Cel One-third of organic sludge and almost all liquid agricultural wastes are currently used in agriculture as a source of organic matter and nutrients. This considerably reduces disposal problems and benefits farmers, provided that certain adverse components (such as pathogens and chemical pollutants) are strictly controlled. In-depth studies are therefore in progress to determine the agricultural value of sludges and effluent from intensive livestock farming to gain a clearer idea of their nutrient value to plants. Parallel studies are seeking to improve the knowledge available on absorption of biological and organic or inorganic chemical pollutants with a view to maintaining optimum farming conditions while avoiding damage to the environment and contamination of the food chain.One third of organic sludge and almost all liquid agricultural waste are currently used in agriculture as a source of organic matter and nutrients. This considerably reduces disposal problems and benefits farmers, provided that certain adverse components (such as pathogens and chemical pollutants) are strictly controlled.In depth studies are in progress to determine the agricultural value of sludges and effluents from intensive livestock farming to gain a clearer idea of their nutrient value to plants. Parallel studies are seeking to improve the knowledge available on absorption of biological and organic or inorganic chemical pollutants, with a view to maintaining optimum farming conditions while avoiding damage to the environment and contamination of the food chain.CURRENT STATUS Between 1 June 1988 and 31 May 1990 attention focused on the following topics: (a) Treatment of sewage sludge: thermophilic aerobic digestion and processing requirements for landfilling Thermophilic aerobic digestion is a relatively new alternative biological method of stabilizing and disinfecting sludges. A great deal of research and development work has been done on the subject in recent years and a large number of plants have been built, particularly in Germany and Switzerland. However, there is still a definite need to take stock of the process and discuss future research needs in this field. Though totally different, treatment for landfilling is nevertheless equally promising and important. Sludge quality requirements are becoming increasingly stringent in many countries and new methods of treatment capable of meeting those requirements must be explored. (b) Volatile emissions from intensive livestock farming and sewage operations Since publication of the odour measurement recommendations in 1985, information collected in Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands has revealed a number of problems encountered when applying the recommendations for odour pollution assessment. Ammonia emissions from a wide range of sources (sewage sludges, liquid manure and cow dung in meadows) or from buildings and storage facilities have been posing problems, compounded by seasonal and purely technical factors (such as the spreading equipment, etc.). At the moment efforts are centred on the use of chemical neutralization agents, biological filters, etc. to solve these problems. (c) Chemical contamination of sewage sludges and soil A second inter-laboratory comparison has been completed on polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) in sewage sludges. The results submitted by 45 laboratories are being interpreted and assessed for the final conclusions. At the same time work to collect information on other organic substances in sludge continues. Inter-laboratory comparison No 5 on the analysis and quantification of heavy metals in soils and crops is now in progress. (d) Health aspects of the treatment and use of organic sludges and liquid agricultural waste The research is looking for safe ways of processing and spreading waste and of applying suitable models for assessing the health quality of the organic wastes treated. (e) Review of research into the environmental impact of the use of sewage sludge and liquid agricultural wastes in agriculture This project also belongs to the EC research and development programme, BAP. Program(-y) IC-COST - European cooperation in the field of scientific and technical research (COST), 1971- Temat(-y) Data not available Zaproszenie do składania wniosków Data not available System finansowania Data not available Koordynator NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF ITALY Wkład UE Brak danych Adres Via Reno 1 00198 ROMA Włochy Zobacz na mapie Koszt całkowity Brak danych
