National Priorities: Evaluation of Pollutants in Biosolids Grants
EPA awarded $5,976,976 in funding to four institutions for research to support states, municipalities, and utilities in determining the potential risk from pollutants found in biosolids. Results from this research can be used to inform the development of standards and policies for biosolids management.
Biosolids are created during the wastewater treatment process. During wastewater treatment, the liquids are separated from the solids which are then treated physically and chemically to produce a semisolid, nutrient-rich product known as biosolids. Biosolids can be applied to land to add nutrients, improve soil structure, and enhance moisture retention.
However, biosolids can also contain a variety of pollutants. Utilities and states need information on these pollutants to ensure that they are processed, handled, and used in a manner that minimizes potential risks to human health and the environment. EPA awarded the below research grants to address these needs.
Johns Hopkins University
Award: $1,498,000
Project Title: Fate and Transport of Unregulated Organic Contaminants in Biosolids - Development of a Human and Environmental Exposure Risk Framework
Project Location: Baltimore, MD
The project team will use analytical, toxicological, and risk sciences tools to identify previously unknown biosolids-associated organic contaminants, trace their fate through multiple environmental media, and prioritize them for future decision-making.
Michigan State University
Award: $1,498,000
Project Title: Assessing biosolid treatment processes on environmental fate and plant uptake of pollutants from land application of biosolids
Project Location: East Lansing, Michigan, Fort Collins, Colorado, Griffin, Georgia, Detroit, Michigan
Researchers will conduct studies to improve our knowledge on occurrence, fate, transport, plant uptake, livestock and human exposure to pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from land-applied biosolids.
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Award: $1,483,069
Project Title: Elucidating the occurrence of known and emerging chemical contaminants in wastewater biosolids and the influence of treatment and management processes on their fate, mobility, and bioavailability
Project Location: Gloucester Point and Virginia Beach, Virginia
The research team will evaluate the influence of wastewater source and sludge treatment choice to improve strategies for monitoring sludge-related pollutants, selecting optimal treatment processes, and reducing contaminate levels in U.S. biosolids and receiving soils.
The Water Research Foundation
Award: $1,497,907
Project Title: Unregulated Organic Chemicals in Biosolids: Prioritization, Fate and Risk Evaluation for Land Applications
Project Location: California, Illinois, Virginia, Indiana, Ohio
Researchers will prioritize unregulated contaminants and conduct laboratory and field studies to evaluate fate and transport models in risk assessments, leading to recommendations of best practices to minimize potential risks of unregulated organic chemicals in biosolids-amended fields.
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