Strategic management of non-point source pollution from sewage sludge
Burke, S.; Heathwaite, L.; Quinn, P.; Merrett, S.; Whitehead, P.; Preedy, N.; Lerner, D.; Saul, A.
Water Science and Technology a Journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research 47(7-8): 305-310
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0273-1223 PMID: 12793694 Document Number: 560472
In the UK, the recycling of sewage sludge to land is expected to double by 2006 but the security of this route is threatened by environmental concerns and health scares. Strategic investment is needed to ensure sustainable and secure sludge recycling outlets. At present, the security of this landbank for sludge recycling is determined by legislation relating to nutrient rather than potentially toxic elements (PTEs) applications to land - especially the environmental risk linked to soil phosphorus (P) saturation. We believe that not all land has an equal risk of contributing nutrients derived from applications to land to receiving waters. We are currently investigating whether it is possible to minimize nutrient loss by applying sludge to land outside Critical Source Areas (CSAs) regardless of soil P Index status. Research is underway to develop a predictive and spatially-sensitive, semi-distributed model of critical thresholds for sludge application that goes beyond traditional "end-of-pipe" or "edge-of-field" modelling, to include hydrological flow paths and delivery mechanisms to receiving waters from non-point sources at the catchment scale.