Understanding impacts and opportunities for beneficial reuse of biosolids via land application

In Australia, around 1.4 million tonnes of biosolids were produced in 2021. Land application of biosolids can promote environmental benefits such as: improve soil structure, carbon sequestration, cycling of nutrients as well as realising economic benefits through conserved landfill space, increased crop production and reduced demand for fertilizers. However, biosolids can have negative impacts on the environment if not properly managed.  Currently there is a lack of data on volatile emissions from biosolids when applied to land in Australia. Volatile emissions as well as impacting the environment can contribute to odours which reduce the community acceptance. Variations in volatile emissions can occur due to wastewater origins, biosolids processing, application methods and local conditions. This project aims to 1) identify and collate data from literature and industry on biosolids land application practices in Australia, and 2) measure volatile emissions from different biosolids, biosolids-amended soils and land application methods to inform best practice.

PhD Thesis underway by Thais Nunes Guerrero.