Using Waste Management to Improve Soil & Water
This research responds to shortcomings in the existing practice of using biosolids, produced during the wastewater treatment process, for fertilizing farmland. Wastewater biosolids are rich in organic matter and nutrients, but they contain micropollutants including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals, from industrial processes, personal care products and many other sources. As a result, wastewater biosolids are increasingly sent to landfills, where they produce GHG emissions. By transforming biosolids into biochar, which can also be used as fertilizer, it may be possible to resolve the micropollutant and GHG concerns, although some fertilizer value is lost in the production process.
The researchers are studying various techniques to optimize the wastewater biochar production process to reduce micropollutants while retaining nutrients. In addition, they are evaluating biochar’s ability to filter contaminants out of other nutrient-rich liquid waste streams, and to bind nutrients to produce fertilizers even richer in nitrogen and phosphorus.
Finally, Rich Earth Institute is engaging with farmers, policymakers, soil health advocates, and other stakeholders to identify interests and concerns, develop informational resources, and support regulatory and planning processes to ensure the safety and appropriate use of wastewater-derived fertilizer.