Dr Andrew McLeod
@biosolids-andy.bsky.social
Consultant in Bioresources http://linkedin.com/in/andrewmcleodphd
Pinned
Project Outset Summary for Resume for CIP4 Microplastics and advanced thermal conversion (ATC)
A XPOR powered site.
ukwir.org
AtkinsRéalis leading investigation into removal of #microplastics and other substances from #SewageSludge & #Biosolids by Advanced Thermal Conversion (ATC) technologies ukwir.org/resume?objec...
For my own sanity, a little perspective on some claims made in this article…🧵
A gobsmacking story. Water companies let toxic waste disposers, for cash, dump their loads into sewage farms. The sewage sludge is then spread, untested, on farmland, potentially poisoning vast areas, entire ecosystems and the people (you and me) eating the food.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
What’s in the millions of tonnes of sludge sprayed on to farmland? The answer won’t make you happy | George Monbiot
Thanks to breathtaking negligence, the liquid fertiliser used to help grow our food bubbles with a lethal cocktail of toxins, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
March 22, 2025 at 12:56 PM
For my own sanity, a little perspective on some claims made in this article…🧵
The problem with these articles is that they continue to rely on sources that are not reflective of #biosolids use in 🇬🇧 #agriculture. While the concerns are real, and legitimate, the level of alarm conveyed is therefore disproportionate 🧵
A gobsmacking story. Water companies let toxic waste disposers, for cash, dump their loads into sewage farms. The sewage sludge is then spread, untested, on farmland, potentially poisoning vast areas, entire ecosystems and the people (you and me) eating the food.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
What’s in the millions of tonnes of sludge sprayed on to farmland? The answer won’t make you happy | George Monbiot
Thanks to breathtaking negligence, the liquid fertiliser used to help grow our food bubbles with a lethal cocktail of toxins, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
March 21, 2025 at 11:57 AM
The problem with these articles is that they continue to rely on sources that are not reflective of #biosolids use in 🇬🇧 #agriculture. While the concerns are real, and legitimate, the level of alarm conveyed is therefore disproportionate 🧵
PFPrA was in every sample from the adjacent farms, but it is not present in the [biosolids] sample. The PFPrA signature in the ponds, wells, and soils does not match what PEER reported for the December 2022 [biosolids] sample which contained no PFPrA. PFPrA data suggest another PFAS source.
An independent expert report comissioned by Synagro, who produce the #biosolids, confirms my misgivings about the role of biosolids in #PFAS contmination of local soil and water in this case - particularly with respect to the specific ultrashort chain PFAS - PFPrA www.synagro.com/2025/03/18/s...
March 18, 2025 at 5:52 PM
PFPrA was in every sample from the adjacent farms, but it is not present in the [biosolids] sample. The PFPrA signature in the ponds, wells, and soils does not match what PEER reported for the December 2022 [biosolids] sample which contained no PFPrA. PFPrA data suggest another PFAS source.
An independent expert report comissioned by Synagro, who produce the #biosolids, confirms my misgivings about the role of biosolids in #PFAS contmination of local soil and water in this case - particularly with respect to the specific ultrashort chain PFAS - PFPrA www.synagro.com/2025/03/18/s...
March 18, 2025 at 5:51 PM
An independent expert report comissioned by Synagro, who produce the #biosolids, confirms my misgivings about the role of biosolids in #PFAS contmination of local soil and water in this case - particularly with respect to the specific ultrashort chain PFAS - PFPrA www.synagro.com/2025/03/18/s...
Based on the best available CIP3 data, some examples 🇬🇧 #biosolids may exceed the 31 ppb limit on #PFOS, although most would not. No #biosolids tested in CIP3 contained #PFOA above the LoD of 1 ppb.
For #biosolids use in #agriculture, this is the key table. Its a bit complicated as first glance, & read-across to the 🇬🇧 context is tricky. However, only ‘restricted use’ would likely apply in 🇬🇧 as we have restricted application rates.
March 6, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Based on the best available CIP3 data, some examples 🇬🇧 #biosolids may exceed the 31 ppb limit on #PFOS, although most would not. No #biosolids tested in CIP3 contained #PFOA above the LoD of 1 ppb.
For #biosolids use in #agriculture, this is the key table. Its a bit complicated as first glance, & read-across to the 🇬🇧 context is tricky. However, only ‘restricted use’ would likely apply in 🇬🇧 as we have restricted application rates.
March 6, 2025 at 1:18 PM
For #biosolids use in #agriculture, this is the key table. Its a bit complicated as first glance, & read-across to the 🇬🇧 context is tricky. However, only ‘restricted use’ would likely apply in 🇬🇧 as we have restricted application rates.
Australia’s final #PFAS National Environmental Management Plan (NEMP) v3.0 has been published. This provides a framework that places numerical limits for certain #PFAS in #biosolids depending on the end use, including use in #agriculture www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/...
www.dcceew.gov.au
March 6, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Australia’s final #PFAS National Environmental Management Plan (NEMP) v3.0 has been published. This provides a framework that places numerical limits for certain #PFAS in #biosolids depending on the end use, including use in #agriculture www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/...
Reposted by Dr Andrew McLeod
AtkinsRéalis leading investigation into removal of #microplastics and other substances from #SewageSludge & #Biosolids by Advanced Thermal Conversion (ATC) technologies ukwir.org/resume?objec...
Project Outset Summary for Resume for CIP4 Microplastics and advanced thermal conversion (ATC)
A XPOR powered site.
ukwir.org
November 14, 2024 at 9:38 PM
AtkinsRéalis leading investigation into removal of #microplastics and other substances from #SewageSludge & #Biosolids by Advanced Thermal Conversion (ATC) technologies ukwir.org/resume?objec...
100%. If the bath’s overflowing turn off the tap, don’t bail out the water.
Oliver Loebel of EurEau says we must control PFAS "at its source” with regulation not try to clean it up once it is in the environment. “Removing PFAS from drinking water & wastewater is an environmental disaster...it is very energy-, resource- & cost-intensive"
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Scientists call on ministers to cut limits for ‘forever chemicals’ in UK tap water
Permitted levels of PFAS should be lowered tenfold and national chemicals agency created, says Royal Society of Chemistry
www.theguardian.com
January 25, 2025 at 9:07 PM
100%. If the bath’s overflowing turn off the tap, don’t bail out the water.
The 🇺🇸 EPA’s draft assessment for #PFAS in #biosolids will really throw the cat amongst the pidgeons. However we should take caution around a direct read across for 🇬🇧 #biosolids… (short 🧵)
A US Environmental Protection Agency assessment reveals PFAS are found in sewage sludge at levels which far exceed its "acceptable" human risk thresholds ⚠️
English samples of sludge have seen far higher levels of PFAS than the EPA thresholds... 1/2 🚜
English samples of sludge have seen far higher levels of PFAS than the EPA thresholds... 1/2 🚜
Sludge with PFAS at levels known to exist in English samples ‘can exceed health risk thresholds’, says US regulator
Sewage sludge contaminated with PFAS - at levels much lower than those ENDS has revealed exist in English samples - can pose human health risks which exceed the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA...
www.endsreport.com
January 17, 2025 at 10:12 AM
The 🇺🇸 EPA’s draft assessment for #PFAS in #biosolids will really throw the cat amongst the pidgeons. However we should take caution around a direct read across for 🇬🇧 #biosolids… (short 🧵)
The problem is #PFAS is ubiquitous. So high concentrations entering sewers can arise from landfill leachate & other industrial effluents but research shows #PFAS also arises from domestic sources ukwir.org/the-national...
January 16, 2025 at 5:57 PM
The problem is #PFAS is ubiquitous. So high concentrations entering sewers can arise from landfill leachate & other industrial effluents but research shows #PFAS also arises from domestic sources ukwir.org/the-national...
If these are correct, then I’d suggest examining the sampling & analysis methodology for cross contamination risk!
“Norway would consider 500μg/kg as contaminated, but these sludges range from 8,000 to 12,000μg/kg” these values must be wrong. Are these meant to be ng/kg @hanspeterarp.bsky.social ?
January 16, 2025 at 3:29 PM
If these are correct, then I’d suggest examining the sampling & analysis methodology for cross contamination risk!
Before we open the article itself we have big problems. Arguably, “vast swathes” of 🇬🇧 farmland are NOT spread with #SewageSludge. In fact just 1.5% of agricultural land area had #biosolids in 2023…
Vast swathes of UK farm fields are spread with sewage sludge - a mix of human & industrial waste. We tested some, & found levels of PFAS & fire retardants that wouldn't be considered safe for use on allotments. Our article in the Guardian:
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
UK farmland being contaminated by ‘forever chemicals’ linked to cancers, report finds
Levels of PFAS chemicals found in sludge destined for British land would not be considered safe for allotments
www.theguardian.com
January 16, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Before we open the article itself we have big problems. Arguably, “vast swathes” of 🇬🇧 farmland are NOT spread with #SewageSludge. In fact just 1.5% of agricultural land area had #biosolids in 2023…
I have to say, this article is a gross misrepresentation, even by the normal media reporting on #biosolids. I’m actually a bit shocked it’s been published. The rhetoric has really gone up a gear here.
Vast swathes of UK farm fields are spread with sewage sludge - a mix of human & industrial waste. We tested some, & found levels of PFAS & fire retardants that wouldn't be considered safe for use on allotments. Our article in the Guardian:
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
UK farmland being contaminated by ‘forever chemicals’ linked to cancers, report finds
Levels of PFAS chemicals found in sludge destined for British land would not be considered safe for allotments
www.theguardian.com
January 16, 2025 at 1:30 PM
I have to say, this article is a gross misrepresentation, even by the normal media reporting on #biosolids. I’m actually a bit shocked it’s been published. The rhetoric has really gone up a gear here.
The US EPA has published its Draft #SewageSludge Risk Assessment for #PFOA & #PFOS www.epa.gov/biosolids/dr... v.short 🧵
Draft Sewage Sludge Risk Assessment for Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) | US EPA
The draft risk assessment reflects the agency’s latest scientific understanding of the risks to human health and the environment posed by the presence of PFOA and PFOS in sewage sludge.
www.epa.gov
January 14, 2025 at 8:33 PM
The US EPA has published its Draft #SewageSludge Risk Assessment for #PFOA & #PFOS www.epa.gov/biosolids/dr... v.short 🧵
Other US states, like Michigan and Minnesota, are taking a sensible, pragmatic approach to #PFAS in #biosolids in the face of scant data bsky.app/profile/bios...
Other options are to thermally dry more #biosolids and/or send it likely hundreds of miles to neighbouring states or even Canada. A recipe for huge additional carbon emissions and zero circularity.
Some suggest Maine’s ban of #biosolids in #agriculture is ‘pioneering’. The reality is that Maine’s #biosolids may consume in-state landfill capacity by 2028. Experts now recommend the flat ban be reconsidered www.maine.gov/tools/whatsn...
January 14, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Other US states, like Michigan and Minnesota, are taking a sensible, pragmatic approach to #PFAS in #biosolids in the face of scant data bsky.app/profile/bios...
Other options are to thermally dry more #biosolids and/or send it likely hundreds of miles to neighbouring states or even Canada. A recipe for huge additional carbon emissions and zero circularity.
Some suggest Maine’s ban of #biosolids in #agriculture is ‘pioneering’. The reality is that Maine’s #biosolids may consume in-state landfill capacity by 2028. Experts now recommend the flat ban be reconsidered www.maine.gov/tools/whatsn...
January 14, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Other options are to thermally dry more #biosolids and/or send it likely hundreds of miles to neighbouring states or even Canada. A recipe for huge additional carbon emissions and zero circularity.
Some suggest Maine’s ban of #biosolids in #agriculture is ‘pioneering’. The reality is that Maine’s #biosolids may consume in-state landfill capacity by 2028. Experts now recommend the flat ban be reconsidered www.maine.gov/tools/whatsn...
January 14, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Some suggest Maine’s ban of #biosolids in #agriculture is ‘pioneering’. The reality is that Maine’s #biosolids may consume in-state landfill capacity by 2028. Experts now recommend the flat ban be reconsidered www.maine.gov/tools/whatsn...
It’s grossly simplistic to say it’s “fortuitous” these #PFAS containing #biosolids aren’t recycled to #agriculture. Sent to landfill or incineration instead, these #biosolids will add to #PFAS in leachate or #PFAS combustion by-products in landfill or incineration flue gas emitted to the air.
Sewage sludge solids often contain toxic, lasting PFAS that treatment plants cannot effectively remove that pose health threats.
Chemicals in sewage sludge fertilizer pose cancer risk, EPA says
Sewage sludge solids often contain toxic, lasting PFAS that treatment plants cannot effectively remove that pose health threats.
buff.ly
January 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM
It’s grossly simplistic to say it’s “fortuitous” these #PFAS containing #biosolids aren’t recycled to #agriculture. Sent to landfill or incineration instead, these #biosolids will add to #PFAS in leachate or #PFAS combustion by-products in landfill or incineration flue gas emitted to the air.
Interesting also to note also that <0.1% of ag land in Minnesota receives #SewageSludge \ #biosolids. In 🇬🇧 about 1.5% of farmland has #biosolids in any one year.
For reference, based on the limited #PFAS data currently available for 🇬🇧 #biosolids from CIP3, most would fall within tiers 1 and 2
December 27, 2024 at 5:05 PM
Interesting also to note also that <0.1% of ag land in Minnesota receives #SewageSludge \ #biosolids. In 🇬🇧 about 1.5% of farmland has #biosolids in any one year.
For reference, based on the limited #PFAS data currently available for 🇬🇧 #biosolids from CIP3, most would fall within tiers 1 and 2
December 27, 2024 at 5:02 PM
For reference, based on the limited #PFAS data currently available for 🇬🇧 #biosolids from CIP3, most would fall within tiers 1 and 2
Another tiered approach for managing #SewageSludge / #biosolids in 🇺🇸 agriculture on the basis of its #PFAS concentration www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-la...
PFAS in biosolids strategy
The goal of Minnesota’s biosolids PFAS strategy is to ensure protection of human health while retaining the benefits of biosolids applied to land.
www.pca.state.mn.us
December 27, 2024 at 5:00 PM
Another tiered approach for managing #SewageSludge / #biosolids in 🇺🇸 agriculture on the basis of its #PFAS concentration www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-la...
“Friends of the Earth said it's a problem that would cost "billions" to fix. "Wastewater treatment plants are a big source of PFAS that ends up in the environment””
Unfortunately, badly worded messaging like this risks those “billions” falling on the shoulders of water customers.
Unfortunately, badly worded messaging like this risks those “billions” falling on the shoulders of water customers.
I think it still hasn’t quite sunk in that PFAS are EVERYWHERE. If you look hard enough, you’ll find it. Of course, that includes sewage and biosolids. It’s in food, cosmetics and toilet paper. You don’t have to think too hard to know it will be in sewage. www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12...
Sewage by-products used on farms contaminated with 'forever chemicals'
A Sydney Water document reveals sewage by-products used in food production contain elevated levels of PFAS.
www.abc.net.au
December 19, 2024 at 12:12 PM
“Friends of the Earth said it's a problem that would cost "billions" to fix. "Wastewater treatment plants are a big source of PFAS that ends up in the environment””
Unfortunately, badly worded messaging like this risks those “billions” falling on the shoulders of water customers.
Unfortunately, badly worded messaging like this risks those “billions” falling on the shoulders of water customers.
Reposted by Dr Andrew McLeod
I think it still hasn’t quite sunk in that PFAS are EVERYWHERE. If you look hard enough, you’ll find it. Of course, that includes sewage and biosolids. It’s in food, cosmetics and toilet paper. You don’t have to think too hard to know it will be in sewage. www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12...
Sewage by-products used on farms contaminated with 'forever chemicals'
A Sydney Water document reveals sewage by-products used in food production contain elevated levels of PFAS.
www.abc.net.au
December 17, 2024 at 11:18 AM
I think it still hasn’t quite sunk in that PFAS are EVERYWHERE. If you look hard enough, you’ll find it. Of course, that includes sewage and biosolids. It’s in food, cosmetics and toilet paper. You don’t have to think too hard to know it will be in sewage. www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12...