Published in Scientific Papers. Series A. Agronomy, Vol. LXIX, Issue 1
Written by Vasilica Felicia STROE, Ricuța Vasilica DOBRINOIU, Mihai GÎDEA
Urban sewage sludge generated by municipal wastewater treatment plants represents a resource for agricultural use due to its high content of organic matter and plant nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorous. When it is applied as an organic soil amendment, sewage sludge can restore soil fertility, improve soil structure, stimulate biological activity and reduce dependence on mineral fertilizers. However, sewage sludge may also contain hazardous substances, including heavy metals, organic contaminants, micro plastics and pharmaceutical residues. Moreover, it can act as a vector for pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses and helminth eggs, poising risk to soil, water resources and public health. Consequently, agricultural reuse of sewage sludge is regulated by strict legislative frameworks defining permissible pollutant concentrations and requiring stabilization and hygienization before application. Sludge application must be carefully managed through appropriate dosing, crop selection, avoidance of fresh-consumed crops and regular monitoring of sludge and soil to ensure environmental and human health protection.
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{simplepopup popup="false" name="Citation68"}STROE V.F., DOBRINOIU R.V., GIDEA M. 2026, THE USE OF URBAN SEWAGE SLUDGE IN AGRICULTURE –A SOURCE OF ORGANIC MATTER AND NUTRIENTS OR A SANITARY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISK?. Scientific Papers. Series A. Agronomy, Vol. LXIX, Issue 1, ISSN 2285-5785, 555-561. {/simplepopup}