Biosolids towards Back-To-Earth alternative concept (BEA) for environmental sustainability: a review

Biosolids are a nutrient-rich stable substance obtained during wastewater treatment process. With amplifying population and industrial development, upsurge of biosolid generation is also speculated. Biosolids are endowed with essential plant nutrient (macro- and micro-nutrients) which qualifies them to be used as soil amendment and in turn dwindles the use of chemical fertilizers. The characteristics of biosolid depends on the nature of the treatment process. In this regard, it would be possible to recycle certain nutrients from the agricultural use of biosolids and could be a sustainable solution to the management of this waste. Biosolids may therefore serve as a key tool for farm utilization. It improves the soil health through nutrient supply and promotes the plant growth. Furthermore, they are slow-release fertilizer and hence, restrains from groundwater contamination. This review, in a nutshell, unravels the influence of biosolids on land application, its effect on soil properties, agricultural and horticultural crops, environmental ramification of biosolids in restoring the degraded land and carbon sequestration.