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Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA 16802
hae1{at}psu.edu
Eliot Epstein, Lewis Publishers, CRC Press, 2000 N.W. Corporate Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33431. 2002. 201 p. $129.95 hardcover. ISBN 1-56670-624-6.
More than one-half of the treated sewage sludge (biosolids) produced in the USA is recycled on the land. Compared with biosolids, the author contends that "no other waste or product has been subjected to such extensive research and examination." Despite years of practice and scientific scrutiny, land application of biosolids continues to engender contentious debate. The author's stated objective is to provide the reader with "insights into the scientific writings and findings" and "shed some light on the degree of potential risks from applying biosolids to land."
A one-volume treatise on the subject is an ambitious goal. Yet the author has synthesized a great amount of information into a well-organized and readable book. Following an introductory perspective and a survey of biosolids characteristics, individual chapters address major biosolids component categories (nutrients, trace elements, organic chemicals, and pathogens) that impact use or pose potential risk to health and the environment. Specific coverage is devoted to pollutant impacts on agricultural crops, humans, animals, and other organisms. The final chapter is a synthesis of the federal regulations promulgated by USEPA in 1993 that have guided practice for the past decade.
The book has a number of appealing features. Particularly valuable is the historical perspective provided by the author's long experience in the field. Several tables compile the relevant literature citations for specific biosolids-related topics. Example calculations showing how the pollutant limits were developed for the Part 503 federal regulations are especially helpful. Given the relevance to the current debate on land application, the extensive discussion of pathogens also enhances the value of this book.
Breadth of the subject inevitably leads to lack of depth on some topics. The omission of odors and the superficial coverage given phosphorus (P) belie the impact these issues will have on land-based biosolids recycling. Some narrative reflects misunderstanding of wastewater and solids treatment processes. The book could have benefited from tighter editing.
Despite a few drawbacks, the author has nicely drawn together information from diverse areas into a cohesive monograph. The more controversial aspects of the topic have been treated in an objective and balanced manner. With new issues continually coming to the forefront (e.g., P-based nutrient management, endocrine disrupters, emerging pathogens, and xenobiotics), the currency of texts in this field tends to degrade rapidly. Nevertheless, the book is a useful reference for soil scientists and practicing engineers who seek a comprehensive and historical view of the scientific basis for land-based biosolids recycling.
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