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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Integrated Field Lysimetry and Porewater Sampling for Evaluation of Chemical Mobility in Soils and Established Vegetation

Integrated Field Lysimetry and Porewater Sampling for Evaluation of Chemical Mobility in Soils and Established Vegetation

Published on: July 4, 2014

Long-term land application of biosolids-a case study.

R Y Surampalli¹, K C K Lai, S K Banerji

¹US EPA, PO Box 17-2141, Kansas City, Kansas 66117, USA. surampalli.rao@epamail.epa.gov

Water Science and Technology : a Journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research

|March 1, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Long-term biosolids application did not lead to heavy metal or pathogen contamination in soil or groundwater. However, occasional nitrate-nitrogen groundwater contamination occurred, highlighting the importance of applying biosolids at agronomic rates.

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Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Soil Science
Water Quality Management

Background:

Biosolids are increasingly used as soil amendments.
Long-term impacts on soil and groundwater quality require thorough evaluation.
Understanding nutrient and contaminant fate is crucial for sustainable land application.

Purpose of the Study:

To assess the long-term effects of biosolids application on soil and groundwater quality.
To analyze pathogen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and heavy metal levels in amended sites.
To determine the safety and sustainability of biosolids land application over time.

Main Methods:

Collection of soil and groundwater samples from biosolids application sites and background areas.
Analysis of samples for heavy metals, pathogens (bacteriological levels), nitrogen (nitrate-nitrogen), and phosphorus.
Comparison of contaminant levels with drinking water standards and permissible limits.

Main Results:

No significant accumulation of heavy metals in biosolids-amended soil after 10 years.
Heavy metal concentrations in groundwater remained well below maximum contamination levels.
Bacteriological levels in soil and groundwater indicated no pathogen contamination.
Occasional nitrate-nitrogen contamination in groundwater was observed, linked to past excess biosolids loading.

Conclusions:

Long-term land application of biosolids at appropriate rates is generally safe regarding heavy metals and pathogens.
Excessive past application of biosolids can lead to nitrate-nitrogen groundwater contamination.
Applying biosolids at agronomic rates is essential to prevent nitrogen leaching and protect groundwater quality.