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Nobili S, Masin CE, Zalazar CS, Lescano MR. Vermistabilization of excess sludge employing Eisenia fetida: Earthworm histopathological alterations and phytotoxicity evaluation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 368:122174. [PMID: 39151339 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to stabilize excess sludge (ES) coming from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) by vermistabilization and to evaluate ecotoxicological effects over the earthworm species Eisenia fetida. Three mixtures were made up in triplicate using different volume ratios of ES and soil (S) (100% ES, 70:30% ES:S and 30:70% ES:S in wet weight basis). Earthworms were added in order to compare vermicomposting vs. natural stabilization. The mixtures were monitored over 130 days through physical, chemical, pathological and biological analysis, following quality standards depicted in the US EPA 40 CFR Part 503, local regulations and background studies. Histopathological samples were processed as biomarkers of acute and chronic toxicity on earthworms, and germination assays were performed at the end of the experiment to assess phytotoxicity. In terms of pathogen depletion comparing initial and final values from each treatment, the mixtures with higher ES proportions (70 and 100%) with earthworms were the most efficient ones registering 64.8 and 75.5% of reduction of fecal coliforms (FC) respectively, while the lowest ES proportion with earthworms (30%) showed 54.7%. Final pathogens content in all the treatments with earthworms were significantly lower (ranged from 1360 to 1760 MPN g total solids-1) than the values registered in treatments without earthworms (ranged from 2400 to 4000 MPN g total solids-1) (p < 0.05). However, none of the treatments attained class A categorization (FC ≤ 1000 MPN g total solids-1) in terms of FC. Also, values of mean cocoon production and hatched juveniles along time were significantly higher in the treatments with 100 and 70% ES (p < 0.05), while the higher mean adult biomass was detected in the treatment with 30% ES. Volatile solids decrease ranged between 8.45 and 22.34% in treatments with earthworms and all values of specific oxygen uptake rate were below 1.5 mg O2 h -1 g total solids -1. There were not negative effects over behavior or reproduction of E. fetida adults, nor the presence of external and internal injuries. Final products from mixtures with earthworms presented a humus-like structure, were odorless and reached maturity values -presenting no phytotoxicity-with significant differences between germination index values of treatments with and without earthworms (p < 0.05). Vermistabilization is a successful eco-technology to sanitize excess sludge, acquiring an added-value material and contributing to its revalorization as organic amendments or fertilizers in soils within the circular economy framework and the United Nations' Sustainability Development Goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Nobili
- Instituto de Desarrollo Tecnológico para la Industria Química (INTEC), Predio CONICET Santa Fe "Dr. Alberto Cassano", Ruta Nacional 168, Km. 0 - Paraje "El Pozo", 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Carolina E Masin
- Instituto de Desarrollo Tecnológico para la Industria Química (INTEC), Predio CONICET Santa Fe "Dr. Alberto Cassano", Ruta Nacional 168, Km. 0 - Paraje "El Pozo", 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Cristina S Zalazar
- Instituto de Desarrollo Tecnológico para la Industria Química (INTEC), Predio CONICET Santa Fe "Dr. Alberto Cassano", Ruta Nacional 168, Km. 0 - Paraje "El Pozo", 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Maia R Lescano
- Instituto de Desarrollo Tecnológico para la Industria Química (INTEC), Predio CONICET Santa Fe "Dr. Alberto Cassano", Ruta Nacional 168, Km. 0 - Paraje "El Pozo", 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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Estoppey N, Castro G, Slinde GA, Hansen CB, Løseth ME, Krahn KM, Demmer V, Svenni J, Tran TVAT, Asimakopoulos AG, Arp HPH, Cornelissen G. Exposure assessment of plastics, phthalate plasticizers and their transformation products in diverse bio-based fertilizers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170501. [PMID: 38307289 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Bio-based fertilizers (BBFs) produced from organic waste have the potential to reduce societal dependence on limited and energy-intensive mineral fertilizers. BBFs, thereby, contribute to a circular economy for fertilizers. However, BBFs can contain plastic fragments and hazardous additives such as phthalate plasticizers, which could constitute a risk for agricultural soils and the environment. This study assessed the exposure associated with plastic and phthalates in BBFs from three types of organic wastes: agricultural and food industry waste (AgriFoodInduWaste), sewage sludge (SewSludge), and biowaste (i.e., garden, park, food and kitchen waste). The wastes were associated with various treatments like drying, anaerobic digestion, and vermicomposting. The number of microplastics (0.045-5 mm) increased from AgriFoodInduWaste-BBFs (15-258 particles g-1), to SewSludge-BBFs (59-1456 particles g-1) and then to Biowaste-BBFs (828-2912 particles g-1). Biowaste-BBFs mostly contained packaging plastics (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), with the mass of plastic (>10 g kg-1) exceeding the EU threshold (3 g kg-1, plastics >2 mm). Other BBFs mostly contained small (< 1 mm) non-packaging plastics in amounts below the EU limit. The calculated numbers of microplastics entering agricultural soils via BBF application was high (107-1010 microplastics ha-1y-1), but the mass of plastic released from AgriFoodInduWaste-BBFs and SewSludge-BBFs was limited (< 1 and <7 kg ha-1y-1) compared to Biowaste-BBFs (95-156 kg ha-1y-1). The concentrations of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP; < 2.5 mg kg-1) and phthalate transformation products (< 8 mg kg-1) were low (< benchmark of 50 mg kg-1 for DEHP), attributable to both the current phase-out of DEHP as well as phthalate degradation during waste treatment. The Biowaste-BBF exposed to vermicomposting indicated that worms accumulated phthalate transformation products (4 mg kg-1). These results are overall positive for the implementation of the studied AgriFoodInduWaste-BBFs and SewSludge-BBFs. However, the safe use of the studied Biowaste-BBFs requires reducing plastic use and improving sorting methods to minimize plastic contamination, in order to protect agricultural soils and reduce the environmental impact of Biowaste-BBFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Estoppey
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Gabriela Castro
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7024 Trondheim, Norway; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, Institute for Research in Chemical and Biological Analysis (IAQBUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Gøril Aasen Slinde
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway
| | - Caroline Berge Hansen
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway
| | - Mari Engvig Løseth
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Viona Demmer
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jørgen Svenni
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway; Department of Mechanical, Electrical and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Art and Design, OsloMet, 0176 Oslo, Norway
| | - Teresa-Van-Anh Thi Tran
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway; Department of Mechanical, Electrical and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Art and Design, OsloMet, 0176 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Hans Peter H Arp
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway; Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7024 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Gerard Cornelissen
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway; Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), 1432 Ås, Norway
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Bünemann EK, Reimer M, Smolders E, Smith SR, Bigalke M, Palmqvist A, Brandt KK, Möller K, Harder R, Hermann L, Speiser B, Oudshoorn F, Løes AK, Magid J. Do contaminants compromise the use of recycled nutrients in organic agriculture? A review and synthesis of current knowledge on contaminant concentrations, fate in the environment and risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168901. [PMID: 38042198 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Use of nutrients recycled from societal waste streams in agriculture is part of the circular economy, and in line with organic farming principles. Nevertheless, diverse contaminants in waste streams create doubts among organic farmers about potential risks for soil health. Here, we gather the current knowledge on contaminant levels in waste streams and recycled nutrient sources, and discuss associated risks. For potentially toxic elements (PTEs), the input of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) from mineral feed supplements remains of concern, while concentrations of PTEs in many waste streams have decreased substantially in Europe. The same applies to organic contaminants, although new chemical groups such as flame retardants are of emerging concern and globally contamination levels differ strongly. Compared to inorganic fertilizers, application of organic fertilizers derived from human or animal feces is associated with an increased risk for environmental dissemination of antibiotic resistance. The risk depends on the quality of the organic fertilizers, which varies between geographical regions, but farmland application of sewage sludge appears to be a safe practice as shown by some studies (e.g. from Sweden). Microplastic concentrations in agricultural soils show a wide spread and our understanding of its toxicity is limited, hampering a sound risk assessment. Methods for assessing public health risks for organic contaminants must include emerging contaminants and potential interactions of multiple compounds. Evidence from long-term field experiments suggests that soils may be more resilient and capable to degrade or stabilize pollutants than often assumed. In view of the need to source nutrients for expanding areas under organic farming, we discuss inputs originating from conventional farms vs. non-agricultural (i.e. societal) inputs. Closing nutrient cycles between agriculture and society is feasible in many cases, without being compromised by contaminants, and should be enhanced, aided by improved source control, waste treatment and sound risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- E K Bünemann
- Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Ackerstrasse 113, 5070 Frick, Switzerland.
| | - M Reimer
- University of Hohenheim, Department of Fertilization and Soil Matter Dynamics, Fruwirthstr. 20, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; Aarhus University, Department of Agroecology, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - E Smolders
- Division Soil and Water Management, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - S R Smith
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - M Bigalke
- Department of Soil Mineralogy and Soil Chemistry, Institute for Applied Geosciences, Technical University of Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstraße 9, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - A Palmqvist
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - K K Brandt
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - K Möller
- University of Hohenheim, Department of Fertilization and Soil Matter Dynamics, Fruwirthstr. 20, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - R Harder
- Environmental Engineering Group, Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - L Hermann
- Proman Management GmbH, Weingartenstrasse 92, 2214 Auersthal, Austria
| | - B Speiser
- Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Ackerstrasse 113, 5070 Frick, Switzerland
| | - F Oudshoorn
- Innovation Centre for Organic Farming (ICOEL), Agro Food Park 26, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - A K Løes
- Norwegian Centre for Organic Agriculture (NORSØK), Gunnars veg 6, N-6630 Tingvoll, Norway
| | - J Magid
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark
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Vullo AI, Vullo DL, Basack SB. Assessment of intensive periurban agriculture soil quality applying biomarkers in earthworms. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 344:118535. [PMID: 37399620 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Periurban agriculture in Argentina is carried out by farmers without adequate control. The indiscriminate agrochemical application for productivity improvement negatively impacts the environment. The objective of this work was to test the quality of periurban agricultural soils by performing bioassays with Eisenia andrei as an indicator. Soils belonging to two orchards with intensive production (S: strawberry/broccoli crop plot and G: tomato/pepper crop greenhouse - Moreno District, Buenos Aires, Argentina) were sampled during 2015 and 2016. As subcellular biomarkers, cholinesterases (ChE), carboxylesterases (CaE), and glutathione-S-transferases (GST) activities were analysed in E. andrei (7-day exposure). While no effect on ChE activities was observed, CaE activities were significantly reduced 18% (S-2016 soil). GST activities were increased 35% and 30% by S-2016 and G-2016, respectively. CaE decrease together with GST increase could be indicative of a negative disturbance. Concerning whole organism biomarkers, reproduction (56-day exposure), avoidance (3-day exposure), and feeding activity (bait-lamina test, 3-day exposure) were analysed. A reduced cocoons' viability (50%), hatchability (55%), accompanied by a low number of juveniles (50%) were observed in all cases. Additionally, the earthworms exhibited significant avoidance responses to S-2015, S-2016 and G-2016 whereas G-2015 soil induced migration. No significant effect on the feeding activity was registered in any case. Most of the E. andrei biomarkers tested could constitute an early warning of harmful effects produced by polluted periurban soils, even if the agrochemical treatment applied remains unknown. The results reveal the need to develop an action plan to avoid further deterioration of the productive soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana I Vullo
- Área Química, Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional General Sarmiento, J.M. Gutiérrez 1150, 1613, Los Polvorines, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Diana L Vullo
- Área Química, Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional General Sarmiento, J.M. Gutiérrez 1150, 1613, Los Polvorines, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET, Godoy Cruz, 2290, C1425FQB, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Silvana B Basack
- Área Química, Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional General Sarmiento, J.M. Gutiérrez 1150, 1613, Los Polvorines, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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