A COMPENDIUM OF ARTICLES:
PLANTS TAKE UP PATHOGENS, DRUGS, CHEMICALS, POLLUTANTS FROM SEWAGE
WASTEWATER AND SEWAGE SLUDGE “BIOSOLIDS” USED AS FERTILIZER
Subject: Manure- and Biosolids-Resident Murine Norovirus 1 Attachment to and
Internalization by Romaine Lettuce -- Wei et al. 76 (2): 578 -- Applied and
Environmental Microbiology
Viruses in biosolids can be internalized by lettuce.
http://aem.asm.org/cgi/content/abstract/76/2/578
In a recent review article on environmental signaling and endocrine disruptors, it
was noted that as early as 1958, Dr. Roy Hertz aptly described the potential of a “steroid
agriculture and via uptake
into plants are recycled back in the animal and human
populations (McLachlan 319). Hertz is quoted saying: “I think that we
cycle,” whereby hormones are introduced into
are now actually setting up a steroid cycle in our environment, and we have to give very
serious consideration to its implications for our subsequent development and growth and
What was true for
hormones used in farm animals is also true for
biosolids, since they can contain virtually every
element, every compound made by man, in addition to a
very large number of metabolic and transformation
products created when added together in the sewage
treatment system. http://www.antijen.org/transadvocate/id22.html
possibly reproductive function (McLachlan 320).”
CALIFORNIA E COLI
http://californiafarmer.com/index.aspx?ascxid=fpStory&fpsid=34758&fpstid=2
July 2008
Protecting Romaine Lettuce from E. coli
“Scientists have known for decades that plants exude compounds - from leaves and roots
- that bacteria and fungi can use as food. But the romaine lettuce study, published in
Applied and Environmental Microbiology, is the first to document the different exudate
1
levels in romaine lettuce leaves of the two age classes. It's also the first to show that E.
coli can do more than simply bind to the leaves; it also can multiply.”
*****************************************************************
http://www.news.com.au/business/breaking-news/china-rice-laced-with-heavy-metalsreport/story-e6frfkur-1226006946337


China rice laced with heavy metals - report
February 16, 2011

 UP to 10 per cent of rice grown in China is contaminated with harmful heavy
metals stemming from pollution linked to the nation's rapid industrialisation,
a report has found.
"During China's fast-paced industrialisation, activities such as mining have sprung up
everywhere, releasing into the environment chemical elements like cadmium, arsenic,
mercury and other harmful heavy metals," the report said.
"These harmful heavy metals have spread through the air and water, polluting a rather
large area of China's land ... a complete chain of food contamination has existed for
years."
*******************************************************************

 August 6, 2009
Expert: Plants can absorb chemicals from treated wastewater
BY TREVOR HUGHES
TrevorHughes @coloradoan.com
http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20090806/NEWS01/908060376/Expert--Plants-can-absorbchemicals-from-treated-wastewater
Ecstasy in your putting green? It's more likely than you might think.
New research presented Wednesday at CSU shows that plants irrigated with treated
wastewater can "take up" chemicals ranging from antibiotics to methamphetamine and
ecstasy.
Uptake of Veterinary Medicines from Soils into Plants
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf053041t
Uptake of the pharmaceutical Fluoxetine Hydrochloride from growth
medium by Brassicaceae
a, c
b
Clare H. Redshaw , Victoria G. Wootton and Steven J. Rowland
2
Concern has been expressed regarding the presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment, but
relatively little is known, especially in terrestrial environments. Results of a preliminary study into
®
the uptake of Fluoxetine HCl (Prozac ) from tissue culture media by Brassicaceae indicate
that uptake is a potential environmental transport route.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6TH7-4T8KXW72&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_
searchStrId=1040437619&_rerunOrigin=google&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_
urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=45777ee3fcea0a3136d2c537c103d2cb
**************************************************************************************************
http://jeq.scijournals.org/cgi/content/full/31/5/1550
CONCLUSION
increased uptake
in major elements and trace metals by the herbage as well as
leaching down the soil profile, as evidenced by the concentrations measured in
Sewage sludge application on a brown soil–meadow system resulted in
drainage waters over time. However, expressed in total output this trend was significant only for
some elements because the effect was limited in time and calculations were made over 37 mo.
For example, the effect observed for NO3 –N, Cl, and Ca in drainage water was delayed by 1 to 4
mo and lasted several months before returning to background conditions. For Cu and Ni, the
effect was further delayed and had not returned to background conditions after 20 mo. The loads
applied to the lysimeters were within the range tolerated by the USEPA regulations, but the
highest treatment was too high to comply with European Communities regulations.
http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20090806/NEWS01/908060376/Expert--Plants-can-absorbchemicals-from-treated-wastewater
August 6, 2009
Expert: Plants can absorb chemicals from treated wastewater
BY TREVOR HUGHES
TrevorHughes @coloradoan.com
Ecstasy in your putting green? It's more likely than you might think.
New research presented Wednesday at CSU shows that plants
irrigated with treated
wastewater can "take up" chemicals ranging from antibiotics to
methamphetamine and ecstasy.
University of Arizona professor Charles A. Sanchez is conducting research on the Colorado
River, looking into where such chemicals are found and at what levels they can be found in plants
irrigated with treated wastewater.
*********************************************************************************************************
http://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/?p=1057
3
Leena Sahlstrom, from the Finnish Food safety Authority, with a team of scientists from the
Swedish National Veterinary Institute, investigated sewage sludge from a waste-water treatment
plant in Uppsala, Sweden. The researchers gathered sludge from the plant each week for four
months. Out of the of 77 samples collected, 79 percent of these tested positive for the drug
resistant super bugs known as vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE).
toxic
metals and organic industrial poisons can be transferred from
sludge-treated soils into crops. Lettuce, spinach, cabbage, Swiss
chard, and carrots have all been shown to accumulate toxic metals
and/or toxic chlorinated hydrocarbons when grown on soils
treated with sewage sludge. In some instances, toxic organics
contaminate the leafy parts of plants by simply volatilizing out of
the sludge.
Research clearly shows that, under some conditions (which are not fully understood),
There is good reason to believe that livestock grazing on plants treated with sewage sludge will
ingest the pollutants—either through the grazed plants, or by eating sewage sludge along with the
plants. Sheep eating cabbage grown on sludge developed lesions of the liver and thyroid gland.
Pigs grown on corn treated with sludge had elevated levels of cadmium in their tissues.
Small mammals have been shown to accumulate heavy metals after sewage sludge was
applied to forest lands.
Insects in the soil absorb toxins, which then accumulate in birds.
It has been shown that sewage sludge applied to soils can increase the dioxin intake of
humans eating beef (or cow’s milk) produced from those soils.
Substances like dioxins, furans and PCBs, which can be found in sewage sludge, are not
regulated by governments.
********************************************************************
http://esce.ucr.edu:80/wasteman/2000/meyer1.html
In California and the Western United States we have numerous valleys that have been
formed geologically by the deposition of sediments from higher elevations. In the more
arid climates where rainfall amounts are less than 20 inches per year, less leaching of
soluble salts to greater soil depths will occur and the soluble salts are moved to the soil
surface and left behind as the moisture is evaporated. In these situations, elements like
sulfur in the sulfate form (S04~, molybdenum in the molybdate form (Mo04-), and others
may be present in soils in rather high concentrations. Since the pH is often in the
alkaline range a number of these elements remain in the oxidized form
and are easily taken up by a number of plant species like alfalfa, other
legumes and broadleaf plants as well as grasses used for livestock
forages. The objective of this presentation is to delineate areas in California where
excessive as well as deficient concentrations of molybdenum, copper and selenium are
present in forages and how these concentrations effect plant and animal growth and
production.
4
http://www.naturalnews.com/z026583_bacteria_infections_fertilizer.html
Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Found in Fertilizer Could Breed More Super Bugs
*****************************************************************************************
http://www.univ-ovidius.ro/anale-chimie/chemistry/2009-1/26_Gheju.pdf
Ovidius University Annals of Chemistry Volume 20, Number 1, pp. 127-131, 2009
Analysis of hexavalent chromium uptake by plants in polluted soils
Marius GHEJU a, Ionel BALCU b and Mihaela CIOPEC
Abstract Concentration levels of hexavalent chromium in contaminated soil and in Zea mays plant
parts were determined and Cr(VI) bioaccumulation and bioconcentration
capacity of this plant were discussed.
Zea mays seeds were sown in 40 mg Cr(VI)/kg dw polluted soil. After harvesting it was
observed that hexavalent chromium concentrations in plant organs decreased in the following order: roots >
leaves. This means that Zea mays roots have the greatest tendency to concentrate Cr(VI), the concentration
in these plant parts being 11.7 times greater than in the surrounding soil.
The translocation factor (TF), bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and the bioconcentration ratio
(BCR) were determined and they confirmed that hexavalent chromium was slowly
translocated within the plant from the roots to stems, and very slowly further
translocated to leaves. The results of this study indicate that Zea Mays is not a
good hexavalent chromium phytoextractor from soils with 40 mg
Cr(VI)/kg dw content.
****************************************************************************************
Dr. Edo McGowen
:
“But what would be the result if there had been inadvertent acquisition of resistance from
environmental contamination such as through sewage discharges and sewage byproducts. T
includes sewage sludge applied to pasture land or recycled water applied to crops consumed
raw. In the latter case, this includes certified organic crops.
5
It has been amply demonstrated that bacteria can enter the
root structures of crops and thus move into the edible
portion via the plant's vascular system. These bacteria are
internalized, thus no amount of washing at the kitchen
sink will have any effect. “
Dr Edo McGowan, Medical Geo-Hydrology
3152 Vai Real
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4928
edo_mcgowan@hotmail.com
****************************************************************************************
Sent: Saturday, June 30, 2007 11:15 AM
Subject: Thailand STUDY - soybeans - don't use sewage sludge to grow animal food - toxic
metals accumulate in plants
"The
residues of heavy metals (lead, cadmium and mercury) accumulated in leaves and
seeds, including in soil before and after the study were also significant (P<0.05)
related to the quantity of sewage sludge used. "
"Moreover that, it should not be used in plants for human and
animal consumption because heavy metals may accumulate in
plant products."
http://thailand2009.blogspot.com/2007/06/sewage-sludge-as-fertilizer-in-soybean.html
Tawadchai Suppadit
The Graduate Program in Environmental Management, School of Social Development and
Environment, National Institute of Development
6
Administration, Bangkapi, Bangkok 10240, Thailand
SEWAGE SLUDGE AS FERTILIZER IN SOYBEAN PRODUCTION
***************************************************************************************
http://www.unisa.edu.au/news/2009/260509A.asp
Media Release
May 26 2009
Sunflowers bloom in landfill revegetation project
http://thailand2009.blogspot.com/2007/06/sewage-sludge-as-fertilizer-in-soybean.html
Tawadchai Suppadit The Graduate Program in Environmental Management, School of Social Development
Environment, National Institute of Development Administration, Bangkapi, Bangkok 10240, Thailand
SEWAGE SLUDGE AS FERTILIZER IN SOYBEAN PRODUCTION
The results showed that soybean growth, yield, yield components, seed quality, protein and
lipid were significant (P<0.05), showing the best potential productivity at 5% by weight and
being better than chemical
fertilizer. The residues of heavy metals (lead, cadmium and mercury) accumulated
in leaves and seeds, including in soil before and after the study were also
significant (P<0.05) related to the quantity of sewage sludge used. Soil nutrients
of all treatments were also significant (P<0.05). The data varied similarly to the residues of
heavy metals. The replacement of sewage sludge for chemical fertilizer in plant production
including soybean could be as a nutrient source. However, it must used in an appropriate rate.
Moreover that, it should not be used in plants for human and animal consumption
because heavy metals may accumulate in plant products.
“Sunflowers and Indian mustard are both hyper accumulators of metals, which means
if there’s contamination in the soils, the plant translocates a high amount of metals
from the soil to the above-ground shoots. You can then harvest the plants and take
away the metals.”
http://mercola.fileburst.com/PDF/ToxicMetals.pdf
7
E. PG. 8 OF 13
Fruits, vegetables, beans and grains should be organic. Rice and wheat grown in soil contaminated by sewage sludge
super phosphate fertilizers may be toxic in cadmium.
http://www.eidn.com.au/ukcsirosewagesludge.htm#(iii)%20Toxic%20Organics
"Many
pesticides such as dieldrin, heptachlor and chlordane have been found in sewage
sludge, along with a variety of other chlorinated organic compounds such as polychlorinated
biphenyls. Such compounds when ingested by animals tend to accumulate in the body fat
where they can persist for many months or years. Some plants such as lucerne, cowpeas
or oats are known to take up organochlorine pesticides into their tissues, although the route
of uptake has not been clearly determined. As such compounds tend to become more concentrated
in each animal group up the food chain, human beings are at significant risk of having the highest
concentrations of these pesticides, which have caused cancer in laboratory animals."
http://www.eidn.com.au/ukcsirosewagesludge.htm#(iii)%20Toxic%20Organics
Pathogens
Most pathogens in the raw sewage are concentrated into the sewage sludge and present a
considerable hazard when any handling of the sludge is contemplated. They can be separated into four
categories - viruses, bacteria, protozoans and larger parasites such as human roundworms, tapeworms
and liver flukes. Such microorganisms can cause disease in humans, the transmission occuring in
several ways eg by inhaling sludge aerosols or dust, by
eating vegetables or fruit
contaminated by sludge, drinking water contaminated by run-off or by eating meat from
livestock infected whilst grazing pastures fertilised with sludge. "
June 2008 – Letter Atty. Edwin Hallman to NAACP re: Georgia Dairy sludge lawsuits
Metals
“Eckology is tested for only nine metals. Other metals found in sewage sludge, such as thallium and chromium,
not tested. In Augusta, Georgia, for example, high levels of thallium from sewage sludge
contaminated forage fed to the cattle on two dairy farms. In one case, it contaminated th
milk products and was found in high levels even in milk pulled from the shelf in grocery
stores. Chromium, which is commonly present in sewage sludges, can convert to a cancer-causing form
(Chromium VI) when sludge is applied to clay soils. People who breathe dusts blowing from land application
containing Chromium VI would be at significant risk of developing various forms of cancer, including lung
cancer.”
8
----- Original Message ----From: "Maureen Reilly" <maureen.reilly@sympatico.ca>
To: "asludgewatch" <sludgewatch-l@list.web.net>
Sent: Friday, May 15, 2009 10:27 AM
Subject: Sludge Watch ==> NY Times: For Urban Gardeners, Lead Is a Concern
Contaminated park brings end to community garden plan
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2009/04/30/ottawa-090430-soil-contamination.html
Fetuses and small children, because of their rapidly developing nervous
systems, are more sensitive to and suffer the most harm from lead
exposure. Adverse effects include damage to the brain and nervous system,
lower I.Q., behavior problems and slow growth. Adults may suffer cognitive
decline, hypertension, nerve disorders, muscle pain and reproductive
problems.
>If soil is found to have high levels of lead, experts advise covering it
with sod. Those who want to grow flowers or edible crops can either
replace the contaminated soil or alkalinize it by adding lime or organic
matter such as compost. Soil with a pH level above 7 binds with lead,
making it less likely to be absorbed by plants and the human body if the
dirt is inadvertently inhaled or ingested.
*************************************************************************
http://www.ec.gc.ca/Science/sandemar99/article1_e.html
Plants Clean Up Contaminated Sites
Abandoned mines, industrial dumps and other
contaminated sites may get a new lease on life
thanks to an innovative form of bioremediation
that uses plants to remove toxic substances
from soil, sediment and ground and surface water.
Known
as
9
remediation, this solar-driven
technology is proving to be less invasive, less
Sent: Friday, February 13, 2009 2:37 PM
Subject: MDRB uptake - Free Antibiotics in Plants, Food and Water article AlterNet
"Researchers
at the University of Minnesota found antibiotic residues in
the vegetables after only six weeks of greenhouse propagation, says
Environmental Health Service -- much less than a normal growing
season."
----- Original Message ----From: fg325@aol.com
To: edo_mcgowan@hotmail.com ; maureen.reilly@sympatico.ca ; hshields@worldpath.net
Sent: Friday, February 13, 2009 11:47 AM
Subject: Free Antibiotics in Plants, Food and Water article AlterNet
This is serious and must be stopped. Ideas, anyone on how to overcome BIG pharma and
BIG Ag dollars to our complicit Congress? Nancy
Free Antibiotics -- in U.S. Food and Water
By Martha Rosenberg, AlterNet
Posted on February 11, 2009, Printed on February 13, 2009
http://www.alternet.org/story/124265/
The July 3 FDA directive was straightforward
From: "Maureen Reilly" <maureen.reilly@sympatico.ca>
To: <Sludgewatch-l@list.web.net>
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 9:40 PM
Subject: Sludge Watch ==> N-Viro Nova Scotia - intend to spread sludge CKD (Cement
kiln dust) on dairy pasture
Sludgewatch Admin:
There is a proposal to put N-Viro - a combination of Halifax sewage sludge
and thallium contaminated cement kiln dust from Lafarge cement in Brookfield
- on dairy pasture in Nova Scotia.
Unfortunately - it is pasture grazing that most facilitates the movement of
persistant toxic compounds like PBDE flame retardents into the human food
chain through milk and meat. The N-viro material is touted as an
agricultural lime, but this means is should only be applied once every 5
years. So that means lots of acreage across Nova Scotia.
Hundreds of farmers, rural residents, and food consumers would have to be
10
pursuaded that the toxic tailings of the sewer, waste burning cement kiln
combustion, and the thallium and endocrine disruptors that go with it is
what they want near their homes and in their food. Experts at a Nova Scotia
showing of Sludge Diet said that landfilling sludges, or use of sludge for
energy production are less toxic venues for sludge management than N-Viro
sludge on pasture land.
There are currently 3 plants in Ontario, one plant in NS and PEI. There are
numerous plants in the United States. Over 25 years of research has gone
into the use of N-Viro on agricultural land. In Ontario, N-Viro is used on
carrots, onions, corn and other high value crops. It is anticipated that the
product will be mainly used on forages and pastures in Nova Scotia.
*******************************************************************
Uptake of radionuclides by spring wheat and
barley from cultivated soils supplemented by
contaminated sewage sludge
M Puhakainen… - Agricultural science in Finland (Finland), 1992 - agris.fao.org
AGRIS record. Record number, FI9210035. Titles,
Uptake of radionuclides by spring
wheat and barley from cultivated soils supplemented by contaminated
sewage sludge. Personal Authors,
Puhakainen, Marketta,Ylaeranta, Toivo. Publication Date, (1992). AGRIS Subj. Cat. ...
Cited by 1 - Related articles - Cached - All 2 versions
[SOURCES OF RADIONUCLIDES DISCHARGED TO SEWAGE PLANTS which
ends up in the sludge “biosolids” . . . .
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTUSWM/Resources/4636171205446508156/14TOR_HEALTHCAREWASTES.DOC
. Radioactive wastes typically include isotopes such as technetium 99, gallium 67, iodine 125,
iodine 131, cesium 137, iridium 192, thallium 201, and thallium 204.
EPA DOESN'T REGULATE Nuclear Regulatory commission has authority
http://yosemite.epa.gov/osw/rcra.nsf/0c994248c239947e85256d090071175f/A2FD958CFC880B
E38525670F006BFEAE/$file/12823.pdf
http://www.khou.com/news/investigative/116634593.html
TEXAS EPA COOKS THE BOOKS
Other sources to POTWs:
TOXIC GAS WELL FRACKING FLUIDS DISCHARGED TO POTWS
NUCLEAR MEDICINE see above
NUCLEAR SCANS,
WASTEWATER FROM NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
ATMOSPHERIC FALLOUT TO SURFACE WATERS USED AS DRINKING WATER (THINK
JAPAN’s reactors
11
RADIUM SENT TO POTWS FROM BEDROCK AQUIFER DRINKING WATER SOURCES
SUPERFUND LEACHATES TO POTWS
HOSPITAL, MILITARY, PUBLIC LABORATORIES
CEMENT KILN DUST
**************************************************************
Sent: Friday, February 06, 2009 1:28 PM
Subject: N VIRO - TOXIC COAL FLY ASH mixed with sludge/biosolids and "recycled" on farm
land - Plant uptake of arsenic ?
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/recycling-coal-waste-at-farms
Is recycling coal fly ash at farms environmentally safe?
Tons of coal fly ash--the same substance that caused a massive emergency in
Tennessee--are recycled in soil, raising questions about buildup of arsenic and other
toxic substances in food crops.
By Matthew Cimitile
Environmental Health News
February 6, 2009
Crops across the country are grown in soil amended with coal fly ash--the same
substance that caused a massive environmental emergency in December when it gushed
from a holding pond at a Tennessee power plant.
Tons of fly ash are routinely added to soil to nourish vegetables, peanuts and other
crops, primarily in the Midwest and Southeast. But now the spill has raised questions
about whether this longstanding agricultural practice is environmentally sound.
Fly ash is a fine powder recovered from gases created by the burning of coal. It is the
largest component of coal combustion waste, totaling around 70 million tons annually in
the United States.
Adding moderate amounts increases crop yields and stabilizes soils while reducing the
need to throw huge quantities in landfills or holding ponds, said Yuncong Li, University
of Florida professor of soil and water sciences.
However, fly ash contains various amounts of toxic metals. And studies
have shown that food crops grown in large amounts can soak up
hazardous concentrations of arsenic.
http://www.jeelm.vgtu.lt/upload/environ_zurn/4-253-260-jeelm-2007-latur.pdf
ORGANIC WASTE PRODUCTS IN AGRICULTURE – MONITORING
12
CONSTITUENTS PHTHALATE ESTERS IN SOIL-CROP SYSTEM
CHROMATOGRAPHY AND ION TRAP TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETRY
Frank Laturnus* and Christian Grøn1
1. Introduction
In modern society, the intensive use of industrial organic
chemicals leads to a high input of these compounds
into the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Due to human
health concerns associated with some of these chemicals,
their presence in agricultural ecosystems is of particular
concern, as
they can be transferred to humans by food
crops after plant-uptake or leaching to groundwater .
Due to increasing production of organic waste products
and the need to find a sustainable and economical
methods of waste disposal, the application in agriculture
may be an efficient and low-cost method for disposal.
However, this solution also involves risks regarding accumulation
in the soil after sewage sludge application,
followed by uptake into crops and a possible transfer to
humans via the food chain [25].
Subject: Manure- and Biosolids-Resident Murine Norovirus 1 Attachment to and
Internalization by Romaine Lettuce -- Wei et al. 76 (2): 578 -- Applied and
Environmental Microbiology
Viruses in biosolids can be internalized by lettuce
http://aem.asm.org/cgi/content/abstract/76/2/578
http://www.jenkinspublishing.com/messages/messages/53/1118.html?1229346460 APRIL 2011
It is mentioned in the Humanure Handbook, 2nd ed. (page 160) that pathogens do not
enter the roots of plants, existing only on the surface of crops. As it turns out, very
recent research has shown the E. coli 0157:H7 can and does enter the vasculature of
plants through the roots, especially lettuce, where it can persist for quite some time.
Thus, no amount of washing can remove this problem. This however, only points
more vigorously to the importance of composting manure prior to its application to fields.
http://aem.asm.org/cgi/content/abstract/68/1/397
**************************************************************
13
https://www.agronomy.org/publications/jeq/articles/34/6/2082
Antibiotic Uptake by Plants from Soil Fertilized with Animal Manure
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
*a
K. Kumar ,
a
S. C. Gupta ,
b
S. K. Baidoo ,
a
Y. Chander and
a
C. J. Rosen
Antibiotics are commonly added to animal feed as supplements to promote growth of
food animals. However, absorption of antibiotics in the animal gut is not complete and as
a result substantial amounts of antibiotics are excreted in urine and feces that end
up in manure. Manure is used worldwide not only as a source of plant nutrients but also
as a source of organic matter to improve soil quality especially in organic and sustainable
agriculture. Greenhouse studies were conducted to determine whether or not plants
grown in manure-applied soil absorb antibiotics present in manure. The test crops were
corn (Zea mays L.), green onion (Allium cepa L.), and cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.
Capitata group). All three crops absorbed chlortetracycline but not tylosin. The
concentrations of chlortetracycline in plant tissues were small (2–17 ng g−1 fresh weight),
but these concentrations increased with increasing amount of antibiotics present in the
manure. This study points out the potential human health risks associated with
consumption of fresh vegetables grown in soil amended with antibiotic laden
manures. The risks may be higher for people who are allergic to antibiotics and
there is also the possibility of enhanced antimicrobial resistance as a result of
human consumption of these vegetables.
http://www.naturalnews.com/030841_sewage_sludge_crops.html#ixzz1FxjnYFa9
December 2010
Environmental Science & Technology.
When humans consume pharmaceuticals, active traces of those drugs are
excreted in their feces and urine. Modern treatment methods for water and
sewage do nothing to remove these biologically active chemicals.
Previous studies have shown that crops grown directly in animal manure can
absorb veterinary drugs, and that cabbages grown hydroponically can absorb
human drugs. To simulate more natural agricultural conditions, researchers
grew soybeans -- the second most widely planted crop in the United
States -- in regular soil. Half the crops were fertilized with solid
waste, while the other half were irrigated with chemical-spiked water. In
order to simulate the reclaimed sewage or wastewater commonly used in
14
industrial agriculture, the researchers spiked water and waste with the
drugs carbamazepine (an anticonvulsant), diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and
fluoxetine (Prozac), along with the common antimicrobial chemicals
triclosan and triclocarban.
Using mass spectrometry, the researchers then analyzed the plants' tissues
just before flowering and after the production of beans. The plants
absorbed carbamazepine, triclocarban and triclosan from both soil and
water, although absorption from water was greater. All three chemicals
accumulated in root tissues, stems and leaves, while the antimicrobial
compounds also accumulated in the beans. Diphenhydramine and fluoxetine
accumulated in low concentrations in the roots.
http://dougal.union.ic.ac.uk/media/iscience/blog/goldie-lookin-food-chain/
February 2011 NANOPARTICLES – GOLD IN SLUDGE, - UPTAKE BY
PLANTS AND WORMS
As usage goes up, however, so does the amount of gold getting into waste water. In
Europe and America, 60% of the solid waste produced by sewage plants is used as
fertiliser, and it’s in this sludge faction that the nanoparticles accumulate.
To study the implications, researchers at the University of Kentucky raised tobacco
plants (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv Xanthi) – selected for their fast growth and
similarity to tomato plants – on nutrient mixtures laced with variously-sized gold
nanoparticles. They then allowed tobacco hornworms (Manduca sexta) to munch on
the plants for a week, before cutting both the worms and the plants into sections for
study and using a variety of mass spectrometry techniques to measure the golden
uptake.
Their results, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology,
showed that gold particles were present throughout the tobacco’s leaf tissue – not
just on the surface as had been observed in a previous study. All nanoparticles were
absorbed by the plants, irrespective of size.
In the hornworms, gold nanoparticles accumulated around the gut region and were
found in concentrations up to ten times that of the plants – confirming the scientists’
suspicion that gold might accumulate up the food chain.
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es103031a
Evidence for Biomagnification of Gold Nanoparticles within a Terrestrial
Food Chain
***************************************************************
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf990566a
15
Chlordane Uptake and Its Translocation in Food Crops
Abstract
Chlordane is a member of the persistent organic pollutants (POPs), a group of
chemicals characterized by extremely long residence in the environment after
application. Technical chlordane, composed of a large number of components, is a
synthetic organochlorine substance that was used primarily as an insecticide. Uptake
by root crops of persistent soil residues of chlordane was noted early in the
chronology of the material. The present report is the first comprehensive study
of the uptake of weathered soil residues of chlordane and its translocation
throughout the tissues of food crops under both greenhouse and field
conditions. The data show that for all 12 crops chlordane is not limited to root
tissue but is translocated from the root to some of the aerial tissues. Chlordane
accumulation in edible aerial tissue appears to be dependent on plant physiology. As
expected, chlordane was detected in the edible root tissue of the three root
crops examined, carrots, beets, and potatoes. In the remaining crops
chlordane was detected in the edible aerial tissue of spinach, lettuce,
dandelion, and zucchini, whereas it was not detected in edible aerial tissue of
tomatoes, peppers, and corn; trace amounts of chlordane were detected in the
edible aerial tissue of bush beans and eggplant.
"If you find those
compounds in the plant, what are they going to do to the plants or
to animals that eat the plants?"
Wu thinks that more toxicology studies should come next:
http://pubs.acs.org/cen/news/88/i32/8832news.html
August 2, 2010
DOI: 10.1021/CEN072210154549
Crops Absorb Pharmaceuticals From Treated Sewage
Environmental Pollutants: Soybeans can accumulate drugs and
personal care products commonly found in wastewater and solid
waste ("solid waste" = sewage sludge "biosolids")
Rachel A. Zurer
If you don’t eat soy, you know just how hard it is to find food that is soyfree if you try to eat out or buy prepackaged foods. Soy oil, soy lecithin,
16
soy sauce, and soy flour are just a few ingredients that are in many foods
available today. It is often hiding in mayonnaise, vegetable broths,
shortening and other oils. http://www.heartofcooking.com/sidebar/soy-gluten-anddairy-free-menu-planner/
*********************************************************
From: "Maureen Reilly" <maureen.reilly@sympatico.ca>
To: "asludgewatch" <sludgewatch-l@list.web.net>
Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 9:07 PM
Subject: Sludge Watch ==> Ontario -where they grow our junk food
CORN AND SOY BEANS – HEAVILY SLUDGED
CROPS
Sludgewatch Admin:
The wastewater industry sludges the corn and soy
acreage that goes to make our junk food.
There is no requirement to test the food grown on sludge for
uptake of toxins from the sludge.
Margaret Webb
Special to the Toronto Star
Published On Sun Oct 11 2009
“The two crops go into the production of many things:
pharmaceuticals, industrial products, animal feed – and
inexpensive calories. Tonnes of soybeans and corn are turned
into "edible food-like substances," as food system critic
17
Michael Pollan calls them, used in virtually all processed
foods, beverages and junk food.’
***********************************************
.
“
ASSOCIATED PRESS – SEPTEMBER 8, 2008
- E. coli can paralyze pore closures on spinach leaves and allow bacteria
into the plant;
Study suggests ozone gas to kill E. coli in greens
By TRACIE CONE, The Associated Press
2008-09-12 00:18:55.0
Current rank: # 656 of 5,547
MONTEREY, Calif. -
Among the research findings:
- Contamination can spread during washing, cutting and the tumble drying of greens, and
chlorinated water alone isn't enough to kill the pathogens;
- Some varieties of spinach with textured leaves have greater potential for harboring
pathogens than smooth-leaf varieties;
- E. coli can paralyze pore closures on spinach leaves and allow bacteria
into the plant;
- Even cooked compost used in organic operations can retain traces of live
E. coli cells that can reconstitute under the right conditions; [referring to
class A sewage sludge biosolids "compost" . . . ?]
-
Spinach and lettuce harvested on hotter days are more likely to create an
environment for pathogen growth.
******************************************************
1999 USDA
Internalization of Microorganisms into Fruits and Vegetables
18
Information is available regarding internalization of plant and human pathogens into
fruits and vegetables generally. Specifically, research has been conducted regarding
mechanisms by which microbes enter produce, the types of organisms that have been
shown to gain entry, and the commodities for which microbial contamination is a
potential problem.
“A pathogen that has become internalized within a fruit or vegetable must be able to survive in
the product until it reaches the consumer in order to become a public health hazard. Pathogen
survival depends on many factors, including the physical and chemical characteristics of the fruit
or vegetable, the postharvest processes applied, and consumer handling. In a market basket
survey, Samish et al (1963) frequently found bacteria in tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, and
beans, and less often in melons and bananas. Bacteria were rarely found in grapes, citrus
fruit, olives and peaches. Several studies have shown that human pathogens can survive
and grow in tomatoes and tomato products (Zhuang et al., 1995; Zhuang and Beuchat,
1996; Tsai and Ingham, 1997). Asplund and Nurmi (1991) have demonstrated that cut
tomatoes can be a vector of Salmonella contamination. Golden and coworkers (1993) found
that Salmonella grew rapidly on cut surfaces of cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew
melon that were held at room temperature. Salmonella levels remained unchanged when the
melons were held at refrigerated temperatures.”
http://thewatchers.us/1-food_bacterial_poisoning.html
********************************************************************************************
http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/mar/13/change-to-sewage-rules-may-be-costly/
Change to sewage rules may be costly
Sen. Boxer wants concerns over safety of waste disposal addressed
By Cynthia Overweg
Correspondent
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Biosolids in agriculture
But others aren't so sure. It's the mere possibility of potential disease-causing pathogens in
biosolids that keeps local farmers from going anywhere near it.
"All the studies I've seen show that biosolids have metals in it and sometimes carry bacteria that
aren't completely killed off," said Earl McPhail, Ventura County agricultural commissioner.
"The EPA says you can use it on some crops like cotton or alfalfa, but I don't foresee a time
when biosolids could be used on edible crops as long as people are concerned about food
safety," McPhail said. "I wouldn't use the stuff on my lawn, either."
The future of biosolids is a debate that may gain momentum as what's called "emerging
contaminants" become more understood, said Dana Kolpin, project chief for the U.S. Geological
Survey, an arm of the U.S. Department of the Interior.
In a recent study of land-applied biosolids, Kolpin said that
earthworms - from a soybean field in the Midwest where
biosolids were used - were contaminated with pharmaceuticals
and toxic chemicals from common household cleaning
products. (from earthworms to birds and animals . . . . )
19
"We know contaminants were in the waste being applied. We know the worms were
contaminated - the research needs to continue to see what this means to the worms, and
what it means for a potential to go higher up the food chain," said Kolpin.
He said that while the use of biosolids can be beneficial because of the nutrients they provide to
soil, there is also a lot of catch-up research work that needs to be done.
"These compounds degrade into other new compounds that can
end up in reclaimed water and biosolids," said Kolpin.
Striking the right balance between protecting human health and the environment with the
potential cost of added regulation is the central concern of all local sanitation agencies, said John
Correa, general manager of the Ojai Valley Sanitation District.
"There's a shampoo that's used to kill lice and the active ingredient is one of those things that
doesn't come out of the water - it's a proven toxic chemical that can't be removed in a treatment
plant," Correa said.
June 2008 – USCC Composting Council discussion – Posting by Will Brinton, Woods End
Labs, Maine
“I just reviewed a research paper from the Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Bonn, Germany. It
concludes that many antibiotics in manure do survive in soil (after manure application) for up to 90 days,
It is now well known that these
could be uptaked by plants, and passed along the food chain. Others are
and are therefore "relatively stable".
reported to have degraded rapidly. Composting should be assumed to be
similar to soil and possibly better (i.e.composting is not necessarily faster in biodegradation).
Interestingly, in the EU annually about 15,000 tons of antibiotics are administered to humans and animals,
the non-metabolized fraction of which will find its way via excretion
into the environment (mostly biosolids and released wastewater, and of
course manures). I am sure the quantities used are probably higher in the USA for animals, and I am not
sure for humans. Your concern should be pursued until more information on composting is obtained. See
also the early forerunner paper (before
use of antibiotics got really intense):
Vogtman, H.; W. Obrist, K. Hauser, H. P. P f i r t e r a n d F. Augstburger, 1978. Compost Science/Land
Utilization. "Cornposting and Plant Growth: Use o f c h i c k e n M a n u r e c o n t a i n i n g a
ntibiotics"
Will Brinton
http://www.lavoisier.fr:80/notice/fr099401.html Land application of sewage
sludge & biosolids
Auteur(s) : EPSTEIN Eliot
20
“Sources of Trace Elements, Heavy Metals, and Micronutrients in the
Environment Trace Elements in Biosolids Trace Elements in Animals,
Humans, Soils and Plants Arsenic (As) Animals and Humans Soils Plants
Cadmium (Cd) Animals and Humans Soil Plants Chromium (Cr) Animals and
Humans Soils Plants Copper (Cu) Animals and Humans Soils Plants Lead
(Pb) Animals and Humans Soils Plants Mercury (Hg) Animals and Humans
Soils Plants Molybdenum (Mo) Animals and Humans Soils Plants Nickel (Ni)
Animals and Humans Soil Plants Selenium (Se) Soil Plants Zinc (Zn) Animals
and Humans Soil Plants Conclusion References The
Effect of Sewage
Sludge and Biosolids on Uptake of Trace Elements and
Reactions in Soil Introduction Plant Uptake of Heavy
Metals Reactions and Movement in Soils “
http://www.foodsafety.ksu.edu/en/article-details.php?a=3&c=32&sc=419&id=1197
Pathogens in produce: a brief review
28.may.08, Ben Chapman, iFSN
“The researchers recovered viable cells from the inner tissues of the lettuce plants and
found that the cells migrated to internal locations in plant tissue and were thus protected
from the action of sanitizing agents These experiments demonstrated that E.
coli O157:H7 can enter the lettuce plant through the root system and
migrate throughout the edible portion of the plant (Solomon et al.,
2002b).
The risk of contamination of produce due to Salmonella spp. was found to be increased
when soil and water were present, and that soil and water actually act as reservoirs of the
pathogen. Xuan and colleagues (2002) found that soil and water were factors
in the infiltration of salmonella into the tissues of tomato. This supports the
theory that preharvest contact with contaminated soil or water increased the
contamination potential by certain pathogens and can lead to problems in pathogen
removal and the efficacy of sanitizers.
Flesh scarring can provide a suitable environment for pathogen growth, and decreases the
value of employing sanitizers, either in the packing shed or by consumers (Xuan et al.,
2002).
The uptake of Salmonella spp. by roots of hydroponically grown tomato plants has also
been shown. Within one day of exposure to a high concentration mixture of Salmonella
spp. pathogen cells were found in the hypocotyls, cotyledons, stems and leaves of young
plants; though whether fruit is affected is not known at this time (Guo et al., 2002).
In a 2006 review, Vectors and conditions for preharvest contamination of fruits and
vegetables with pathogens capable of causing enteric diseases, Larry Beuchat of the
Center for Food Safety and Department of Food Science and Technology at the
University of Georgia, concluded:
"Manure, manure compost, sewage, sludge, irrigation water, and runoff water represent
21
avenues for introduction of pathogenic bacteria, parasites, and viruses to soil in which
fruits and vegetables intended to be eaten raw are grown. Pathogens vary in their
ability to survive in soil amendments and in soil. Inactivation rates and persistence in soil
are also influenced by soil type, rainfall, temperature, and agronomic practices. Some
pathogens can survive in soil for periods of time exceeding those needed to grow
plants from seeds or seedlings to the point of harvest “
**************************************************************
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/122121096453570.xml&coll=3
Sludge sprayed on Grand Bay fields
contains pollutants
Friday, September 12, 2008
By BEN RAINES
Staff Reporter
The treated sewage sludge that's regularly sprayed on dozens of fields in Grand
Bay contains heavy metals and other chemical pollutants, according to records
provided by the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System.
Each of the 3,000 acres in the sludge-spraying program is permitted to
receive a total of 267 pounds of lead, 15 pounds of mercury and 1,338
pounds of copper, among other contaminants, before they can no longer
have sludge applied to them, according to MAWSS and Merrell Brothers
Inc., the company in charge of spreading the sludge.
“In a recent federal court case, it was concluded that farm soil receiving
sludge for about 10 years built up levels of various metals and chemicals
that made hay grown there toxic to cows.”
“Ryan Zeck, with Merrell Brothers, said the contaminant levels in
soil are kept in check somewhat because plants grown in the fields
absorb trace amounts of mercury and the other metals from the
soil.
"Things get absorbed, and then the hay gets baled and removed,"
Zeck said. "Mercury, molybdenum, all those things get taken up by
plants, that then get harvested. I've put this on alfalfa. I've even put
it on beans." (comment: and after the contaminated hay gets “baled and
removed” it is fed to livestock which pass the pollutants on to humans in their
meat and milk . . . . )
22
DR. MURRAY MCBRIDE, CORNELL UNIVERSITY – commenting at forum in
NOVA SCOTIA
“But Murray McBride, a professor of soil chemistry at Cornell University, argues
there hasn’t been enough research into the interaction of biosolids with the soil to
justify their application on farmland.
http://thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/1177806.html
We know what’s in it, but not how soil’s
affected
Still lots of debate on safety in face of plentiful pathogens, toxic chemicals
By JOHN McPHEE Environment Reporter
Sun. Apr 18, 2010
- 4:52 AM
"We had similar mixed messages back in the days of PCBs and DDT," he said in a recent
interview from Ithaca, N.Y.
"You can have a few parts per million in soil (but) this can bio-magnify
up the food chain. It increases through organic processes. . . . The
concentration in the soil is only the beginning."
He singled out the metal thallium, once used as a rat poison, which is
"toxic as hell." Thallium is used to make products such as eye glasses
and specialized electronics.
"It behaves like potassium in the soil," said McBride, who spoke against
the use of biosolids on food crops during a visit to Halifax last year.
"Plants suck it up like crazy."
He differed with Langman on the results of research into the levels of
emerging substances in sewage.
"A study done in Ontario at 20 sewage treatment plants showed that
unregulated metals were at pretty substantial levels," he said.
*******************************************
http://journals.lww.com/soilsci/Abstract/2004/07000/Molybdenum_Extractability_in_Soils_and_Up
take_By.4.aspx
23
MOLYBDENUM EXTRACTABILITY IN SOILS AND UPTAKE BY ALFALFA
20 YEARS AFTER SEWAGE SLUDGE APPLICATION
Murray B. McBride and B. Hale. 2004. Soil Science, 169(7):505-514
ABSTRACT
Molybdenum (Mo) at elevated concentrations in nonacid soils is readily
taken up into forages, particularly legumes, and can result in secondary
copper deficiency or molybdenosis in ruminants.
Because sewage sludge products are commonly higher in total and
available Mo than soils, amendment of soils with sludges could cause
health problems in livestock.
************************************************
N VIRO - TOXIC COAL FLY ASH mixed with sludge/biosolids
and "recycled" on farm land - Plant uptake of arsenic ?
FEBRUARY 6, 2009
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/recycling-coal-waste-at-farms
Fly ash is a fine powder recovered from gases created by the burning of coal. It
is the largest component of coal combustion waste, totaling around 70 million
tons annually in the United States.
Adding moderate amounts increases crop yields and stabilizes soils while reducing the
need to throw huge quantities in landfills or holding ponds, said Yuncong Li, University
of Florida professor of soil and water sciences.
However, fly ash contains various amounts of toxic metals. And
studies have shown that food crops grown in large amounts can soak up
hazardous concentrations of arsenic. Because it is not classified as hazardous
waste under Environmental Protection Agency standards, there is no federal
supervision of its use in agriculture.
http://www.asm.org/
Applied and Environmental Microbiology, January 2010, p. 578-583, Vol. 76,
No. 2
0099-2240/10/$12.00+0
doi:10.1128/AEM.02088-09
Copyright © 2010, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.
24
Manure- and Biosolids-Resident Murine Norovirus 1
Attachment to and Internalization by Romaine Lettuce
Jie Wei,1 Yan Jin, 2 Tom Sims,2 and Kalmia E. Kniel 1*
Department of Animal and Food Sciences,1 Department of Plant and Soil Sciences,
University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 197162
Received 28 August 2009/ Accepted 11 November 2009
The attachment of murine norovirus 1 (MNV) in biosolids, swine
manure, and dairy manure to Romaine lettuce and internalization of
this virus were evaluated. The MNV in animal manures had behavior
similar to that of pure MNV; however, MNV in biosolids had
significantly higher levels of attachment and internalization than pure
MNV or MNV in manures.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/antibiotics-in-crops
For half a century, meat producers have fed antibiotics to farm animals to increase
their growth and stave off infections. Now scientists have discovered that those
drugs are sprouting up in unexpected places.
Vegetables such as corn, potatoes and lettuce absorb antibiotics when grown in soil
fertilized with livestock manure, according to tests conducted at the University of
Minnesota. (my comment – if the plants take up the antibiotics in manure, then
they also take up the drugs and antibiotics in sludge “fertilizer” )
Today, close to 70 percent of the total antibiotics and related drugs produced in the
United States are fed to cattle, pigs and poultry, according to the Union of
Concerned Scientists. Although this practice sustains a growing demand for meat, it
also generates public health fears associated with the expanding presence of
antibiotics in the food chain.
From: "Maureen Reilly" <maureen.reilly@sympatico.ca>
To: "asludgewatch" <sludgewatch-l@list.web.net>
Sent: Tuesday, January 19, 2010 8:44 PM
Subject: Sludge Watch ==> Scotland: use of sewage sludge impacts biological
function in the soil
Sludgewatch Admin:
There has long been concern about the lowered levels of nutrition in our
food. Nutrients are taken up by plants from the soil, not directly, but through
little understood interaction with soil microbia. Toxic compounds abound in sewage
sludge, some known, toxic metals like copper and lead, and some unknown.
25
This 2009 report from the Scottish Government research points to changes in
soil microbiota and soil life processes in sludged soils.
...............................For full report:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/291181/0089446.pdf
Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 9:15 PM
Subject: CORNELL UNIVERSITY UPTAKE COPPER & ZINC IN SOYBEANS - NEED LOWER
METALS LEVELS - COARSE SOIL =SUSCEPTIBLE TEST POLLUTANTS - COMBINATIONS ADDITIVES- SYNERGISM
Dr. Caroline Snyder:
"More evidence that single chemical analysis and single chemical
regulations do not work in a complex mixture of contaminated waste, such
as sewage sludge."
********************************************************************************
http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/additive-copper-zinc-interaction-affects-toxic-responsesoybean-27105.html
Additive copper-zinc interaction
affects toxic response in soybean
MADISON, WI, NOVEMBER 9, 2009 -- Agricultural soils accumulate trace metals, particularly
copper and zinc, as a result of their presence in wastes (sewage biosolids and manures) and
fungicides that are applied over long periods of time. Regulations and guidelines for tolerable
concentrations of these potentially plant-toxic elements in soils are based on the assumption that
the toxic effects of the metals are substantially independent and not additive. However,
additivity would imply that soil tolerance limits for each metal
must be adjusted to compensate for the presence of another
metal. There has been very little experimental work to date to
provide a basis for determining the degree to which copper-zinc
interaction in soils is additive as defined by the toxicity
response in crops.
In a recent review article on environmental signaling and endocrine disruptors, it was
noted that as early as 1958, Dr. Roy Hertz aptly described the potential of a “steroid cycle,”
26
whereby hormones are introduced into agriculture and via uptake into plants are recycled
back in the animal and human populations (McLachlan 319). Hertz is quoted saying: “I
think that we are now actually setting up a steroid cycle in our environment, and we have
to give very serious consideration to its implications for our subsequent development and
growth and possibly reproductive function (McLachlan 320 ).”
What was true for
hormones used in farm animals is also true for biosolids, since
they can contain virtually every element, every compound made
by man, in addition to a very large number of metabolic and
transformation products created when added together in the
sewage treatment system.
http://www.antijen.org/transadvocate/id22.html
*****************************************************************
http://jeq.scijournals.org/cgi/content/full/31/5/1550
CONCLUSION
Sewage sludge application on a brown soil–meadow system resulted in increased
uptake in major elements and trace metals by the herbage as well as
leaching down the soil profile, as evidenced by the concentrations
measured in drainage waters over time. However, expressed in total output this
trend was significant only for some elements because the effect was limited in time and
calculations were made over 37 mo. For example, the effect observed for NO3–N,
. . . snip . . .
“In the case presented here, the main long-term risk is thus the rapid increase in trace
metal concentrations in the topsoil as well as the increase up to toxic levels in
herbage. In the worst case (1200 m3 ha-1 in 3 yr of the same sludge as in the
experiment), and assuming negligible leaching, the Zn limit concentrations (200 mg kg -1)
according to the UK code (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, 1993) would be
reached withina time span of 10 yr if metals did not migrate much below the plow layer
(20 cm).
Additional results suggest caution when trying to quantify outputs and risks for the food
chain and ground water. The increased leaching of DOC and particulate matter found in
some of thelysimeters might be due to preferential pathways within the soil columns.
This situation will probably increase the risk of subsoil and ground water contamination
as also seen by Camobreco et al. (1996). Indeed, we found that over a 7-mo period,
particulate matter could amount to up to 20% of the total trace metal leaching. The
phenomenon has already been mentioned as an increasing risk factor for trace
metals and nitrogen leaching (Maeda and Bergstrom, 2000). “
27
http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20090806/NEWS01/908060376/Expert--Plants-can-absorbchemicals-from-treated-wastewater
August 6, 2009
Expert: Plants can absorb chemicals from treated
wastewater
BY TREVOR HUGHES
TrevorHughes @coloradoan.com
Ecstasy in your putting green? It's more likely than you might think.
New research presented Wednesday at CSU shows that
plants irrigated with treated wastewater can "take up"
chemicals ranging from antibiotics to methamphetamine
and ecstasy.
University of Arizona professor Charles A. Sanchez is conducting research on the Colorado
River, looking into where such chemicals are found and at what levels they can be found in plants
irrigated with treated wastewater.
Sent: Friday, August 07, 2009 12:15 PM
Subject: SLUDGE PROBLEMS - GO ORGANIC UPTAKE WILDLIFE MDRB LEENA
SAHLSTROM ALTERNATIVE TRI CHEMICALS
http://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/?p=1057
Reason No. #4,298 to Go Organic
August 6, 2009
(EXCERPTS FROM ORIGINAL ARTICLE _)
If you needed any more reasons to buy only organic food, here’s a great one!
Antibiotic resistant bacteria is a significant problem, but it is definitely not the only
problem with using sewage sludge as fertilizer:
28


Sewage sludge is mutagenic (it causes inheritable genetic changes in
organisms), but no one seems sure what this means for human or animal health.
Regulations for the use of sewage sludge ignore this information.

 Two-thirds of sewage sludge contains asbestos. Because sludge is often
applied to the land dry, asbestos may be a real health danger to farmers, neighbors
and their children. Again, regulations don’t mention asbestos.

 Governments issue numeric standards for metals. However, the movement of
metals from soils into groundwater, surface water, plants and wildlife—and
of the hundreds of other toxins in sludge—are poorly understood.

 Soil acidity seems to be the key factor in promoting or retarding the movement of
toxic metals into groundwater, wildlife and crops. The National Research Council
(NRC) of the National Academy of Sciences gives sewage sludge treatment of
soils a clean bill of health in the short term, “as long as…acidic soils are
agronomically managed.” However the NRC acknowledges that toxic heavy
metals and persistent organic pollutants can build up in treated soils.


Research clearly shows that, under some conditions
(which are not fully understood), toxic metals and
organic industrial poisons can be transferred from
sludge-treated soils into crops. Lettuce, spinach,
cabbage, Swiss chard, and carrots have all been
shown to accumulate toxic metals and/or toxic
chlorinated hydrocarbons when grown on soils
treated with sewage sludge. In some instances, toxic
organics contaminate the leafy parts of plants by
simply volatilizing out of the sludge




.
There is good reason to believe that livestock grazing on plants treated with
sewage sludge will ingest the pollutants—either through the grazed plants, or
by eating sewage sludge along with the plants. Sheep eating cabbage grown
on sludge developed lesions of the liver and thyroid gland. Pigs grown on
corn treated with sludge had elevated levels of cadmium in their tissues.

 Small mammals have been shown to accumulate heavy metals after sewage
sludge was applied to forest lands.
Insects in the soil absorb toxins, which then accumulate in birds.
It has been shown that sewage sludge applied to soils can increase the dioxinintake
of humans eating beef (or cow’s milk) produced from those soils.
Substances like dioxins, furans and PCBs, which can be found in sewage sludge, are
not regulated by governments.
29
***********************************************************************
http://lovingenergies.spruz.com/pt/Crops-absorb-pharmaceuticals-from-sewage-sludge-spreadon-farmlands/blog.htm
December 2010
Here's a scary story: Did you know that most of the "black gold" soils spread on
farms are actually recycled human sewage sludge laced with toxic Big Pharma
drugs? New research shows many of those drugs are absorbed by the crops and end
up on your dinner table!
(NaturalNews) Agricultural crops can absorb pharmaceuticals
found in the water used to irrigate them or the sewage sludge
used to fertilize them, according to a study conducted by
researchers from the University of Toledo-Ohio and published
in the journal Environmental Science & Technology .
When humans consume pharmaceuticals, active traces of those
drugs are excreted in their feces and urine. Modern treatment
methods for water and sewage do nothing to remove these
biologically active chemicals.
Previous studies have shown that crops grown directly in
animal manure can absorb veterinary drugs, and that cabbages
grown hydroponically can absorb human drugs. To simulate
more natural agricultural conditions, researchers grew
soybeans -- the second most widely planted crop in the United
States -- in regular soil. Half the crops were fertilized with solid
waste, while the other half were irrigated with chemical-spiked
water. In order to simulate the reclaimed sewage or
wastewater commonly used in industrial agriculture, the
researchers spiked water and waste with the drugs
carbamazepine (an anticonvulsant), diphenhydramine
(Benadryl) and fluoxetine (Prozac), along with the common
antimicrobial chemicals triclosan and triclocarban.
Using mass spectrometry, the researchers then analyzed the
plants' tissues just before flowering and after the production of
beans. The plants absorbed carbamazepine, triclocarban and
triclosan from both soil and water, although absorption from
water was greater. All three chemicals accumulated in root
tissues, stems and leaves, while the antimicrobial compounds
30
also accumulated in the beans. Diphenhydramine and
fluoxetine accumulated in low concentrations in the roots.
The health effects of this absorption remain unknown, but they
could be severe. Triclosan, for example, has been shown to
build up in the bodies of humans and other animals.
"Triclosan disrupts hormones, can affect sexual function and
fertility, and may foster birth defects," write Frank Lipman and
Mollie Doyle in their book Spent: Revive: Stop Feeling Spent
and Feel Great Again.
"If you find those compounds in the plant, what are they going
to do to the plants or to animals that eat the plants?"
researcher Chenxi Wu asked.
Sources for this story include:
http://pubs.acs.org/cen/news/88/i32....
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