Title |
Synthetic fibers as an indicator of land application of sludge
|
---|---|
Published in |
Environmental Pollution, November 2005
|
DOI | 10.1016/j.envpol.2005.04.013 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Kimberly Ann V. Zubris, Brian K. Richards |
Abstract |
Synthetic fabric fibers have been proposed as indicators of past spreading of wastewater sludge. Synthetic fiber detectability was examined in sludges (dewatered, pelletized, composted, alkaline-stabilized) and in soils from experimental columns and field sites applied with those sludge products. Fibers (isolated by water extraction and examined using polarized light microscopy) were detectable in sludge products and in soil columns over 5 years after application, retaining characteristics observed in the applied sludge. Concentrations mirrored (within a factor of 2) predictions based on soil dilution. Fibers were detectable in field site soils up to 15 years after application, again retaining the characteristics seen in sludge products. Concentrations correlated with residual sludge metal concentration gradients in a well-characterized field site. Fibers found along preferential flow paths and/or in horizons largely below the mixed layer suggest some potential for translocation. Synthetic fibers were shown to be rapid and semi-quantitative indicators of past sludge application. |
X Demographics
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
United States | 4 | 67% |
Unknown | 2 | 33% |
Demographic breakdown
Type | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Members of the public | 4 | 67% |
Science communicators (journalists, bloggers, editors) | 1 | 17% |
Practitioners (doctors, other healthcare professionals) | 1 | 17% |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Germany | 1 | <1% |
Chile | 1 | <1% |
France | 1 | <1% |
South Africa | 1 | <1% |
Belgium | 1 | <1% |
United States | 1 | <1% |
Unknown | 908 | 99% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Student > Master | 142 | 16% |
Student > Ph. D. Student | 135 | 15% |
Student > Bachelor | 130 | 14% |
Researcher | 93 | 10% |
Student > Doctoral Student | 26 | 3% |
Other | 88 | 10% |
Unknown | 300 | 33% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Environmental Science | 223 | 24% |
Agricultural and Biological Sciences | 89 | 10% |
Engineering | 70 | 8% |
Chemistry | 59 | 6% |
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | 34 | 4% |
Other | 93 | 10% |
Unknown | 346 | 38% |