and Na.


2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Gao ◽  
Martine Leermakers ◽  
Annelies Pede ◽  
Aurelie Magnier ◽  
Koen Sabbe ◽  
...  

Environmental contextContaminated sediments can have a large and lasting effect on marine ecosystems. It was discovered that significant amounts of pollutants, especially arsenic, were released from contaminated sediments during a phytoplankton bloom in the Belgian Continental Zone. Once released to the water column, these pollutants can accumulate up marine food chains and be a source of contaminants to humans. AbstractField data from the Belgian Continental Zone showed elevated trace metal concentrations at the sediment–water interface after the occurrence of a phytoplankton bloom. In the present study, laboratory incubation experiments were used to investigate the effect of the phytodetritus remineralisation process on the release of trace metals from contaminated muddy sediments. This remineralisation process was followed by the measurement of chlorophyll-a and dissolved organic carbon levels in the top sediment layers. Two gel techniques, diffusive equilibrium in thin films (DET) and diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT), were used to assess vertical metal profiles in the sediment pore waters and to calculate the metal effluxes. These metal effluxes compared very well with the trace metal concentration variations in the overlying water of the sediment. Much higher effluxes of Mn, Co and As were observed after 2 days of incubation in the microcosms which received additions of phytodetritus. This trend gradually decreased after 7 days of incubation, suggesting that the elevated efflux of trace metals was proportional to the quantity of phytodetritus mineralised at the sediment–water interface. The release of large amounts of toxic elements from the sediments after phytoplankton blooms can therefore potentially affect the marine ecosystem in the Belgian Continental Zone.


2010 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 577-583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Passuello ◽  
Montse Mari ◽  
Martí Nadal ◽  
Marta Schuhmacher ◽  
José L. Domingo

Author(s):  
Tran Duc Ha ◽  
Tran Thuy Anh

This study aims to examine the characteristics and to assess the hazardous level as well as the reusability of sewage sludge and river sediment from To Lich River (TLR) basin, which is the largest wastewater catchment in Hanoi. Sludge samples were collected from six manholes along Tran Binh Trong (TBT) and Thai Ha (TH) sewers in rainy and dry seasons. Sediment samples were collected from seven sites near principal wastewater and storm water discharging points along TLR upstream in dry season. Parameters, such as pH, humidity, total ash, zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in sewage sludge were examined. Trace metals in TLR sediment, e.g. arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd) were analyzed. The results of sludge and sediment analysis were then compared with national environmental regulations for hazards and aquatic life preservation, and land use purposes, including QCVN 43:2012/BTNMT, QCVN 50:2013/BTNMT, QCVN 03-MT: 2015/BTNMT. The majority of examined parameters of sewage sludge, except ash content, are higher in dry seasons than in rainy seasons. Regarding hazardous level, all the investigated heavy metals in sewage sludge in dry and rainy seasons, respectively, as followings: 644 and 598 mg.kg-1 Zn, 146.5 and 127.3 mg.kg-1 Cu, 71.2 and 69.5 mg.kg-1 Pb, and 1.51 and 1.46 mg.kg-1 Cd, are below the legislated thresholds, thus, can be considered as nontoxic. Reusability of sewage sludge, however, should be considered since Zn exceeded permissible values for all of land use purposes. The concentration of As (0.659 mg.kg-1), Hg (0.03 mg.kg-1), Pb (4.07 mg.kg-1), Zn (81.3 mg.kg-1), and Cd (0.078 mg.kg-1) meets national standards on hazardous waste, and sludge from water treatment process, as well as to protect aquatic life and to be reused in anthropogenic activities. However, Cr concentration (157 mg.kg-1) is above those legislated thresholds, thus, unsuitable to be reused as land or fertilizer. With high concentration of several trace metals and humidity, drainage sludge from TLR basins should be treated to improve its reusability. Article history: Received 20 March 2018, Revised 05 April 2018, Accepted 27 April 2018


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Hurley ◽  
Jill Crossman ◽  
Theresa Schell ◽  
Andreu Rico ◽  
Martyn Futter ◽  
...  

&lt;p&gt;There is a paucity of data regarding the sources and fate of microplastics in agricultural settings. This is despite indication that these environments may receive significant contributions of microplastics from a range of inputs. Several studies have documented the enrichment of sewage sludge by microplastic particles as a result of wastewater treatment processes. In many countries, sludge is applied to agricultural soils as a soil conditioner. Based on the extent of application and microplastic loads in sludge material, it is expected that sludge application to land represents a considerable release pathway for microplastic particles to the environment. The fate of these particles across spatial and temporal scales is, however, unknown. This includes the potential for the propagation of contamination to connected aquatic systems and beyond.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Water JPI-funded IMPASSE project addresses significant gaps in our understanding of microplastic contamination in agricultural systems. As part of this project, two case study locations in contrasting environments were selected for study: the semi-arid Henares catchment in central Spain and the humid continental Beaver and Orillia catchments in the Lake Simcoe watershed in Ontario, Canada. Agricultural fields subjected to different sludge application treatments (timing and origin of material) were assessed for microplastic contamination through repeat soil core sampling. This was coupled with runoff experiments using modified Pinson collectors to track the mobilisation of sewage sludge-derived particles from soils. Laboratory analysis was performed according to Hurley et al. (2018). Thorough characterisation of all microplastics particles down to a lower size limit of 50 &amp;#181;m was achieved, including particle size, morphology, polymer type, and estimated mass. Microplastic loads in soils increased following sludge application. The dynamics of contamination from soil core analyses show complex spatio-temporal patterns of accumulation and vertical and lateral transport of particles. Through the use of experimental runoff plots, the mobilisation of microplastic particles from agricultural soils has been documented for the first time. Preferential accumulation and transport of different particle morphologies &amp;#8211; e.g. fibres vs fragments &amp;#8211; was also observed. These findings form the basis of innovative modelling work in the case study catchments to predict dynamics of agricultural microplastic contamination and subsequent transfer to aquatic environments.&lt;/p&gt;


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