By Curt Jacobs
Geneseo Current
What if something we flush every day could help grow the food we eat?
That’s the idea behind biosolids—nutrient-rich organic materials created from treated sewage. After going through a thorough cleaning and stabilization process at wastewater treatment plants, biosolids can be safely applied to farmland. Farmers across the country are using them to build healthier soils, boost yields, and cut down on synthetic fertilizer use.
At a glance, the benefits are hard to ignore. Biosolids are packed with essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. They also add organic matter to the soil, improving structure, water-holding capacity, and microbial life. For farmers, that can mean better crops and fewer input costs.
They also offer an environmental win: recycling nutrients back into the land rather than sending them to landfills. Some even help with carbon sequestration, locking carbon into the soil.
But like any agricultural tool, biosolids aren’t one-size-fits-all.
There are a few things to be aware of. Depending on the source and treatment process, biosolids can contain trace amounts of heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium. The good news is there are strict EPA regulations in place to monitor and limit these levels. Still, it’s something to stay informed about.
Researchers are also keeping an eye on “emerging contaminants” like pharmaceuticals and PFAS—chemicals found in many everyday products. These trace compounds can make their way into wastewater and, eventually, into biosolids. While current levels are low and health risks remain under study, it’s an area of active research.
And yes—biosolids can sometimes raise eyebrows with the public. Odor and the “ick factor” are real concerns. But with proper treatment and management, many of these concerns can be addressed.
Curious about how biosolids are made? Or how they're applied on real farms? There’s a lot more to the story—and it’s worth digging into.