Managing PFAS in Biosolids and Sewage Sludge
With potential public health risks originating from PFAS-contaminated sewage sludge and a need to adapt the relevant waste management practices, stakeholders from government and commercial entities alike are searching for clarity, guidance and solutions.
Continue reading for what you need to know about PFAS, biosolids and sludge – including key definitions, risk sources, stakeholder–specific guidance, taking action and how Battelle can help.
Biosolids, Sewage Sludge and PFAS
To manage and address PFAS in biosolids and sewage sludge, we must first understand the difference between them, and the role that PFAS plays.
Sewage Sludge vs. Biosolids
Sewage sludge is a waste product created from wastewater treatment processes of industrial or municipal sewage. This waste can be liquid, semi-solid, or solid, and may also include scum removed while treating wastewater.
Biosolids are sewage sludge that has been treated to comply with regulatory requirements, with the intention of being applied to agricultural lands as fertilizer.
Solid waste separation at a wastewater treatment plant
PFAS in Sludge and Biosolids
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of “forever chemicals” that do not naturally break down in the environment. Found in a variety of places, PFAS can be in drinking water, consumer products, firefighting foam and more.
Recently, awareness is growing around PFAS chemicals (specifically PFOA and PFOS) found in sewage sludge and the resulting biosolids - and local government, landowners and agricultural producers are looking for answers.
The Spotlight Is on Sludge
Attention on PFAS and sewage sludge is increasing due to potential public health risks from the surface disposal of PFAS-contaminated sludge or application of biosolids containing PFAS. PFAS in biosolids may affect groundwater near application sites, as well as impact livestock or agricultural products grown on land using biosolids as soil amendments.
Beyond public health, other key sources of risk to keep in mind include:
- Potential upcoming regulatory scrutiny, from local or regional risk assessments to setting limits on the permitted amount of PFAS in biosolids
- Legal vulnerabilities stemming from PFAS-containing sludge or biosolids
- Technical challenges while implementing new waste management practices
While national regulatory standards are not finalized around PFAS in sewage sludge, this issue is still significant because regulatory bodies, and consequentially the waste management and environmental industries are turning their attention towards the impacts of sludge disposal or biosolids application. In addition, state governments may choose to move ahead in addressing these issues, especially in regions like New England and California.
Municipalities, businesses, and other stakeholders should be aware of the potential risk and start thinking proactively about tools, strategies and partners to help them assess and manage it.
PFAS in Sewage Sludge: Stakeholders and Sectors
Groups affected by PFAS-contaminated sewage sludge or biosolids may want to begin asking questions, conducting sampling, and identifying major sources of potential risk. By proactively exploring the scope of the problem and the specific risks associated with biosolids, stakeholders can develop and implement effective risk management strategies that protect and prepare communities and businesses alike.
Key stakeholder groups affected include:
Municipalities
Municipalities and their service providers, including consultants that manage biosolids or sewer sludge, are significantly impacted by PFAS contamination in sewage sludge. Local governments that are responsible for managing biosolids, often in collaboration with contractor companies, need to be aware of the potential risks and start thinking proactively about waste management practices.
Questions from communities, waste managers and other stakeholders may arise, as groups seek to understand the potential impacts on human health and the environment and the necessary steps forward. State and local authorities may want to provide clear, transparent information about waste management practices around PFAS in sewage sludge and biosolids.
State Regulators
State regulators involved in residuals management and waste management strategies will also have an interest in PFAS risks from biosolids or sewer sludge. This is especially true for states with either groundwater or soil standards for PFAS due to the potential impacts of land application of biosolids. They are likely to be the ones regulating biosolids and ensuring compliance with any new guidelines or standards that may emerge.
Real Estate and Landowners
Landowners or property managers who allow the land application of biosolids may also be affected. Applying biosolids to farms as fertilizer may pose significant health risks, with some parties implying that no one should consume produce grown on such lands.
Landowners could face also liability issues due to PFAS-contaminated land resulting from the application of biosolids. These stakeholders may want to reconsider their practices and be aware of the potential liabilities, as well as conduct due diligence to mitigate future risks.
Agricultural
Agricultural stakeholders, including small-scale agricultural practices or producers, could be directly impacted. Using biosolids as fertilizer could lead to PFAS-contaminated land and pose health risks to livestock and crops, bringing significant implications for food safety and agricultural practices. Early testing and investigation not only mitigate public health risk but also reduces reputational risk.
Farmer spreading biosolids to fertilize a field
Addressing Biosolids, Sludge and Source Material
While not federally required at this point, affected parties may want to identify and track major sources of PFAS in their sewershed to see the extent of their problem. Keep in mind that some states may require testing - check with your localities to confirm.
So, how can Battelle help? If you’ve read to this point, you may be wondering how or where to get started. Our experts are here to guide you through identifying, tracking and addressing these sources.
Here’s some key areas to consider.
Analytical Testing
When it comes to managing biosolids and sludge, analytical testing is a crucial first step. Analytical testing involves examining the material to determine the presence and concentration of PFAS contaminants. This process helps stakeholders understand the scope of the problem and identify potential risks associated with the use of biosolids.
Analytical methods used to test PFAS in sewer sludge or biosolids include:
- EPA Method 1633: For high fidelity data suitable for independent validation
- Total Oxidizable Precursor (TOP) Assay: For assessing total PFAS in biosolids or sludge
By conducting thorough analysis, municipalities, businesses, and other stakeholders can make informed decisions about how to manage and mitigate these risks.
Explore our Accredited PFAS Laboratory
Source Fingerprinting
Another important aspect of testing is source fingerprinting, which enables the identification of the origins of PFAS in biosolids and sludge. This method helps stakeholders trace the contaminants back to their sources, allowing for more targeted and effective management strategies.
Tools and methods used for source tracking on sludge and biosolids include:
- Battelle’s PFAS Signature®: Assess and trace PFAS sources in biosolids and sludge
- Non-Targeted Analysis/Suspect Screening Analysis: Screen for less common PFAS
Once sources of PFAS are identified, stakeholders can implement measures to reduce or eliminate these sources to mitigate potential risks.
Management and Strategy
Developing a comprehensive management strategy is essential for effectively handling biosolids and sludge. This strategy should include regular testing, source identification, and appropriate disposal or treatment methods. There may be a need to retool waste management practices, as traditional methods such as land application, incineration, and turning sludge into biosolids may pose significant risks.
By adopting proactive waste management for biosolids and sewer sludge, stakeholders can better protect public health and the environment.
Explore PFAS Consulting and Strategic Management
The Battelle Advantage
With our accredited PFAS laboratory, proprietary source tracking tools, project management acumen and industry-leading expertise, count on Battelle to help you confidently assess risk, identify sources and take remediation action that addresses PFAS in sewage sludge and biosolids.
Featured Expert
Jon Petali, Ph.D., DABT
Human Health Risk Assessor
Leveraging a Ph.D. and 7 years of experience across academia and state government, Jonathan applies his deep environmental toxicology expertise to help clients address PFAS and other emerging chemical contamination issues through robust risk assessment, research and risk communication.
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