Sewage sludge or biosolids have been commonly used in human food production in the Western world, unknown to most people, for about 40 years , but their impact on soil heavy metal concentration varies depending on their origin and treatment. Domestic biosolids typically have lower heavy metal levels compared to industrial ones. Where do these toxins that interefere with human metabolism end-up? In your mouth.
The legislation regulating heavy metal content in biosolids and soil concentrations remains a topic of debate. The long-term effects of heavy metal behavior post-application are still uncertain, as heavy metals can be adsorbed through specific or non-specific reactions in soils, with iron oxides and organic matter playing a crucial role in retaining them.
Biosolids originate from residential, commercial and industrial drains
More than half of the toxic wastewater biosolids in the U.S. are utilized to fertilize farmland.
Biosolids (or sewage sludge) are a major by-product of primary and secondary treatment of residential and industrial effluent in wastewater treatment plants. This means whatever is flushed down drains from commercial, industrial and residential drains end-up in your mouth.
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The growth of the global population and the subsequent rise in industrial production to meet its demands have consistently resulted in an increase in the amount of wastewater that treatment plants receive. As a result, there has been a significant surge in the production of sewage sludge and biosolids from wastewater treatment systems. The most effective way to handle these biosolids is by applying them to land, as they offer various benefits for agriculture. However, it has been discovered that this practice can have negative effects on human health and the environment, as there are still traces of contaminants present in the biosolids even after treatment. This realization has led to the necessity of implementing government regulations to address this issue.
It's also known as solid waste or sludge, are derived from the sewage treatment process. At wastewater treatment plants, the contents are initially separated into water and solid waste. The water undergoes treatment to remove biological contaminants and is then released back into nearby waterways, making it suitable for various purposes, including drinking water. However, what remains after this process is a mixture of sludge consisting of human waste, industrial waste, and pollutants from stormwater runoff. This sludge, referred to as "biosolids," poses a greater challenge when it comes to treatment, storage, and disposal. Interestingly, the nutrient-rich sludge can be purchased by farms at a significantly lower cost compared to other types of manure. It is then used on croplands, providing a valuable resource for agricultural purposes. Surprisingly, the concern is not necessarily the use of human waste as fertilizer across the country. The real issue lies in the fact that this sludge often contains highly toxic chemicals (especially toxic heavy metals along with "forever chemicals") that can find their way into our food and drinking water.
Waste as fertilizer not new, but new substances are poisoning us
Animal wastes and manures have been utilized as a valuable fertilizer for agricultural crop production since the time of the Roman Empire. In the twentieth century, small farms in the United States and Europe often had a combination of crop and animal production. As a result, animal wastes were naturally utilized to boost crop growth. While fossil fuel-based fertilizers became more popular after World War II, the tradition of using animal wastes as fertilizer still persists today, especially in developing nations.
Municipal wastewater and biosolids have been utilized in the United States for over a century for their positive impacts and waste management benefits. In recent decades, there has been a shift towards applying sludge to farmland to ensure crops receive the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, numerous studies delved into the advantages and risks of land application in the United States and Europe. It wasn't until 1993 that federal regulations were put in place with the Part 503 Sludge Rule. This rule, known as "The Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge" (EPA, 1993; 1994), aimed to safeguard human health and the environment from any potential harm caused by pollutants. The regulations classified biosolids into Class A and Class B, each with specific restrictions for land application based on the treatment level. As restrictions on ocean dumping tightened, land application of biosolids saw a significant rise. By the year 2000, 60% of all biosolids in the U.S. were being applied to land. Presently, the majority of land application in the U.S. involves Class B biosolids. However, due to public apprehensions regarding potential risks, some regions have prohibited the land application of Class B biosolids.
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There are two categories of biosolids based on their pathogen content: Class A and Class B. Class A biosolids are treated to completely eliminate pathogens, making them safe for unrestricted use, including packaging and sale to the public. On the other hand, Class B biosolids are also treated to reduce pathogens, but they still have detectable levels. Due to this, Class B biosolids have site restrictions to minimize human exposure until environmental factors further reduce pathogen levels. It's important to remember that Class B biosolids cannot be sold or given away in containers, nor used at sites with public access.
Various man-made chemical compounds, commonly utilized in a wide range of products like water-resistant fabrics, cleaning agents, dental floss, shampoo, cosmetics, paint, and non-stick cookware, have been identified in sewage sludge and soil treated with biosolids (Source: national library medicine: A review on the fate and effects of contaminants in biosolids applied on land: Hazards and government regulatory policies)
PFAS, commonly referred to as 'forever chemicals', have emerged as a widespread concern due to their detection in various locations, including biosolids. Unfortunately, treatment facilities are not required to screen for or remove PFAS chemicals, leaving us largely unaware of their existence. These hazardous substances can be present in industrial discharge, drinking water, runoff from airports and military installations, and even in everyday products. The issue escalates when different types of waste are combined in one area, like a wastewater treatment plant, resulting in dangerously high levels of PFAS. With the absence of testing and regulatory supervision, farmers inadvertently spread PFAS-laden toxic sludge into the environment, inadvertently contaminating their crops.
Since 1993, the EPA has been actively investigating sewage biosolids and has identified a staggering 700 pollutants. Moreover, they have compiled a comprehensive list of 726 chemicals found in biosolids, which is available in the National Sewage Sludge Surveys. However, it's important to note that this list does not cover over 9,000 different PFAS chemicals. It's crucial to understand that the mere presence of a pollutant does not automatically require a wastewater treatment plant to remove it. Additionally, the EPA emphasizes that the presence of a pollutant in biosolids alone does not indicate any potential harm to human health or the environment.
Despite this, state governments persist in permitting the spreading of biosolids on farmland or their sale as compost. In Michigan, an environmental official recently said "the state won’t test for PFAS in milk because it doesn’t want to put farmers out of business." While the spokesperson for Michigan's department of environment, Great Lakes, and energy did not address inquiries regarding biosolid use directly, they did mention that the state has intensified PFAS testing and provided recommendations for biosolid applications in 2017.
Despite this, Christy McGillivray, the Great Lakes manager for the Sierra Club, pointed out that Michigan lacks PFAS standards: "that makes it impossible to regulate." Currently, states are not conducting tests for the majority of the numerous chemicals present in sludge, apart from PFAS (source: the guardian UK)
The presence of heavy metals in biosolids, such as arsenic, mercury, selenium, molybdenum, titanium, antimony, zinc, cadmium, copper, chromium, lead, and nickel, can limit their application on land due to potential environmental concerns. The concentrations of these heavy metals in biosolids vary depending on the source of wastewater, the wastewater treatment process, and industrial activities. While some heavy metals like manganese, zinc, and copper can benefit plant growth at low levels, others like lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic can be harmful. Over time, the accumulation of heavy metals in the soil from biosolid application can reach high levels, even with short-term use.
How do these toxins impact our metabolism and general individual health? How do I mitigate these substances?
Heavy metals have a significant impact on our health, not just in terms of acute toxicity. Long-term exposure to heavy metals can lead to oxidative stress, accelerated aging, and increased risk of disease. It's not just about immediate effects; even small exposures over time can alter the course of your life. This is why researchers like Landran and Grene highlighted the subclinical neurodevelopmental effects of lead on children, leading to its removal from gasoline. These metals can bioaccumulate slowly, affecting mental and physiological functions, with the brain being particularly sensitive. Mental health conditions may manifest first before more severe neurological disorders later in life. It's crucial to pay attention to these long-term effects of heavy metal exposure.
At this juncture, it is crucial to acknowledge that unbound metals and minerals contribute to 99% of the stress experienced by individuals. Therefore, it becomes imperative to effectively manage and control these elements in order to achieve optimal health and vitality. Additionally, it is important to dispel the misconception that one's mental state and brain function solely depend on hormones. For instance, women undergoing menopause often complain of brain fog, while men with testosterone issues may experience anxiety, depression, fatigue, and other cognitive impairments. However, it is worth noting that these symptoms, commonly attributed to hormonal imbalances, can also be caused by the presence of metals in the body.
Mineral imbalances and deficiencies play a crucial role in optimizing cognitive and mental function in today's world. Linus Pauling, a pioneer in nutritional science, proved that every sickness, disease, and ailment can be linked back to a mineral deficiency. This statement is becoming increasingly accurate as time goes on. Without proper mineral balance, practicing effective medicine and achieving great results is impossible. Keeping your minerals in balance is essential for maintaining overall well-being.
The minerals play a crucial role in your body's natural antioxidant system. Antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase, as well as glutathione, all rely on minerals to function effectively. When there is an imbalance in these minerals, it disrupts the system and can lead to further complications. Accumulating metals adds another layer of complexity to the problem, creating a vicious cycle that is challenging to reverse. Interestingly, there is a wealth of literature supporting the idea that inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to conditions like depression. This is a widely accepted finding, not a controversial one. Considering that the antioxidant system forms the foundation of our body's defense against oxidative damage, it is reasonable to assume that mental health conditions, particularly depression, may be linked to inflammation stemming from this imbalance.
Do I need all organic food to avoid this intake?
It's true that not all produce needs to be truly organic but of course it's ideal. For many this idea is cost prohibitive and the word "organic" has become heavily commercialized over the decades and this means many products are not actually "organic" but this is another topic. As for trying to avoid artificial pest retardants: fruits like apples with hard skins can be washed thoroughly to remove any pesticides but the innards are likely still grown with biosolids. However, when it comes to fruits with soft skins like berries, it's best to opt for organic ones since washing may not be enough to remove all the chemicals. When it comes to meat, choosing organic is crucial. Non-organic meat often contains antibiotics that can have negative effects on our intestines and disrupt our metabolism. It's important to prioritize our health and opt for organic meat whenever possible. While there are some items that can be bought non-organic without much concern, there are many others that should be organic due to the use of harmful, metabolically disruptive substances. It's all about making informed choices and being mindful of the potential risks associated with certain products along with a yearly or bi-annually individualized cellular nutritional analysis.
References:
https://bluejeans.com/playback/s/612RDp5KxezKzFhRkTMCeoENuw3GdFqyKtgTB7zBwyb4fCGhcL7NKesuUTogBF7T
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/05/biosolids-toxic-chemicals-pollution
