Pharmaceuticals in Biosolids: Gauteng province Study Reveals Potential Risks to Soil and Human Health
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – A new study has detected a range of pharmaceuticals in municipal biosolids – treated sewage sludge used as fertilizer – from wastewater treatment plants across Gauteng Province, raising concerns about potential ecological and human health impacts. Researchers identified compounds including analgesics, antibiotics, and hormones, highlighting the need for improved monitoring and risk management strategies regarding biosolids application to agricultural land.
The presence of these pharmaceuticals in biosolids represents a growing global challenge. As populations consume more medications, wastewater treatment plants are increasingly unable to fully remove these compounds, leading to their accumulation in sludge. The practice of applying biosolids to agricultural soils, while beneficial for nutrient recycling, introduces these pharmaceuticals into the habitat, perhaps impacting soil microorganisms, plant uptake, and ultimately, the food chain. This study, focused on four wastewater treatment plants serving a densely populated region of South Africa, provides critical data for assessing the extent of this contamination and informing future mitigation efforts.
The research, published recently, investigated the occurrence and distribution of selected pharmaceuticals in biosolids generated by wastewater treatment plants in Gauteng province. analysis revealed the presence of compounds such as ibuprofen, naproxen, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, and estrone. Concentrations varied between treatment plants, influenced by factors like catchment population size and wastewater composition. Martín et al. (2012) previously documented the distribution and temporal evolution of pharmaceutically active compounds alongside sewage sludge treatment,emphasizing the risk assessment needed for sludge application onto soils.
Bolesta, Głodniok, and Styszko (2022) highlighted the transfer of pharmaceuticals from sewage sludge to soil in a extensive review, underscoring the potential for these compounds to persist and accumulate in the environment. The Gauteng study builds on this existing body of knowledge by providing localized data relevant to south African conditions. Further research is needed to fully characterize the long-term effects of biosolids-borne pharmaceuticals on soil health, crop safety, and human exposure pathways. The findings underscore the urgency of implementing advanced wastewater treatment technologies and developing sustainable biosolids management practices to protect both environmental and public health.
