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NE1001: Application of Sewage Biosolids to Agricultural Soils in the Northeast: Long-term Impacts and Benefit Uses

Annual/Termination Reports (SAES-422): [06/01/2001] [08/14/2002] [08/15/2003] [10/18/2004] [11/20/2006]

Date of Annual Report: 06/01/2001

Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 06/01/01 to 06/01/01
  • Period the Report Covers: 06/2000 to 06/2001

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    This attachment includes the complete Annual Report.


    URL: Copy of minutes

    Accomplishments:

    Impact Statements:
    Last Modified: unknown

    Date of Annual Report: 08/14/2002

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 06/17/02 to 06/18/02
  • Period the Report Covers: 06/2001 to 06/2002

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    Committee Business: The committee decided that officers would serve 2-year terms. As of this meeting, Uta Krogmann is co-Chair with Ellen Harrison and Christine Bean assumes duties of Secretary.

    The meeting commenced with a welcome from one of the co-chairs, Ellen Harrison, and introductions around the table. The meeting agenda was reviewed and approved.


    The June 17th early morning session began with Tony Ho discussing regulatory/scientific issues related to sewage biosolids, industrial residuals and livestock manure. Silver, antimony, beryllium and thallium are elements that might limit site life. Discussion included the need to look at groundwater, not soil, for pesticide and trace organic levels. Tony expressed an interest in collaborating with U.S. sites for pathogen level comparisons. Trent U is looking at pharmaceuticals in sludges. The City of Toronto is undertaking a health study. Guelph, U. Ottawa and Agriculture Food Canada are beginning a project on pathogens and groundwater. Michael Payne who discussed the Proposed NMA and description of the Act followed Tony. Discussion included questions about local laws on land application, crop requirements for loading restrictions and who will present training courses.


    The third morning session was on Public Attitudes and Knowledge about Biosolids presented by Heather Clark, a graduate student of Jim Shanahans at Cornell. Discussion included type of biosolids being land applied in NY, a look at the survey itself and how to assess non-responders.


    Following the early morning session, Ellen Harrison gave a Regulatory Update, which included new information on dioxin levels and molybdenum. Tony Ho discussed a classification system to rate odors and develop ID50 values for hog and cattle manures. Ellen shared information on several studies currently under way, which address odors and include Pat Millners group at USDA, Beltsville and Susan Schiffman at Duke University.


    The session continued with Chip Elliott discussing water extractable phosphorous in biosolids and manures as an indicator of environmental impact. The P content of sludges is increasing. There is not a good correlation between total P and water extractable P in sludges and water extractable P varies greatly with sludge treatment. Potential long-term changes in availability of P in soils to which sludge has been applied are not known. Tammo Steenhuis continued with a presentation on leaching of trace elements and what affect that has on groundwater. Discussion included lifetime loading limits and how pH affects loading limits. Overall only a small percent of the measured metals leached. The leachability is a good indicator of bioavailability to crops. Application of sludges depressed soil pH (except for advanced alkaline stabilized sludge). T. Steenhuis presented a second talk on field and laboratory studies of leaching. Experiments found high S in sludges and bacterial action caused pH to drop and subsequent leaching. Bill McDowell completed the morning session with his discussion on biosolids effect on water quality at a soil manufacturing site in NH where both sewage and papermill sludges were applied. Large spatial variability in nitrogen concentration in monitoring wells was observed and appeared related to location of stockpiles. Stockpiling: Working towards outlawing it in NH; allowed for up to 7 days in PA; VT does not allow it; VA moving towards allowing it. Discussion included the slope of the gravel layer being a factor in movement and how to study this movement. Bill Goldfarb explained that it is difficult to regulate in the interim without real conclusive scientific data on movement.


    Interest was expressed in having those in the committee interested in soil/water/plant metals work together on data interpretation. Data have been collected by McDowell in NH, Stehouwer in PA, the Cornell group in NYS and in Guelph with the Guelph group.


    Afternoon sessions began with Murray McBride presenting data on Mo and Cd in soils an uptake in plants as part of a collaborative project with Bev Hale and Les Evans at Guelph and Jerry Cherney at Cornell. Long-term application sites in Guelph, Elora and Cambridge were studied. Mo is more available at high pH. More than 50% of the Mo is no longer in the soil as calculated from estimated soil loading. Approximately 5% is lost each year. Jennifer Hargreaves, a student of Bev Hales at of U of Guelph, continued and presented newly developed tin and thallium methods for testing for these unregulated metals. Uta Krogmann presented sludge data from New Jersey POTWs >1 MGD with >4 years data. Discussion included questions regarding laboratories performing tests and whether the lab is in or outside labs and whether they are certified. All data were from certified labs. Even so, some of the minimums and maximums reported were not realistic values. Cd, Cu and Pb were significantly higher in sludges from WWTP with >10% industrial input. Pb and Zn were lower in smaller WWTP than larger ones. The standard deviation for TKN, P and Pb were higher from small facilities. Ellen Harrison presented Septage Quality of domestic land applied septage. There are remarkably few data on septage quality. Existing data indicate that cumulative loading limits for a number of metals may be exceeded in relatively few applications. Discussion included the fact that in Canada there are no data on septage quality. Some of the problems with septage disposal at WWTP include the need for facilities at the WWTP to hold it and bleed it in slowly due to the strength and also treatment plants location. Issues with reliability and reproducibility of data arose due to variability between labs. Tony Ho suggested expanding survey to apply for funding increasing sample numbers for septage. Harrison, Chip Elliott and Bill McDowell expressed interest.


    The afternoon session was completed with a presentation on organic contaminants from Mark LaGuardia, which included discussion of endocrine disrupters and PCB degradation. The sludge set provided by Cornell, samples of Toronto sludge, as well as soil from the Cornell orchard site were among samples analyzed. No BDEs were detected in old orchard soil (sludge was from 1978 and BDEs not used until 1975). Sludge treatment processes resulted in reduction in PCBs and PBDEs perhaps due to volatilization. Discussion included questions about where these organics are going and if they are volatilizing from fields as BDEs. Michael Payne presented his 4-month stockpile study of nutrients, bacteria and temperature. Bacteria did not die off. Very little P leached. The concentration of N was higher in July than May while P showed the opposite trend. Discussions included how do these stockpiles compare to real 2-3 ton piles? Management practices were also discussed as well as set backs being the most reasonable practice.


    Anthony Hay from Cornell gave the final presentation for June 17th. He discussed bacterial degradation of nonylphenols. Discussion included the effect on earthworms and soil health and the fact that this is an environmental health concern, not a human health concern. Estimate no effect level in soil is 1.37 mg/kg (Envt. Canada) for earthworm reproduction. Recent USGS study showed nonylphenols in 60% of streams. Concentrations in sludges in upstate NY are 1129-1840 ppm. Soil concentration at one sludge-applied site was 3.4 mg/kg. NPs persist in anaerobic environments. Half-life in soil appears directly related to size of sludge granule. A discussion followed regarding the potential for even very small losses of some toxic organics to groundwater can result in water quality violations and health concerns due to the low levels considered to present a risk. Most standards are based on models that do not account for preferential flow. Use of field based testing was suggested, but limits regarding detection and the specifics of each field setting are drawbacks. Steenhuis suggested that we seek European data, which are often ignored in the U.S.


    Pathogen presentations began on day two (June 18th) with presentation from Jacqueline Brabants and Christine Bean of UNH. The speakers stressed the need for improved methods of detection of pathogens in biosolids. For example, Ascaris is used as an indicator organism for Class A, but was not detected above the Class A standard in any of the raw sludge samples tested. Thirty percent of the samples were positive for Cryptosporidium, but no correlation was found with Ascaris. Methodology of detection had a strong bearing on monitoring for pathogens. Discussion included a question about the use of Clostridium perfringens as an indicator organism.


    Other Discussion Topics and Current Research:


     Larry Swanson (SUNY Stony Brook) described concerns over radioactive materials in waste. He is involved in a study of radioactivity in biosolids at several WWTP on Long Island looking at facilities that do and do not include hospitals.


     Tony Ho listed ideas for research priorities to include;
     Presence and concentration of PCB/PBEE
     Health impact of biosolids use. Human Health and Environmental Health literature review- City of Toronto
     Quebec Ministry-literature review on biosolids aerosols (in French, will be translated)
     Biological agents in aerosols from paper biosolids- fungus and bacteria
     Analytical methods for pharmaceuticals in sewage and biosolids (Trent U)
     Quantifying odors


     Ellen Harrison gave an update on the Sludge Victims- persons alleging health impacts from land application and the lack of agency tracking or investigation.


     Goldfarb mentioned the poor enforcement and compliance regarding biosolids and low penalties assessed even when enforcement actions are taken.


     Swanson and Goldfarb brought up the issue of reopening discussions on ocean disposal of biosolids


     Shanahan discussed research planned on knowledge, awareness and perception of risk on the part of NYS dairy farmers regarding sludge use.


     Cornell maintains roughly 90 soil columns from sludge application experiment.


     McBride and Guelph collaborators continue to take data on long-term Guelph plots. They may do a metal mass balance, but are unsure if loading rate estimates are good enough to make this worthwhile.


     Streibig at PSC is characterizing odor compounds.


     Stenhouwer at PSU is doing a project on strip mine reclamation and nitrate.


     McDowell is finishing up research at the mine reclamation/soil-manufacturing site.


     Dan Decker advised that the group stays focused and that there is no human health in the proposal.


     Interest in engaging and economist was discussed.


    To Do/Collaboration:


     Sample sharing- UNH will share samples with Anthony Hay of Cornell


     NE Directors are considering an RFP on rural land use via the NE Ctr. for Rural Development. Dan Decker will share with the group.


     Septage: Find out how septage is being handled in each of our states and Ontario. (Land application is not allowed in NJ, is allowed in NY, NH, PA) There is a need for data. Steenhuis suggested lab problems might explain some of the high variability in data. Contacting Ann Wolf at PSU lab was suggested. Harrison, Tony Ho, Chip Elliott and Bill McDowell expressed interest in considering further work on septage quality


     Interest was expressed in having those in the committee interested in soil/water/plant metals work together on date interpretation. Data have been collected by McDowell in NH, Stehouwer in PA, the Cornell group in NYS and in Guelph with the Guelph group. A meeting of this sub-group was proposed and Cornell will take the lead.


     Steenhuis suggested that we seek European data, which are often ignored in the U.S.


     A Special Education Publication of the American Society of Agronomy on biosolids and their land application has been proposed. Daniel Gimenez (Rutgers) was approached by the ASA and in turn approached NE1001 to work on this publication. Prior to the June 2002 meeting, the extension subcommittee (Krogmann, Harrison and Stehouwer) met by phone and agreed that this was worth exploring. Daniel Gimenez of Rutgers presented information on the production of an educational publication on biosolids and land application. A 40-page booklet on general information is to be created in approximately one year. The NE1001 group agreed that this would increase the visibility of the biosolids issue and that we would like to be involved. The target audience would not be experts, but other scientists not in the field, teachers and policy makers for use for classes, legislators and public officials and to get good science into the political process. Dan Decker suggested that a subcommittee work on the project and another group do peer review so that the committee sanctifies the product. The scope and a detailed outline would be submitted for ASA approval. Then once written, ASA writing staff would edit it. A number of questions were raised and Gimenez will follow up with ASA. Volunteers to work on the project with Daniel Gimenez include Uta Krogmann, Bill Goldfarb, Ellen Harrison, Rick Stehouwer and Larry Swanson.


    Other Meetings/Reports:


     National Academy of Sciences Report will be released 7/2/02 to the public


     SETAC meeting will have a session on biosolids/gray water section 11/02 co-chaired by Hale and Harrison


     Next NE1001 meeting will be held at Cornell University 6/03

    Accomplishments:
    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:
    Water extractable P in Biosolids and Manures: Evaluation and Implications-Chip Elliott, Penn State University
    Long term leaching of tract elements-Brian Richards, presented by Tammo Steenhuis, Cornell
    Nitrate and metals in groundwater beneath a biosolids application site-Bill McDowell, UNH
    Availability of Mo and Cd to bromegrass 20 years after sewage sludge application to a high-lime soil-Murray McBride, Cornell
    Analytical methods for tine and thallium in biosolids-Jennifer Hargreaves, University of Guelph
    Septage Quality and land application-Ellen Harrison, Cornell
    Selected nutrients and heavy metals in sewage sludge from New Jersey POTWs-Uta Krogmann, Rutgers
    Effects of Stabilization Process on Organic Contaminants in Biosolids-Mark LaGuardia, William & Mary
    Stockpile Study-Michael Payne, OMAF
    Evaluation of Bacterial, Enteric Virus, Protozoan and Helminth Persistence in Class B Lime Stabilized Sludge (Part I)-Jacqueline Brabants, UNH
    Evaluation of Bacterial, Enteric Virus, Protozoan and Helminth Persistence in Class B Lime Stabilized Sludge (Part II)-Christine Bean, UNH


    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:
    Regulatory/scientific issues related to sewage biosolids, industrial residuals, livestock manure- Tony Ho, OME
    Ontarios Bill 81- Michael Payne, OMAFRA
    Measuring Public Knowledge of and Attitudes about Biosolids- Heather Clark and Jim Shanahan, Cornell


    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:
    Dairy farms guidance document-Ellen Harrison, Cornell
    Educational Publication on Biosolids and Land Application-Daniel Gimenez, Rutgers

    Impact Statements:
    Last Modified: unknown

    Date of Annual Report: 08/15/2003

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 06/26/03 to 06/27/03
  • Period the Report Covers: 06/2002 to 06/2003

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/NERA/AnnualReport2003.htm

    Accomplishments:
    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 Cornells 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.

    Impact Statements:
    1. The research conducted in this project helps the agricultural community in the Northeast to make more informed decisions about land application of sewage biosolids taking the Northeast specific conditions into account. For example, the research showed that more protective Mo standards and/or recommendations are needed for dairy farms with alkaline soils.
    Last Modified: unknown

    Date of Annual Report: 10/18/2004

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 07/08/04 to 07/09/04
  • Period the Report Covers: 07/2003 to 06/2004

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    See http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/NERA/2004minutes.htm

    Accomplishments:
    This project examines the application of sewage biosolids to agricultural soils in the northeastern US. 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).

    Research on fate and transport of P suggests a P management that should consider: a) soil test P interpretation based on environmental risk; b) source P solubility differences; c) P source phytoavailability differences; and d) buffer zone practices that mitigate P export.

    Research on fate and transport of Mo found cumulative loading of Mo is not relevant and pH is key to Mo availability.

    Research comparing soil testing methods shows most standard methods do not measure biologically important concentrations and point to need for revised methods.

    On national level, committee involved in developing and piloting methods for engaging stakeholders in sewage biosolids research.

    Plans for the coming year:

    1. Develop recommendations regarding land application of sewage biosolids specific to the Northeast.

    2. Produce a publication on testing of soils and sewage biosolids.

    3. Become a coordinating committee to continue meeting in future years.

    Impact Statements:
    1. Publications written based on committee`s work provide research-based information on availability of phosphorus from biosolids;
    2. on relation of biosolids application to soil acidification and resultant leaching;
    3. on assessment of environmental impacts of biosolids application on a dairy farm; and
    4. on guidance for dairy farmers on land application.
    Last Modified: unknown

    Date of Annual Report: 11/20/2006

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 07/07/00 to 07/08/05
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2000 to 09/2005

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    See minutes of meetings posted at http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/NERA/NEhome.html

    Accomplishments:
    Research conducted has contributed to the knowledge-base needed to make sound choices regarding practices and policies related to the use of sewage biosolids in agriculture. Based on the committee's work, 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.

    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.

    Emerging contaminanats in Biosolids
    Sewage biosolids were found to contain brominated flame retardants, PAHs and other contaminants. Persistence in soil of PCBs and PAHs over more than 20 years was found.

    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; Ontarios 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. Hence the use of Ascaris as an indicator species may not be appropriate.

    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.

    Water Quality Impacts of Biosolids as Landscape Amendments
    Biosolid additions to soils result in increased nitrate and ammonium leaching after application. In general, NO3- leaching was much higher than NH4+ indicating a well-aerated environment. Trace element leaching is higher under biosolid treatments than under natural soils or topsoil additions. Greatest losses of nitrate and ammonium and trace elements are from mixed treatments. All trace elements concentrations are below EPA drinking water standards

    Parasites in biosolids - detection and destruction
    Pathogens of concern include viruses (those not encapsulated), bacteria (those that survive well or form spores), protozoa (mainly in effluent stream), and helminthes (mainly in solids stream). Class B biosolids contain the eggs of helminthes, probably Ascaris lumbricoides. Class A biosolids must be tested to verify that Ascaris lumbricoides eggs, salmonella, and the poliovirus are destroyed. The process is tested, not the specific compost. Routine chlorination does not routinely kill Giardia and Cryptosporidium that are not degraded by the aeration treatment of the water. Most protozoa are found in large numbers. Giardia/mouse (plant pilot) studies show UV treatment of treated effluent will provide > 3 log reductions in viable cysts, chlorine dioxide treatment of the effluent will provide > 3 log reductions, and municipality now looking at combination treatments to push the value to 4 logs of reduction. Ascaris/UV work was done because of concern that foodstuff will be contaminated with human pathogens. Ascaris is more difficult to kill than other pathogens and can be used as a "worse case scenario" organism to test processes. Research shows tanned Ascaris eggs with an outer coat, the stage passed in feces, are much more difficult to kill with UV than either Cryptosporidium or MS2 phage. Curves have been generated that can be used to assess parameters needed for food safety. Future biosolids work includes examining the use of Sentinel Chambers for determining the production of Class A material, examining the possibility of using ATAD-Class A sludge as a base for green mulch seeding material, and examining surrogates for ability to replace Ascaris eggs in proving processes are Class A in full-scale systems.

    Impact Statements:
    1. Dairy farmers and their advisors are able to make decisions about sludge use based on up to date information and can adopt practices to minimize risks.
    2. Methods to monitor and assess the impact of contaminant additions to soils have been improved.
    3. Decision-makers in government, agriculture and business have better data on which to base their decisions regarding regulation and use of sludges.
    4. Non-traditional stakeholders, including people living adjacent to sludge-applied lands, have become participants in relevant research.
    5. Policies regarding P regulation in some states are taking into consideration the differences in availability.
    6. Regulators developing soil standards for Brownfield clean-ups benefited by having research-based knowledge.
    Last Modified: unknown
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