Abstract:
Sludge from wastewater treatment plants is often applied to farmers’ fields as a free fertilizer. However, sludge poses health and environmental risks as its contents are unregulated. The sludge begins as human waste, manufacturing chemicals, and landfill runoff and after being applied to a farm field, it can be ingested by livestock or absorbed in crops. The contents of sludge are discussed and researchers and farms discuss the effects sludge can have on farms, people, and the environment.