Biosolids Research in New Zealand - What's New?

Currently, landfilling of biosolids is practiced by the majority of local authorities due to perceived and real uncertainties around social and cultural acceptability and risk of alternative disposal methods. There is a strong scientific case that application to land is a sustainable option, because biosolids are carbon-rich and contain high concentrations of valuable nutrients that can be used to bolster soil carbon reserves, thereby reducing dependence on artificial fertilisers. However, this approach is also potentially the least acceptable to the New Zealand public.

The land application of biosolids hinges on the outcomes of integrating both biophysical and social science. A sustainable long-term solution must balance these considerations in the context of New Zealand’s soils, land use, demography and cultural setting/position. The Centre for Integrated Biowaste Research (CIBR), a predominantly Government funded research programme, has been characterising the environmental risks arising from application of biosolids in different land management options and to integrate this knowledge with the social, cultural and economic considerations.