By Chuck
Barber, Regional Sales Manager
Researchers
at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science have raised questions about the
safety of using treated sewage as fertilizers. Sludge often contains high
levels of toxic chemicals called BDEs according to the research published in
the journal Nature.
Sludge is the byproduct of sewage treatment - the processing of human excrement
and household waste.
Sludge
samples examined by the research team typically contained 1 to 2 parts of BDEs
per million of sludge, which is high. The chemicals are more often measured in
parts per billion. Medical researchers suspect BDEs may impair the immune and
endocrine systems and delay intellectual and physical development. BDEs are
used to make foam seat cushions fire-resistant and are chemically similar to
PCB, DDT and dioxin, pollutants considered lethal threats to people and
animals. DDT and PCBs were banned in the United States in the 1970s.
Researchers also found BDEs in hundreds of fish across Virginia, the possible
result of the chemicals seeping into waterways from the fields.
Additional
information can be obtained at Virginia Institute of Marine Science: www.vims.edu
Sludge
products are subjected to high temperatures during the sterilization process
that in turn denatures the available protein. This translates to an
inconsistent release of Nitrogen and possible build up in the soil. A safe alternative
to a sludge product are Nature Safe 12-2-0 or 10-2-8. Both are 100% organic and
will deliver unsurpassed value and performance. Our products are composed from
feed grade quality protein and do not contain heavy metal or BDEs. Nature Safe
also provides up to 5 times more amino acids than any sludge or manure product.