NE1001: Application of Sewage Biosolids to Agricultural Soils in the Northeast: Long-term Impacts and Benefit Uses

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[06/01/2001] [08/14/2002] [08/15/2003] [10/18/2004] [11/20/2006]

Date of Annual Report: 06/01/2001

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/01/2001 - 06/01/2001
Period the Report Covers: 06/01/2000 - 06/01/2001

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

This attachment includes the complete Annual Report.

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 08/14/2002

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/17/2002 - 06/18/2002
Period the Report Covers: 06/01/2001 - 06/01/2002

Participants

Bean, Christine (clbean@cisunix.unh.edu)-UNH;
Brabants, Jacqueline (brabants@alberti.unh.edu)-UNH;
Clark, Heather (hac4@cornell.edu)-Cornell;
Decker, Dan (djd6@cornell.edu)-Cornell;
Elliott, Herschel (hae1@psu.edu)-Penn State U;
Gimenez, Daniel (gimenez@envsci.rutgers.edu)-Rutgers;
Goldfarb, Bill (goldfbarb@aesop.rutgers.edu)-Rutgers;
Hale, Beverley (bhale@lrs.uoguelph.ca)-U of Guelph;
Hale, Robert (hale@vims.edu)-William & Mary;
Hargreaves, Jennifer (JHARGREA@lrs.uoguelph.ca)-U of Guelph;
Harrison, Ellen (ezh1@cornell.edu)-Cornell;
Hay, Anthony (agh5@cornell.edu)-Cornell;
Ho, Tony (hoto@ene.gov.on.ca)-Ontario MOE;
Krogmann, Uta (krogmann@aesop.rutgers.edu)-Rutgers;
LaGuardia, Mark (markl@vims.edu)-William & Mary;
McBride, Murray (mbm7@cornell.edu)-Cornell;
McDowell, Bill (bill.mcdowell.unh.edu)-UNH;
Payne, Michael (mpayne@omafra.gov.on.ca)-OMAFRA;
Shanahan, James (jes30@cornell.edu)-Cornell;
Steenhuis, Tammo (tss1@cornell.edu)-Cornell;
Swanson, Larry (lswanson@notes.cc.sunysb.edu)-SUNY Stony Brook

Brief Summary of Minutes

Committee Business: The committee decided that officers would serve 2-year terms. As of this meeting, Uta Krogmann is co-Chair with Ellen Harrison and Christine Bean assumes duties of Secretary.

The meeting commenced with a welcome from one of the co-chairs, Ellen Harrison, and introductions around the table. The meeting agenda was reviewed and approved.

The June 17th early morning session began with Tony Ho discussing regulatory/scientific issues related to sewage biosolids, industrial residuals and livestock manure. Silver, antimony, beryllium and thallium are elements that might limit site life. Discussion included the need to look at groundwater, not soil, for pesticide and trace organic levels. Tony expressed an interest in collaborating with U.S. sites for pathogen level comparisons. Trent U is looking at pharmaceuticals in sludges. The City of Toronto is undertaking a health study. Guelph, U. Ottawa and Agriculture Food Canada are beginning a project on pathogens and groundwater. Michael Payne who discussed the Proposed NMA and description of the Act followed Tony. Discussion included questions about local laws on land application, crop requirements for loading restrictions and who will present training courses.

The third morning session was on Public Attitudes and Knowledge about Biosolids presented by Heather Clark, a graduate student of Jim Shanahans at Cornell. Discussion included type of biosolids being land applied in NY, a look at the survey itself and how to assess non-responders.

Following the early morning session, Ellen Harrison gave a Regulatory Update, which included new information on dioxin levels and molybdenum. Tony Ho discussed a classification system to rate odors and develop ID50 values for hog and cattle manures. Ellen shared information on several studies currently under way, which address odors and include Pat Millners group at USDA, Beltsville and Susan Schiffman at Duke University.

The session continued with Chip Elliott discussing water extractable phosphorous in biosolids and manures as an indicator of environmental impact. The P content of sludges is increasing. There is not a good correlation between total P and water extractable P in sludges and water extractable P varies greatly with sludge treatment. Potential long-term changes in availability of P in soils to which sludge has been applied are not known. Tammo Steenhuis continued with a presentation on leaching of trace elements and what affect that has on groundwater. Discussion included lifetime loading limits and how pH affects loading limits. Overall only a small percent of the measured metals leached. The leachability is a good indicator of bioavailability to crops. Application of sludges depressed soil pH (except for advanced alkaline stabilized sludge). T. Steenhuis presented a second talk on field and laboratory studies of leaching. Experiments found high S in sludges and bacterial action caused pH to drop and subsequent leaching. Bill McDowell completed the morning session with his discussion on biosolids effect on water quality at a soil manufacturing site in NH where both sewage and papermill sludges were applied. Large spatial variability in nitrogen concentration in monitoring wells was observed and appeared related to location of stockpiles. Stockpiling: Working towards outlawing it in NH; allowed for up to 7 days in PA; VT does not allow it; VA moving towards allowing it. Discussion included the slope of the gravel layer being a factor in movement and how to study this movement. Bill Goldfarb explained that it is difficult to regulate in the interim without real conclusive scientific data on movement.

Interest was expressed in having those in the committee interested in soil/water/plant metals work together on data interpretation. Data have been collected by McDowell in NH, Stehouwer in PA, the Cornell group in NYS and in Guelph with the Guelph group.

Afternoon sessions began with Murray McBride presenting data on Mo and Cd in soils an uptake in plants as part of a collaborative project with Bev Hale and Les Evans at Guelph and Jerry Cherney at Cornell. Long-term application sites in Guelph, Elora and Cambridge were studied. Mo is more available at high pH. More than 50% of the Mo is no longer in the soil as calculated from estimated soil loading. Approximately 5% is lost each year. Jennifer Hargreaves, a student of Bev Hales at of U of Guelph, continued and presented newly developed tin and thallium methods for testing for these unregulated metals. Uta Krogmann presented sludge data from New Jersey POTWs >1 MGD with >4 years data. Discussion included questions regarding laboratories performing tests and whether the lab is in or outside labs and whether they are certified. All data were from certified labs. Even so, some of the minimums and maximums reported were not realistic values. Cd, Cu and Pb were significantly higher in sludges from WWTP with >10% industrial input. Pb and Zn were lower in smaller WWTP than larger ones. The standard deviation for TKN, P and Pb were higher from small facilities. Ellen Harrison presented Septage Quality of domestic land applied septage. There are remarkably few data on septage quality. Existing data indicate that cumulative loading limits for a number of metals may be exceeded in relatively few applications. Discussion included the fact that in Canada there are no data on septage quality. Some of the problems with septage disposal at WWTP include the need for facilities at the WWTP to hold it and bleed it in slowly due to the strength and also treatment plants location. Issues with reliability and reproducibility of data arose due to variability between labs. Tony Ho suggested expanding survey to apply for funding increasing sample numbers for septage. Harrison, Chip Elliott and Bill McDowell expressed interest.

The afternoon session was completed with a presentation on organic contaminants from Mark LaGuardia, which included discussion of endocrine disrupters and PCB degradation. The sludge set provided by Cornell, samples of Toronto sludge, as well as soil from the Cornell orchard site were among samples analyzed. No BDEs were detected in old orchard soil (sludge was from 1978 and BDEs not used until 1975). Sludge treatment processes resulted in reduction in PCBs and PBDEs perhaps due to volatilization. Discussion included questions about where these organics are going and if they are volatilizing from fields as BDEs. Michael Payne presented his 4-month stockpile study of nutrients, bacteria and temperature. Bacteria did not die off. Very little P leached. The concentration of N was higher in July than May while P showed the opposite trend. Discussions included how do these stockpiles compare to real 2-3 ton piles? Management practices were also discussed as well as set backs being the most reasonable practice.

Anthony Hay from Cornell gave the final presentation for June 17th. He discussed bacterial degradation of nonylphenols. Discussion included the effect on earthworms and soil health and the fact that this is an environmental health concern, not a human health concern. Estimate no effect level in soil is 1.37 mg/kg (Envt. Canada) for earthworm reproduction. Recent USGS study showed nonylphenols in 60% of streams. Concentrations in sludges in upstate NY are 1129-1840 ppm. Soil concentration at one sludge-applied site was 3.4 mg/kg. NPs persist in anaerobic environments. Half-life in soil appears directly related to size of sludge granule. A discussion followed regarding the potential for even very small losses of some toxic organics to groundwater can result in water quality violations and health concerns due to the low levels considered to present a risk. Most standards are based on models that do not account for preferential flow. Use of field based testing was suggested, but limits regarding detection and the specifics of each field setting are drawbacks. Steenhuis suggested that we seek European data, which are often ignored in the U.S.

Pathogen presentations began on day two (June 18th) with presentation from Jacqueline Brabants and Christine Bean of UNH. The speakers stressed the need for improved methods of detection of pathogens in biosolids. For example, Ascaris is used as an indicator organism for Class A, but was not detected above the Class A standard in any of the raw sludge samples tested. Thirty percent of the samples were positive for Cryptosporidium, but no correlation was found with Ascaris. Methodology of detection had a strong bearing on monitoring for pathogens. Discussion included a question about the use of Clostridium perfringens as an indicator organism.

Other Discussion Topics and Current Research:

Larry Swanson (SUNY Stony Brook) described concerns over radioactive materials in waste. He is involved in a study of radioactivity in biosolids at several WWTP on Long Island looking at facilities that do and do not include hospitals.

Tony Ho listed ideas for research priorities to include;

 Presence and concentration of PCB/PBEE

 Health impact of biosolids use. Human Health and Environmental Health literature review- City of Toronto

 Quebec Ministry-literature review on biosolids aerosols (in French, will be translated)

 Biological agents in aerosols from paper biosolids- fungus and bacteria

 Analytical methods for pharmaceuticals in sewage and biosolids (Trent U)

 Quantifying odors

Ellen Harrison gave an update on the Sludge Victims- persons alleging health impacts from land application and the lack of agency tracking or investigation.

Goldfarb mentioned the poor enforcement and compliance regarding biosolids and low penalties assessed even when enforcement actions are taken.

Swanson and Goldfarb brought up the issue of reopening discussions on ocean disposal of biosolids

Shanahan discussed research planned on knowledge, awareness and perception of risk on the part of NYS dairy farmers regarding sludge use.

Cornell maintains roughly 90 soil columns from sludge application experiment.

McBride and Guelph collaborators continue to take data on long-term Guelph plots. They may do a metal mass balance, but are unsure if loading rate estimates are good enough to make this worthwhile.

Streibig at PSC is characterizing odor compounds.

Stenhouwer at PSU is doing a project on strip mine reclamation and nitrate.

McDowell is finishing up research at the mine reclamation/soil-manufacturing site.

Dan Decker advised that the group stays focused and that there is no human health in the proposal.

Interest in engaging and economist was discussed.

To Do/Collaboration:

Sample sharing- UNH will share samples with Anthony Hay of Cornell

NE Directors are considering an RFP on rural land use via the NE Ctr. for Rural Development. Dan Decker will share with the group.

Septage: Find out how septage is being handled in each of our states and Ontario. (Land application is not allowed in NJ, is allowed in NY, NH, PA) There is a need for data. Steenhuis suggested lab problems might explain some of the high variability in data. Contacting Ann Wolf at PSU lab was suggested. Harrison, Tony Ho, Chip Elliott and Bill McDowell expressed interest in considering further work on septage quality

Interest was expressed in having those in the committee interested in soil/water/plant metals work together on date interpretation. Data have been collected by McDowell in NH, Stehouwer in PA, the Cornell group in NYS and in Guelph with the Guelph group. A meeting of this sub-group was proposed and Cornell will take the lead.

Steenhuis suggested that we seek European data, which are often ignored in the U.S.

A Special Education Publication of the American Society of Agronomy on biosolids and their land application has been proposed. Daniel Gimenez (Rutgers) was approached by the ASA and in turn approached NE1001 to work on this publication. Prior to the June 2002 meeting, the extension subcommittee (Krogmann, Harrison and Stehouwer) met by phone and agreed that this was worth exploring. Daniel Gimenez of Rutgers presented information on the production of an educational publication on biosolids and land application. A 40-page booklet on general information is to be created in approximately one year. The NE1001 group agreed that this would increase the visibility of the biosolids issue and that we would like to be involved. The target audience would not be experts, but other scientists not in the field, teachers and policy makers for use for classes, legislators and public officials and to get good science into the political process. Dan Decker suggested that a subcommittee work on the project and another group do peer review so that the committee sanctifies the product. The scope and a detailed outline would be submitted for ASA approval. Then once written, ASA writing staff would edit it. A number of questions were raised and Gimenez will follow up with ASA. Volunteers to work on the project with Daniel Gimenez include Uta Krogmann, Bill Goldfarb, Ellen Harrison, Rick Stehouwer and Larry Swanson.

Other Meetings/Reports:

National Academy of Sciences Report will be released 7/2/02 to the public

SETAC meeting will have a session on biosolids/gray water section 11/02 co-chaired by Hale and Harrison

Next NE1001 meeting will be held at Cornell University 6/03

Accomplishments

Significant progress was made over the year in meeting the project objectives: Objective 1: To evaluate the utilization of sewage biosolids in soil management in the Northeast by assessing the sustainability of soil quality, water quality and food safety (for people and other animals) where sewage biosolids are applied to agricultural land. Project Progress: Research results for the following work were reported: Water extractable P in Biosolids and Manures: Evaluation and Implications-Chip Elliott, Penn State University Long term leaching of tract elements-Brian Richards, presented by Tammo Steenhuis, Cornell Nitrate and metals in groundwater beneath a biosolids application site-Bill McDowell, UNH Availability of Mo and Cd to bromegrass 20 years after sewage sludge application to a high-lime soil-Murray McBride, Cornell Analytical methods for tine and thallium in biosolids-Jennifer Hargreaves, University of Guelph Septage Quality and land application-Ellen Harrison, Cornell Selected nutrients and heavy metals in sewage sludge from New Jersey POTWs-Uta Krogmann, Rutgers Effects of Stabilization Process on Organic Contaminants in Biosolids-Mark LaGuardia, William & Mary Stockpile Study-Michael Payne, OMAF Evaluation of Bacterial, Enteric Virus, Protozoan and Helminth Persistence in Class B Lime Stabilized Sludge (Part I)-Jacqueline Brabants, UNH Evaluation of Bacterial, Enteric Virus, Protozoan and Helminth Persistence in Class B Lime Stabilized Sludge (Part II)-Christine Bean, UNH Objective 2: To evaluate the legal, social, and political aspects of long-term utilization of sewage sludge products in the Northeast and to identify modes of stakeholder participation in biosolids utilization decision-making. Research results for the following work were reported: Regulatory/scientific issues related to sewage biosolids, industrial residuals, livestock manure- Tony Ho, OME Ontarios Bill 81- Michael Payne, OMAFRA Measuring Public Knowledge of and Attitudes about Biosolids- Heather Clark and Jim Shanahan, Cornell Objective 3: To develop appropriate outreach materials and educational events for the Northeast that links the current research to actual field management of sewage biosolids products in the Northeast. Project Progress: Dairy farms guidance document-Ellen Harrison, Cornell Educational Publication on Biosolids and Land Application-Daniel Gimenez, Rutgers

Publications

Barker, A.V. 2001. Evaluation of composts for growth of grass sods. Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 32: 1841-1860. Hale, R.C., M.J. La Guardia. 2001. Directions in Science: Synthetic organic pollutants in land-applied sewage sludges. The ScientificWorld 1, 10-13. Harrison, E.Z. and M. Eaton. 2001. The role of municipalities in regulating the land application of sewage sludges and septage. Natural Resources Journal 41:77-123. Krogmann, U., Gibson, V., and Chess, C. 2001. Land application of sewage sludge: perceptions of New Jersey vegetable farmers. Waste Manage. Res. 19(2) 115-125. LaGuardia, M.J., R.C. Hale, E. Harvey and T.M. Mainor. 2001. Alkylphenol ethoxylate degradation products in land applied sewage sludges (biosolids). Env. Sci. Technol. 35:4798-4804. McBride, M.B. 2001. Cupric ion activity in peat soil as a toxicity indicator for maize. Journal of Environmental Quality, 30, 78-84. McBride, M.B. and G. Spiers. 2001. Trace element content of selected fertilizers and dairy manures as determined by ICP-MS. Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal., 32, 139-156. Barker, A.V. and G.M. Bryson. 2002. Bioremediation of heavy metals and organic toxicants by composting. The Scientific World 2:407-420. Bryson, G.M. and A.V. Barker. 2002. Sodium accumulation in soils and plants along Massachusetts roadsides. Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Analysis 33:67-78. Bryson, G.M. and A.V. Barker. 2002. Determination of optimal fertilizer concentration range for tomatoes grown in peat-based medium. Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Analysis 33:759-777. Hale, R.C. and M.J. La Guardia. 2002. Have risks associated with the presence of synthetic organic contaminants in land-applied sewage sludges been adequately assessed? New Solutions. V. 12, (4), in press Hale, R.C. and M.J. La Guardia. 2002. Emerging contaminants of concern in coastal and estuarine environments. Chapter 3 in Risk Assessment in Coastal and Estuarine Environments. Ed. M.C. Newman, M.H. Roberts Jr. and R.C. Hale. pp. 41-72. Harrison, E.Z. and S. R. Oakes. 2002. Investigation of alleged health incidents associated with land application of sewage sludges. New Solutions. V. 12, (4), in press. LaGuardia, M.J., R.C. Hale, E. Harvey, E. Bush, M.T. Tainor, and M. Gaylor. 2002. The Fate of Wastewater Treatment of Alkylphenol Ethoxylates and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers. DC Water and Sewer Authority Workshop on Endocrine Disrupters. April 16. McBride, MB. 2002. Cadmium uptake by crops estimated from soil total Cd and pH. Soil Science 167, 62-67. McBride, M.B. and L.J. Evans. 2002. Trace metal extractability in soils and uptake by bromegrass 20 years after sewage sludge application. Canadian Journal of Soil Science 82, 323-333. McDowell, W. H. and T. J. Chestnut. 2002. Monitoring Demonstration at a Top-Soil Manufacturing Site in New Hampshire. Final Report to DES and NH State Legislature, June 1998 - November 2001. O‘Brien, T.A., S.J. Herbert, and A.V. Barker. 2002. Growth of corn in varying mixtures of paper mill sludge and soil. Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 33:635-646. Pryor, Scott W., Anthony G. Hay, and Larry P. Walker. 2002. Nonylphenol in anaerobically digested sewage sludge from New York State. Envir. Sci. and Tech. 36:3678-3682

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 08/15/2003

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/26/2003 - 06/27/2003
Period the Report Covers: 06/01/2002 - 06/01/2003

Participants

Decker, Dan, Administrative Advisor (djd6@cornell.edu) - Cornell Univ.;
Harrison, Ellen, co-Chair (ezh1@cornell.edu) - Cornell Univ.;
Krogmann, Uta, co-Chair (krogmann@aesop.rutgers.edu) - Rutgers Univ.;
Bean, Christine, Secretary (clbean@cisunix.unh.edu) - Univ. of New Hampshire;
Barker, Allen (barker@pssci.umass.edu) - Univ. of Massachusetts;
Elliott, Herschel (hae1@psu.edu) - Pennsylvania State Univ.;
Hale, Beverly (bhale@lrs.uoguelph.ca) - Univ. of Guelph;
Hargreaves, Jennifer (jhargrea@lrs.uoguelph.ca) - Univ. of Guelph;
Hay, Anthony (agh5@cornell.edu) - Cornell Univ.;
Hornor, Allison (alh54@cornell.edu) - Cornell Univ.;
Knighton, Ray (rknighton@reeusda.gov) - CSREES-Washington, DC;
McBride, Murray (mbm7@cornell.edu) - Cornell Univ.;
McDowell, Bill (bill.mcdowell@unh.edu) - Univ. of New Hampshire;
Pfeffer, Max (mjp5@cornell.edu)- Cornell Univ. (attended on 6/27);
Richards, Brian (bkr2@cornell.edu) - Cornell Univ.;
Smith, Jennifer (smit4676@uidaho.edu) - NSF-REU Summer 2003 Cornell Univ.;
Steenhuis, Tammo (tss1@cornell.edu) - Cornell Univ.;
Stehouwer, Rick (rcs15@psu.edu) - Pennsylvania State Univ.;
Thies, Janice (jet25@cornell.edu) - Cornell Univ. (attended afternoon of 6/26)

Brief Summary of Minutes

http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/NERA/AnnualReport2003.htm

Accomplishments

Significant progress was made over the year in meeting the project objectives: Objective 1: To evaluate the utilization of sewage biosolids in soil management in the Northeast by assessing the sustainability of soil quality, water quality and food safety (for people and other animals) where sewage biosolids are applied to agricultural land. Project Progress: Research results for the following work were reported: Survey of Metals in STP Biosolids and Agricultural Soils - J. Hargreaves, U of Guelph; Organic Chemicals in Sewage Sludges, E. Harrison, Cornell; Molybdenum Extractability in Soils and Uptake by Alfalfa 20 years after Sewage Sludge Application - M. McBride, Cornell; Use of Hot 0.01 M CaCl2 Extractant to Determine Mo Availability and Uptake by Crops - R. Stehouwer, Penn State; Development of a Zinc-Contaminated Soil for Research - A. Barker, U. Mass.; EcoTox Testing - A. Hay, Cornell; Earthworm Response to Cornells Old Orchard - J. Smith, Cornell; Characterizing Microbial Communities in Sludge Amended Soils - J. Thies, Cornell; Nutrient and Trace Element Flux Following Surface Mine Reclamation with Biosolids - R. Stehouwer, Penn State; Biosolids Phosphorous: Issues and Emerging Strategies - H. Elliott, Penn State, Short and Long-term Trace Element Mobility - B. Richards, Cornell. Objective 2: To evaluate the legal, social, and political aspects of long-term utilization of sewage sludge products in the Northeast and to identify modes of stakeholder participation in biosolids utilization decision-making. Research results for the following work were reported: Integrating Development of Extension Materials and Formative Informal Evaluation: Land Application of Sewage Sludge as a Case Example - U. Krogmann, Rutgers. Objective 3: To develop appropriate outreach materials and educational events for the Northeast that links the current research to actual field management of sewage biosolids products in the Northeast. Project Progress: Considerations for Diary Farms Regarding Use of Sewage Sludges, Sludge Products and Septage, E. Harrison, Cornell.

Publications

OConnor, G.A., H.A. Elliott, S.R. Brinton, and D. Sarkar. 2001. Plant availability of biosolids-P. American Society of Agronomy, Charlotte, NC. October 21-25. Annual Mtg. Abstracts. Brandt, R.C., H.A. Elliott, and G.A. OConnor. 2002. Comparative evaluation of water extractable P in biosolids and livestock manures. Proc.16th Annual Residuals and Biosolids Conference. March 3-6, 2002. Austin, TX. Chu, F-L., A.K. Volety, R.C. Hale and Y. Huang. 2002. Cellular responses and disease expression in oysters (Crassostrea virginica) exposed to field contaminated sediments. Mar. Envir. Res. 53:17-35. Elliott, H.A., G.A. OConnor, and S. Brinton. 2002. Phosphorus leaching from biosolids-amended sandy soils. J. Environ. Qual. 31:681-689. Elliott, H.A., G.A. OConnor, P. Lu and S. Brinton. 2002. Influence of water treatment residuals on phosphorus solubility and leaching. J. Environ. Qual. 31: 1362-1369. Hale, R.C. and M.J. La Guardia. 2002. Have risks associated with the presence of synthetic organic contaminants in land-applied sewage sludges been adequately assessed? New Solutions: A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy 12:371-386. Hale, R.C. Emerging Environmental Pollutants. 2002. Vignette for Fundamentals of Ecotoxicology. Second Edition. M. Newman and M. Unger. Lewis Publishers. Hale, R.C., M.J. La Guardia, E. Harvey and T.M. Mainor. 2002. The potential role of fire retardant-treated polyurethane foam as a source of brominated diphenyl ethers to the US environment. Chemosphere 46:729-735. Harrison, E.Z. and S. R. Oakes. 2002. Investigation of alleged health incidents associated with land application of sewage sludges. New Solutions: A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy 12:387-408. Krogmann, U. and H.-N. Chiang. 2002. Selected nutrients and heavy metals in sewage sludge from New Jersey POTWs. JAWRA 38: 681-692. Krogmann, U. and V. Gibson. 2002. Integrating development of extension materials and formative informal evaluation: Land application of sewage sludge as a case example. J. of Extension 41, www.joe.org/joe/2003february/a1.shtml. Martinez, C.E., M.B. McBride, M.T. Kandianis, J.M. Duxbury, S.-J. Yoon and W.F. Bleam. 2002. Zinc-sulfur and cadmium-sulfur association in metalliferous peats: Evidence from spectroscopy, distribution coefficients, and phytoavailability. Environ. Sci. Technol. 36: 3683-3689. Newman M.C., R.C. Hale and M.H. Roberts Jr. 2002. Synthesis of concepts in ecological risk of coastal environments. Chapter 13 in Risk Assessment in Coastal and Estuarine Environments. Ed. M.C. Newman, M.H. Roberts Jr. and R.C. Hale. pp. 327-336. OConnor, G.A., H.A. Elliott, and P. Lu. 2002. Characterizing water treatment residuals phosphorus retention. Soil Crop Sci. Soc. Florida. 61:67-73. OConnor, G.A. and H.A. Elliott. 2002. Co-application of biosolids and water treatment residuals. Transactions World Congress Soil Sci. Bangkok, Thailand. August 14-21. Roberts Jr., M.H., M.C. Newman and R.C. Hale. 2002. Overview of ecological risk assessment in coastal and estuarine environments. Chapter 1 in Risk Assessment in Coastal and Estuarine Environments. Ed. M.C. Newman, M.H. Roberts Jr. and R.C. Hale. pp. 1-13. Stehouwer, R.C., and K.E. Macneal. 2002. Use of yard trimmings compost for restoration of saline soil incineration ash. Comp. Sci. Util. 11(1):51-60. Womer, J., H.A. Elliott, R.C. Brandt. 2002. Determining P in biosolids using neutral ammonium citrate extraction. Proc.16th Annual Residuals and Biosolids Conf. March 3-6, 2002. Austin, TX. Hamlin, R.L., C. Schatz, and A.V. Barker. 2003. Zinc accumulation in Brassica juncea as influenced by nitrogen and phosphorus nutrition. J. Plant Nutrit. 26: 177-190. La Guardia, M.J., R.C. Hale, E.P. Harvey, E.O. Bush, T.M. Mainor and M.O. Gaylor. 2003. Emerging chemicals of concern in biosolids. Proc. WEF/AWWA/CWEA Joint Residuals and Biosolids Management Conference, Baltimore, MD. Session 18. Martinez, C.E., A.R. Jacobson and M.B. McBride. 2003. Aging and temperature effects on DOC and elemental release from a metal contaminated soil. Environ. Poll. 122: 135-143. McBride, M.B. 2003. Cadmium concentration limits in agricultural soils: weaknesses in USEPA‘s risk assessment and the 503 rule. Human Ecol. Risk Assess. 9, 661-674. McBride, M. B., E. A. Nibarger, B. K. Richards and T. S. Steenhuis. 2003. Trace metal accumulation by red clover grown on sewage sludge-amended soils and correlation to Mehlich 3 and calcium chloride-extractable metals. Soil Sci. 168:29-38. OBrien, T.A., S.J. Herbert, and A.V. Barker. 2003. Paper sludge as a soil amendment for production of corn. Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 34:2229-2241. Qureshi, S., B. K. Richards, A. G. Hay, C. C. Tsai, M. B. McBride, P. Baveye, and T. S. Steenhuis. 2003. Effect of microbial activity on trace element release from sewage sludge. In press, Environmental Science & Technology (ES&T web release date: June 26, 2003). Stehouwer, R.C. 2003. Land application of sewage sludge in Pennsylvania: Effects of biosolids on soil and crop quality. Environmental Soil Issues, Penn State College of Agric. Sci., University Park, PA. von Willert, F.J. and R.C. Stehouwer. 2003. Compost and calcium surface treatment effects on subsoil chemistry in acidic minespoil columns. J. Environ. Qual. 32:781-788. von Willert, F.J. and R.C. Stehouwer. 2003. Compost, CaCO3, and gypsum effect on Ca and Al transport in acidic minespoil. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 67:778-786.

Impact Statements

The research conducted in this project helps the agricultural community in the Northeast to make more informed decisions about land application of sewage biosolids taking the Northeast specific conditions into account. For example, the research showed that more protective Mo standards and/or recommendations are needed for dairy farms with alkaline soils.

Date of Annual Report: 10/18/2004

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 07/08/2004 - 07/09/2004
Period the Report Covers: 07/01/2003 - 06/01/2004

Participants

Bowman, Dwight - Cornell, Microbiology and Immunology; Elliot, Chip - Penn State, Ag and Bio Engineering (July 8); Harrison, Ellen - Cornell, Waste Management Institute; Hay, Anthony - Cornell, Microbiology (July 8); Kim, Bojeong - Cornell, Environmental Toxicology; Liotta, Janice - Cornell, Microbiology and Immunology; Lucio Forster, Araceli - Cornell, Microbiology and Immunology; McBride, Murray - Cornell, Crop and Soil Sciences; Morant, Mervalin - USDA-CSREES, Natural Resources and Environment; Osher, Laurie - Univ of Maine, Soil and Water Quality; Peckenham, John - Univ of Maine, Mitchell Center; Pfeffer, Max - Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station (July 8) (Acting as Admin. Advisor on behalf of D. Decker); Richards, Brian - Cornell, Bio and Env Engineering; Scherer, Emily - Cornell, Waste Management Institute; Steenhuis, Tammo - Cornell, Bio and Env Engineering; Stehouwer, Richard - Penn State, Dept of Agronomy (July 8); Wise, Abigail - Cornell, Microbiology (July 8); Zubris, Kimberly - Cornell, Bio and Env Engineering (July 8)

Brief Summary of Minutes

See http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/NERA/2004minutes.htm

Accomplishments

This project examines the application of sewage biosolids to agricultural soils in the northeastern US. Primary focus of this year's research was the presence, fate and transport of nutrients (with an emphasis on P) and contaminants (with an emphasis on copper, molybdenum and selected organic compounds of emerging concern). Research on fate and transport of P suggests a P management that should consider: a) soil test P interpretation based on environmental risk; b) source P solubility differences; c) P source phytoavailability differences; and d) buffer zone practices that mitigate P export. Research on fate and transport of Mo found cumulative loading of Mo is not relevant and pH is key to Mo availability. Research comparing soil testing methods shows most standard methods do not measure biologically important concentrations and point to need for revised methods. On national level, committee involved in developing and piloting methods for engaging stakeholders in sewage biosolids research. Plans for the coming year: 1. Develop recommendations regarding land application of sewage biosolids specific to the Northeast. 2. Produce a publication on testing of soils and sewage biosolids. 3. Become a coordinating committee to continue meeting in future years.

Publications

Akhtar, M. Saleem, T.S. Steenhuis, B.K. Richards, and M.B. McBride. 2003. Chloride and Lithium Transport in Large Arrays of Undisturbed Silt Loam and Sandy Loam soil Columns. Vadose Zone Journal. 2:715-727. Harrison, Ellen, L. Telega, M. McBride, S. Bossard, L. Chase, D. Bouldin, and K. Czymmek. 2003. Considerations for Dairy Farms Regarding Use of Sewage Sludges, Sludge Products, and Septage. Cornell Waste Management Institute publication. McBride, Murray. 2003. Toxic Metals in Sewage Sludge-Amended Soils: Has Promotion of Beneficial use Discounted the Risks? Advances in Environmental Research. 8:5-19. Qureshi, Shabnam, B. Richards, A.G. Hay, C.C. Tsai, M.B. McBride, P. Baveye, and T.S. Steenhuis. 2003. Effect of Microbial Activity on Trace Element Release from Sewage Sludge. Environmental Science and Technology. 37:3361-3366. Qureshi, Shabnam, B. Richards, M.B. McBride, P. Baveye, and T.S. Steenhuis. 2003. Temperature and Microbial Activity Effects on Trace Element Leaching from Metalliferous Peats. Journal of Environmental Quality. 32:2067-2075. Richards, Brian, N. Peranginangin, T.S. Steenhuis, and L.D. Geohring. 2003. The unintentional secret. (Non-refereed feature article on preferential flow phenomena.) Journal of Soil & Water Conservation, September-October 2003. 59(5):104A-105A. Stehouwer, R.C. 2003. Soil Science Fundamentals: Part I. Soil formation and soil components. BioCycle: Journal of Composting and Recycling. 44(10):44-51. Stehouwer, R.C. 2003. Soil Science Fundamentals: Part II. Water and air essentials. BioCycle: Journal of Composting and Recycling. 44(11):30-32. Brandt, R.C., H.A. Elliott, and G.A. O`Connor. 2004. Water-Extractable Phosphorus in Biosolids: Implications for Land-Based Recycling. Water Environment Research. 76(2): 121-129. La Guardia, Mark, R. Hale, E. Harvey, E. Bush, T. Mainor, and M. Gaylor. 2004. Organic Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Land-Applied Sewage Sludge (Biosolids). Journal of Residuals Science & Technology. 1(2):111-122. McBride, Murray and J. Cherney. 2004. Molybdenum, Sulfur and Other Trace Elements in Farm Soils and Forages After Sewage Sludge Application. Communication in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. 35:517-535. McBride, Murray, and B. Hale. 2004. Molybdenum Extractability in Soils and Uptake by Alfalfa 20 Years after Sewage Sludge Application. Soil Science. 169:505-514. McBride, Murray and B. Richards. Testing soils for trace metals from land-applied wastes. Working paper for NE1001. McBride, Murray, B.K. Richards, and T.S. Steenhuis. 2004. Bioavailability and Crop Uptake of Trace Elements in Soil Columns Amended with Sewage Sludge Products. Plant and Soil. 262:71-84. O`Connor, G.A., D. Sarkar, S.R. Brinton, H.A. Elliott, and F.G. Martin. 2004. Phytoavailability of Biosolids-Phosphorus. J. Environ. Qual. 33:703-712. Peckenham, John. 2004. Maine Biosolids Stockpiling Study Summary Report, August 2004. Prepared For Maine Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management, Augusta. 50 p. Qureshi, Shabnam, B. Richards, T.S. Steenhuis, M.B. McBride, P. Baveye, and S. Dousset. 2004. Microbial acidification and pH effects on trace element release from sewage sludge. Environmental Pollution. 132(1):16-71. Richards, Brian, B.M. Schulte, A. Heilig, T.S. Steenhuis, M. McBride, and E. Harrison. 2004. Environmental impacts of applying manure, fertilizer, and sewage biosolids on a dairy farm. Journal of the American Water Resources Association. V. 40 p. 1025-1042. Stehouwer, R.C. 2004. Soil Science Fundamentals: Part III. Soil chemistry and the quality of soil humus. BioCycle: Journal of Composting and Recycling. 45(4):41-48. Stehouwer, R.C. 2004. Soil Science Fundamentals: Part IV. The biology of soils. BioCycle: Journal of Composting and Recycling. 45(6):46-52. Stehouwer, Richard and K.E. Macneal. 2004. Effect of alkaline stabilized biosolids on alfalfa molybdenum and copper content. J. Environ. Qual. 33:133-140.

Impact Statements

Publications written based on committee`s work provide research-based information on availability of phosphorus from biosolids;
on relation of biosolids application to soil acidification and resultant leaching;
on assessment of environmental impacts of biosolids application on a dairy farm; and
on guidance for dairy farmers on land application.

Date of Annual Report: 11/20/2006

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 07/07/2000 - 07/08/2005
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2000 - 09/01/2005

Participants

Barker, Allen - U. Mass;
Bowman, Dwight - Cornell, Microbiology and Immunology;
Elliot, Chip - Penn State, Ag and Bio Engineering (July 8);
Hale, Beverly - U. Guelph;
Hale, Rob - College of William & Mary;
Harrison, Ellen - Cornell, Waste Management Institute;
Hay, Anthony - Cornell, Microbiology (July 8);
Ho, Tony - Ontario Ministry of the Environment;
Kim, Bojeong - Cornell, Environmental Toxicology;
Krogmann, Uta - Rutgers U.;
LaGuardia, Mark - College of William & Mary;
Liotta, Janice - Cornell, Microbiology and Immunology;
Lucio Forster, Araceli - Cornell, Microbiology and Immunology;
McBride, Murray - Cornell, Crop and Soil Sciences;
McDowell, William - U. New Hampshire;
Morant, Mervalin - USDA-CSREES, Natural Resources and Environment;
Osher, Laurie - U of Maine, Soil and Water Quality;
Payne, Michael - Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food;
Peckenham, John - U of Maine, Mitchell Center;
Richards, Brian - Cornell, Bio and Env Engineering;
Steenhuis, Tammo - Cornell, Bio and Env Engineering;
Stehouwer, Richard - Penn State, Agronomy (July 8);
Swanson, Larry - SUNY Stony Brook

For a list of all committee members see: http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/NERA/participants.html

Brief Summary of Minutes

See minutes of meetings posted at http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/NERA/NEhome.html

Accomplishments

Research conducted has contributed to the knowledge-base needed to make sound choices regarding practices and policies related to the use of sewage biosolids in agriculture. Based on the committee's work, research and extension publications have been produced that provide research-based information on the availability of phosphorus from biosolids, the relation of biosolids application to soil acidification and resultant leaching, an assessment of environmental impacts of biosolids application on a dairy farm, and guidance for dairy farmers regarding land application. Fate and Availability of P from Biosolids, Manure, and Fertilizer. P-based nutrient management will impact most biosolids land application programs; most state P Indices have been developed for livestock manures, with little explicit consideration of biosolids (or other applied P sources); unless the typically lower solubility of biosolids P is taken into account, site index tools will overestimate P loss from biosolids application sites; sustainability of many land application programs may hinge on the final P-Index model adopted for biosolids. Emerging contaminanats in Biosolids Sewage biosolids were found to contain brominated flame retardants, PAHs and other contaminants. Persistence in soil of PCBs and PAHs over more than 20 years was found. Metal-Binding Properties of Soils in Long-term Sewage-Sludge Plots. Standard sequential extraction methods are least selective and meaningful for the most labile metals (Cd, Zn) in sludge-amended soils. Strongly bonded metals such as Cu are more suited to these methods; long-term residual impact of sewage sludge amendment may decrease the lability of some metals (e.g., Pb, Ni) while increasing others ( Cd, Zn); residual solids (mineral and organic) from sludges added to soils do not necessarily increase the strength of Cd binding to soils, and for some sludge types, may decrease Cd binding. Cd, Zn in sludged soils are more available than control even 25yrs later. Cu and Pb were not. Ni was less available, depending on type of sludge. Additive Phytotoxicity of Cu and Zn In Soybeans. Soil characteristics are important in determining phytotoxicity of Cu and Zn in soybeans; CaCl2 extractable metal concentration can be a good indicator of the bioavailable fraction of Cu and Zn in soils; phytotoxicity of Cu and Zn in soybeans has some degree of additivity. Residual Sludge Mo Availability to Soybean. Mo seed concentrations were within normal ranges in soybean, but seed tissue concentrations were increased by sludge application, much more than foliage; agreement was fairly good between Mo determinations from ICP-OES and GF-AAS; Ontarios current maximum permissible Mo loading of 94 mg Mo/kg of dried sludge may be not protective, as Mo input in this study was well below the current guideline. Worms and Worms, Nematodes and Vermicomposting. No significant reduction in ascaris through vermicomposting was found; many tests (EPA method) do not effectively detect ascaris; biosolids may not have ascaris to begin with. Hence the use of Ascaris as an indicator species may not be appropriate. Use of Synthetic Fibers to Detect Sludge Application. Synthetic fibers are used to identify sludge-applied soils. They were detectable in field site soils up to 15 yrs after application, retaining the characteristics seen in sludge products. Recovery was semi-quantitative after 5 years in soil columns. Water Quality Impacts of Biosolids as Landscape Amendments Biosolid additions to soils result in increased nitrate and ammonium leaching after application. In general, NO3- leaching was much higher than NH4+ indicating a well-aerated environment. Trace element leaching is higher under biosolid treatments than under natural soils or topsoil additions. Greatest losses of nitrate and ammonium and trace elements are from mixed treatments. All trace elements concentrations are below EPA drinking water standards Parasites in biosolids - detection and destruction Pathogens of concern include viruses (those not encapsulated), bacteria (those that survive well or form spores), protozoa (mainly in effluent stream), and helminthes (mainly in solids stream). Class B biosolids contain the eggs of helminthes, probably Ascaris lumbricoides. Class A biosolids must be tested to verify that Ascaris lumbricoides eggs, salmonella, and the poliovirus are destroyed. The process is tested, not the specific compost. Routine chlorination does not routinely kill Giardia and Cryptosporidium that are not degraded by the aeration treatment of the water. Most protozoa are found in large numbers. Giardia/mouse (plant pilot) studies show UV treatment of treated effluent will provide > 3 log reductions in viable cysts, chlorine dioxide treatment of the effluent will provide > 3 log reductions, and municipality now looking at combination treatments to push the value to 4 logs of reduction. Ascaris/UV work was done because of concern that foodstuff will be contaminated with human pathogens. Ascaris is more difficult to kill than other pathogens and can be used as a "worse case scenario" organism to test processes. Research shows tanned Ascaris eggs with an outer coat, the stage passed in feces, are much more difficult to kill with UV than either Cryptosporidium or MS2 phage. Curves have been generated that can be used to assess parameters needed for food safety. Future biosolids work includes examining the use of Sentinel Chambers for determining the production of Class A material, examining the possibility of using ATAD-Class A sludge as a base for green mulch seeding material, and examining surrogates for ability to replace Ascaris eggs in proving processes are Class A in full-scale systems.

Publications

See also: <a href="http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/NERA/NEpublications.htm">http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/NERA/NEpublications.htm</a> Akhand N.A., D. Lapen, E. Topp, M. Edwards, R. Roy, B. Ball Coelho, L. Sabourin, P. Duenk, M. Payne. 2005. Evaluation of MACRO for Simulating Liquid Municipal Biosolid and Precipitation Induced Flow in Structured Soils: South-Western Ontario, Canada. Manuscript accepted for publishing in the Agricultural Water Management on April 27, Paper no. AGWAT 356. Akhand N.A., D. Lapen, E. Topp, M. Edwards, R. Roy, B. Ball Coelho, L. Sabourin, P. Duenk, M. Payne. 2004. Modeling Preferential Flow and Risk of Biosolid Contamination to Tile Drains Using a Dual Porosity Model. Paper No. 042238. Proceedings of the 2004 ASAE/CSAE Annual International Meeting, August 1-4. Ottawa, ON Akhtar, M.S., T.S. Steenhuis, B.K. Richards, and M.B. McBride. 2003. Chloride and Lithium Transport in Large Arrays of Undisturbed Silt Loam and Sandy Loam soil Columns. Vadose Zone Journal. 2:715-727. Barker, A.V. 2001. Evaluation of Composts for Growth of Grass Sods. Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 32: 1841-1860. Barker, A.V. and G.M. Bryson. 2002. Bioremediation of Heavy Metals and Organic Toxicants by Composting. The Scientific World 2:407-420. Bean C.L., J.J. Brabants, G. Widmer, G. Batzer, H. Balkin and A.B. Margolin. 2005. Class B Alkaline Stabilization to Achieve Pathogen Inactivation.submitted. Beecher, N., E.Z. Harrison, N. Goldstein, M. McDaniel, P. Field and L. Susskind. 2005. Risk Perception, Risk Communication and Stakeholder Involvement for Biosolids Management and Research. Journal of Environmental Quality 34:122-128. Brabants J.J.and A.B. Margolin. 2005. Inactivation of Adenovirus Type 5, Rotavirus Wa and Male Specific Bacteriophage During Class B Lime Stabilization. Water Environment Research Foundation:accepted. Brandt, R.C. and H.A. Elliott. 2005. Sensitivity Analysis of the Pennsylvania Phosphorus Index for Agricultural Recycling of Municipal Biosolids. J. Soil Water Cons. 60:209-219. Brandt, R.C., H.A. Elliott and G.A. O'Connor. 2004. Water-Extractable Phosphorus in Biosolids: Implications for Land-Based Recycling. Water Environment Research. 76(2):121-129. Brandt, R.C., H.A. Elliott and G.A. O'Connor. 2002. Comparative Evaluation of Water Extractable P in Biosolids and Llivestock Manures. Proc.16th Annual Residuals and Biosolids Conference. March 3-6, 2002. Austin, TX. Brandt, R.C., H.A. Elliott and G.A. O'Connor. 2001. Comparative Evaluation of Water Extractable Phosphorus in Biosolids and Livestock Manures. Poster. Southern Extension-Research Activity (SERA-17) Annual Committee Meeting, State College, PA. June 19-20. Brandt, R.C., H.A. Elliott and G.A. O'Connor. 2004. Water Extractable Phosphorus in Biosolids: Implication for Land-Based Recycling. Water Environment Research 76:121-129. Bryson, G.M. 2004. Phytoextraction of Zinc from Soils. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Bryson, G.M. and A.V. Barker. 2002. Sodium Accumulation in Soils and Plants Along Massachusetts Roadsides. Comm. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 33:67-78. Bryson, G.M. and A.V. Barker. 2002. Determination of Optimal Fertilizer Concentration Range for Tomatoes Grown in Peat-Based Medium. Comm. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 33:759-777. Chu, F-L., A.K. Volety, R.C. Hale and Y. Huang. 2002. Cellular Responses and Disease Expression in Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) Exposed to Field Contaminated Sediments. Mar. Envir. Res. 53:17-35. Ciparis S. and R.C. Hale. 2005. Bioavailability of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether Flame Retardants in Biosolids and Spiked Sediment to the Aquatic Oligochaete, Lumbriculus variegatus. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 24(4):916-925. Elliott, H.A., R.C. Brandt and G.A. OConnor. 2005. Runoff Phosphorus Losses from Surface-Applied Biosolids. J. Environ. Qual. 34:1632-1639. Elliott, H.A., G.A. OConnor and S. Brinton. 2002. Phosphorus Leaching From Biosolids-Amended Sandy Soils. J. Environ. Qual. 31:681-689. Elliott, H.A., G.A. OConnor, P. Lu and S. Brinton. 2002. Influence of water treatment residuals on phosphorus solubility and leaching. J. Environ. Qual. 31:1362-1369. Elliott, H.A., J. Womer, J-H. Kang, R.C. Brandt and G.A. O'Connor. 2005. Neutral Ammonium Citrate Extraction of Biosolids Phosphorus. Comm. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 36:2447-2459. Hale, R.C. 2002. Emerging Environmental Pollutants. Vignette for Fundamentals of Ecotoxicology. Second Edition. M. Newman and M. Unger. Lewis Publishers. Hale, R.C. and M.J. La Guardia. 2001. Directions in Science: Synthetic Organic Pollutants in Land-Applied Sewage Sludges. The ScientificWorld 1, 10-13. Hale, R.C. and M.J. La Guardia. 2002. Emerging contaminants of concern in coastal and estuarine environments. Chapter 3 in Risk Assessment in Coastal and Estuarine Environments. Ed. M.C. Newman, M.H. Roberts Jr. and R.C. Hale. pp. 41-72. Hale, R.C. and M.J. La Guardia. Have risks associated with the presence of synthetic organic contaminants in land-applied sewage sludges been adequately assessed? 2002. New Solutions: A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy 12:371-386. Hale, R.C., M.J. La Guardia, E. Harvey and T.M. Mainor. 2002. The potential role of fire retardant-treated polyurethane foam as a source of brominated diphenyl ethers to the US environment. Chemosphere 46:729-735. Hale, R.C., M.J. La Guardia, E. Harvey, M.O. Gaylor and T.M. Mainor. 2005. Brominated Flame Retardant Concentrations and Trends in Abiotic Media. Chemosphere 64:181-186. Hamlin, R.L., C. Schatz, and A.V. Barker. 2003. Zinc accumulation in Brassica juncea as influenced by nitrogen and phosphorus nutrition. J. Plant Nutrit. 26: 177-190. Harrison, E.Z. and M. Eaton. 2001. The role of municipalities in regulating the land application of sewage sludges and septage. Natural Resources Journal 41:77-123. Harrison, E.Z. and M. Moffe. 2003. Septage quality and its effect on field life for land applications. Journal of the American Water Resources Association 39(1):87-97. Harrison, E.Z. and S. R. Oakes. 2002. Investigation of alleged health incidents associated with land application of sewage sludges. New Solutions: A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy 12:387-408. Harrison, E.Z, L. Telega, M.B, McBride, S. Bossard, L. Chase, D. Bouldin and K. Czymmek. 2003. "Considerations for Dairy Farms Regarding Use of Sewage Sludges, Sludge Products, and Septage." Cornell Waste Management Institute publication. Hu, Y. and A.V. Barker. 2004. Effects of Composts and Their Combinations With Other Materials on Nutrient Accumulation in Tomato Leaves. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 35(19-20):2809-2923. Hu, Y. and A.V. Barker. 2004. Evaluation of Composts and Their Combinations With Other Materials on Tomato Growth. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 35(19-20):2789-2807. Katz, B.D. and A.B. Margolin. 2005. Inactivation of Hepatitis A HM-175/18f, Reovirus Type 1and Male Specific Bacteriophage During Alkaline Stabilization of Biosolids.submitted. Krogmann, U. and H.-N. Chiang. 2002. Selected nutrients and heavy metals in sewage sludge from New Jersey POTWs. JAWRA 38: 681-692. Krogmann, U. and V. Gibson. 2002. Integrating development of extension materials and formative informal evaluation: Land application of sewage sludge as a case example. J. of Extension 41, www.joe.org/joe/2003february/a1.shtml. Krogmann, U., V. Gibson and C. Chess. 2001. Land application of sewage sludge: perceptions of New Jersey vegetable farmers. Waste Manage. Res. 19(2):115-125. La Guardia, M.J., R.C. Hale, E.P. Harvey, E.O. Bush, T.M. Mainor and M.O. Gaylor. 2004. Organic Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Land-Applied Sewage Sludge (Biosolids). Journal of Residuals Science & Technology. 1(2):111-122. La Guardia, M.J., R.C. Hale, E.P. Harvey, E.O. Bush, T.M. Mainor and M.O. Gaylor. 2003. Emerging Chemicals of Concern in Biosolids. Proc. WEF/AWWA/CWEA Joint Residuals and Biosolids Management Conference, Baltimore, MD. Session 18. La Guardia, M.J., R.C. Hale, E.P. Harvey, E.O. Bush, T.M. Mainor and M.O. Gaylor. 2002. The Fate of Wastewater Treatment of Alkylphenol Ethoxylates and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers. DC Water and Sewer Authority Workshop on Endocrine Disrupters. April 16. La Guardia, M.J., R.C. Hale, E.P. Harvey and T.M. Mainor. 2001. Alkylphenol Ethoxylate Degradation Products in Land Applied Sewage Sludges (biosolids). Env. Sci. Technol. 35:4798-4804. Markis, K.C., W.G. Harris, G.A. OConnor, T.A. Obreza and H.A. Elliott. 2005. Physicochemical Properties Related to Long-term Phosphorus Retention by Drinking-Water Treatment Residuals. Environ. Sci. Technol. 39:4280-4289. Martinez, C.E., A.R. Jacobsen and M.B. McBride. 2004. Lead Phosphate Minerals: Solubility and Dissolution by Model and Natural Ligands. Environmental Science and Technology 38:5584-5590. Martinez, C.E., A.R. Jacobson and M.B. McBride. 2003. Aging and temperature effects on DOC and elemental release from a metal contaminated soil. Environ. Poll. 122:135-143. Martinez, C.E., M.B. McBride, M.T. Kandianis, J.M. Duxbury, S.-J. Yoon and W.F. Bleam. 2002. Zinc-sulfur and cadmium-sulfur association in metalliferous peats: Evidence from spectroscopy, distribution coefficients, and phytoavailability. Environ. Sci. Technol. 36:3683-3689. McBride, M.B. 2005. Molybdenum and Copper Uptake by Forage Grasses and Legumes Grown on a Metal-Contaminated Sludge Site. Comm. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 36:2489-2501. McBride, M.B. 2003. Cadmium concentration limits in agricultural soils: weaknesses in USEPA's risk assessment and the 503 rule. Human Ecol. Risk Assess. 9(3): 661-674. McBride, M.B. 2003. Toxic Metals in Sewage Sludge-Amended Soils: Has Promotion of Beneficial use Discounted the Risks? Advances in Environmental Research. 8:5-19. McBride, M.B. 2002. Cadmium uptake by crops estimated from soil total Cd and pH. Soil Sci. 167:62-67. McBride, M.B. 2001. Cupric ion activity in peat soil as a toxicity indicator for maize. Journal of Environmental Quality. 30:78-84. McBride, M.B. and J. Cherney. 2004. Molybdenum, Sulfur and Other Trace Elements in Farm Soils and Forages After Sewage Sludge Application. Comm. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 35:517-535. McBride, M.B. and L.J. Evans. 2002. Trace metal extractability in soils and uptake by bromegrass 20 years after sewage sludge application. Can. J. Soil Sci. 82:323-333. McBride, M. B. and B. Hale. 2004. Molybdenum Extractability in Soils and Uptake by Alfalfa 20 Years after Sewage Sludge Application. Soil Sci. 169:505-514. McBride, M.B. and B.K. Richards. "Testing soils for trace metals from land-applied wastes." Working paper for NE 1001. McBride, M.B. and G. Spiers. 2001. Trace Element Content of Selected Fertilizers and Dairy Manures as Determined by ICP-MS. Comm. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 32:139-156. McBride, M.B., E.A. Nibarger, B.K. Richards and T. Steenhuis. 2003. Trace metal accumulation by red clover grown on sewage sludge-amended soils and correlation to Mehlich 3 and calcium chloride-extractable metals. Soil Sci. 168:29-38. McBride, M.B., B.K. Richards and T.S. Steenhuis. 2004. Bioavailability and Crop Uptake of Trace Elements in Soil Columns Amended with Sewage Sludge Products. Plant and Soil. 262:71-84. McDowell, W. H. and T. J. Chestnut. 2002. Monitoring Demonstration at a Top-Soil Manufacturing Site in New Hampshire. Final Report to DES and NH State Legislature, June 1998 - November 2001. Mezin, L. and R.C. Hale. 2004. Combined Effects of Humic Acid and Salinity on SPMD of DDT and Chlorpyrifos, an Estimator of Their Bioavailability. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 23:756-582. Mezin, L. and R.C. Hale. 2004. Effect of Humic Acids on Toxicity of DDT and Chlorpyrifos to Freshwater and Estuarine Invertebrates. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 23:583-590. Newman, M.C., R.C. Hale and M.H. Roberts Jr. 2002. Synthesis of concepts in ecological risk of coastal environments. Chapter 13 in Risk Assessment in Coastal and Estuarine Environments. Ed. M.C. Newman, M.H. Roberts Jr. and R.C. Hale. pp. 327-336. O'Brien, T.A., S.J. Herbert and A.V. Barker. 2003. Paper sludge as a soil amendment for production of corn. Comm. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 34:2229-2241. O'Brien, T.A., S.J. Herbert and A.V. Barker. 2002. Growth of corn in varying mixtures of paper mill sludge and soil. Comm. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 33:635-646. O'Connor, G.A. and H.A. Elliott. 2002. Co-application of biosolids and water treatment residuals. Transactions World Congress Soil Sci. Bangkok, Thailand. August 14-21. O'Connor, G.A. and H.A. Elliott. 2001. Co-Application of biosolids and water treatment residuals. Final Project Report. Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection, Tallahassee, FL. O'Connor, G.A., H.A. Elliott and P. Lu. 2002. Characterizing water treatment residuals phosphorus retention. Soil Crop Sci. Soc. Florida. 61:67-73. O'Connor, G.A., H.A. Elliott, S.R. Brinton and D. Sarkar. 2001. Plant availability of biosolids-P. American Society of Agronomy, Charlotte, NC. October 21-25. Annual Mtg. Abstracts. O'Connor, G.A., H.A. Elliott, N.T. Basta, R.K. Bastian, G.M. Pierzynski, R.C. Sims and J.E. Smith, Jr. 2005. Sustainable Land Application: An Overview. J. Environ. Qual. 34:7-17. O'Connor, G.A., D. Sarkar, S.R. Brinton, H.A. Elliott and F.G. Martin. 2004. Phytoavailability of Biosolids-Phosphorus. J. Environ. Qual. 33:703-712. Peckenham, J. 2004. Maine Biosolids Stockpiling Study Summary Report, August 2004, Prepared For Maine Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management, Augusta, Maine, 50 p. Pryor, S., A.G. Hay and L. Walker. 2002. Nonylphenol in anaerobically digested sewage sludge from New York State. Environ. Sci. Tech. 36:3678-3682. Qureshi, S., B.K. Richards, A.G. Hay, C.C. Tsai, M.B. McBride, P. Baveye, and T.S. Steenhuis. 2003. Effect of microbial activity on trace element release from sewage sludge. Environ. Sci. Tech. 37(15):3361-3366. Qureshi, S., B.K. Richards, M.B. McBride, P. Baveye and T.S. Steenhuis. 2003. Temperature and Microbial Activity Effects on Trace Element Leaching from Metalliferous Peats. Journal of Environmental Quality. 32:2067-2075. Qureshi, S., B.K. Richards, T.S. Steenhuis, M.B. McBride, P. Baveye and S. Dousset. 2004. Microbial acidification and pH effects on trace element release from sewage sludge. Environmental Pollution. 132(1):16-71. Rattner, B.A., P.C. McGowan, N.H. Golden, J.S. Hatfield, P.C. Toschik, R.F. Lukei Jr., R.C. Hale, I. Schmitz-Afonso and C.P. Rice. 2004. 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Impact Statements

Dairy farmers and their advisors are able to make decisions about sludge use based on up to date information and can adopt practices to minimize risks.
Methods to monitor and assess the impact of contaminant additions to soils have been improved.
Decision-makers in government, agriculture and business have better data on which to base their decisions regarding regulation and use of sludges.
Non-traditional stakeholders, including people living adjacent to sludge-applied lands, have become participants in relevant research.
Policies regarding P regulation in some states are taking into consideration the differences in availability.
Regulators developing soil standards for Brownfield clean-ups benefited by having research-based knowledge.