Technology and policy approaches that enhance the beneficial use of biosolids

The report is a record of a travelling fellowship to Europe investigating treatment technologies and policy approaches that minimise contaminants in sewage and biosolids, to ensure the long-term sustainability of biosolids use, primarily as a soil conditioner on agricultural land.

The project identified a wide variety of biosolids management approaches and showed how connected regulation is to a region’s environment and land use.

The researcher had the opportunity to reflect on the similarities and differences in approaches between Australia and Europe. She concluded that the issues and opportunities have a lot in common. There certainly isn’t a single solution. Instead, there are many pathways to achieving beneficial use which navigate regulatory  requirements, and balance user needs and affordability.