AGRICULTURAL USE OF SEWAGE-SLUDGE AND ITS REGULATION

Sewage sludge is waste for which the most positive outlet must be soug ht whilst, at the same time, making use of its qualities. In view of i ts organic matter and other nutrients content, it may be thought that the best system is to use it for agricultural purposes, although the l oad of heavy metals it may bear with it proves to be the main obstacle involved. Since it is a heterogeneous material whose composition depe nds on various factors, the content of such metals in sewage sludge wi ll be highly variable. Thus it becomes necessary to always analyze sew age sludge before directing it towards agricultural use and also to kn ow the heavy metal content of the soil where it is applied already so as to adjust this agronomical practice to the limits as set by current legislation in force. The provisions of law must also be complied wit h when certain substances deemed toxic or dangerous are present in sew age sludge. The purpose of all this is to prevent possible soil pollut ion and other kinds of risk involved in accumulation in the food chain .