Biosolids, good? or bad?

Biosolids is organic matter recycled from sewage and is used for agriculture. According to Web Definitions, Biosolids, also referred to as treated sludge, is a term used by the waste water industry to denote the byproduct of domestic and commercial sewage and wastewater treatment. Biosolids are produced primarily through biological treatment of domestic wastewater(4). Biosolids comprise the solids that are removed from the wastewater and further processed before the treated water is released into streams or rivers(1). So, if biosolids goes through the process of sanitizing wastewater treatment solids to control disease-causing organisms and reduce characteristics that might attract rodents, flies, mosquitoes, or other organisms capable of transporting infectious disease; does this exactly make it safe? 

The following picture shows the process of biosolids.

"Results revealed that some reported health-related symptoms were statistically significantly elevated among the exposed residents, including excessive secretion of tears, abdominal bloating, jaundice, skin ulcers, dehydration, weight loss, and general weakness. The frequency of reported occurrence of bronchitis, upper respiratory infection and giardiasis were also statistically significantly elevated. the finding suggest and increased risk for certain respiratory gastrointestinal, and other diseases among residents living near farm fields on which the use of biosolids was permitted." -Khuuder, et al., Health Surveys(2). As clearly seen in the picture, biosolids is a potential health hazard, contaminates, may contain hazardous chemicals, decreases property value, and produces an odour. 

However, most researchers agree that the effects of organic compounds, metals, and microorganism in biosolids are not harmful to humans or the environment is managed carefully(3). Is it fair or beneficial that it does not affect the environment but does affect individuals in the society? According to Pollution Issues - Biosolids can be used to fertilize agricultural crops and forests, reclaim mines and disturbed lands cover landfills, and make compost for soil amendment and landscaping. Most biosolids in this country, about 63% are put to beneficial use, and it predicted that this increased up to 70% in 2010. So, exactly why are biosolids desirable? Biosolids add nutrients and organic matter and in addition, they contain all the elements essential for plant growth. Lastly, it improves water infiltration and helps hold water and nutrients for use by plants. This reduces runoff and erosion (3).

Therefore, the benefits of biosolids out weight the disadvantages that biosolids may cause. Biosolids are used in many ways. These ways include: Co-generation/ power production/ energy recover, land application in agriculture, road base, land application in forestry operations, land rehabilitation, composition, landfill, and oil from sludge(4). Yes, biosolids raise concern about contaminants in biosolids. Many studies have identified heavy metals, organic pollutants and pesticides in many samples of biosolids. However, these contaminants are necessary from plant growth. I personally believe that biosolids goes through its process, for a reason - to eliminate any potential organisms that might rise health risks. Biosolids have been used in Canada for over 40 years, and why not continue to use them if it is carefully regulated to avoid any issues to arise. Biosolids add nutrients and organic matter and in addition, they contain all the elements essential for plant growth. If biosolids aren't used, what will?

Works Cited:

1. "Agricultural Land Application of Biosolids in Virginia: Production and Characteristics of Biosolids - Home - Virginia Cooperative Extension." Publications and Educational Resources - Home - Virginia Cooperative Extension. 27 Apr. 2011 <http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/452/452-301/452-301.html>.
2. "Biosolids - water, effects, environmental, pollutants, United States, EPA, soil, industrial, toxic, world, human, sources, disposal, use, health." Pollution Issues. 27 Apr. 2011 <http://www.pollutionissues.com/A-Bo/Biosolids.html>.
3. "Land Application of Sewage Sludge in Pennsylvania - Effects of Biosolids on Soil and Crop Quality — Crop and Soil Sciences." Home — Crop and Soil Sciences. 27 Apr. 2011 <http://cropsoil.psu.edu/extension/esi/biosolids-effects>.
4. "Sludge, Sludge treatment, Sludge Disposal, Sewage, Australian New Zealand Biosolids." Australian and New Zealand Biosolids Partnership. 27 Apr. 2011 <http://www.biosolids.com.au/what-are-biosolids.php>.
5. "Sludge." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 27 Apr. 2011 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sludge>.

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Oh, Technology!

Many people have concerns on the advance on technologies and how it will impact our environment in the near future - but have they taken a closer look on how major opportunities which will arise in the health sector in the future. This advances and development of medical technology has been able to care treatment as well as save lives, worldwide. So, exactly how important is technology? So important!

Taking a closer look at a artificial pacemaker we see how technology has evolved and now plays a significant part of individuals life. A artificial pacemaker is a medical device which uses electrical impulses, delivered by electrodes contacting the heart muscles, to regulate the beating of the heart.The primary purpose of a pacemaker is to maintain an adequate heart rate, either because the heart's native pacemaker is not fast enough, or there is a block in the heart's electrical conduction system. It is evident that technology has expanded since there are different methods of pacing for an artificial pacemaker (Medline Plus). These include: Percussive pacing, also known as Transthoracic, Transcutaneous pacing, also called external pacing, Epicardial pacing, Transvenous pacing, and permanent pacing (Heart Wellness Store). Without the technology of the artificial pacemaker, many peoples life would be at risk. Technology has advanced to the point in which pacemakers now incorporate defibrillators. So, many may ask, “how many people in the world have a pace makers?” The answer is that the number exceeds 2 million. There are 300,000 implants each year all over the world, some of which are replacements (Facts About Advances in Medical Technology).

As medical technology continues to grow on many levels, the future of medical technology seems bright. With a view for scientists to continue to discover cures for cancer, blindness, disability and disease prevention, medical technology will continue to provide the world with a healthier future.Another example would be X-rays. (About X-rays). X-rays is a form of electromagnetic radiation. They have a wavelength in the rage of 0.01 to 10 nanometers. X-rays are important because they are a noninvasive way to examine the internal parts of the body. They are also used to treat certain forms of cancer. X-rays are used to determine hairline fractures or major breaks in bones. They are also used to view the heart and other internal organs for abnormalities, such as the brain, blocked blood vessels and the lungs. X-rays are also involved in dental care; it allows dentists to look for cavities and to diagnose root canals and other periodontal or gum diseases.

I personally think that technology is a huge aspect in todays society, not only because it provides us with social networking but because technology is capable of saving the lives of many individuals and within time, it will be the answer to many of the medical issues today. A simple form of technology that is seen often is the use computerization of medical records (Electronic Design). Electronic medical records have made information more accessible and more accurate. Now, instead of sifting through seemingly endless shelves of folders and papers, one can simply look up patient information in a neat electronic database, and in critical medical situations, this can save valuable time. Technology is involved to find the cure of health issues. We see that technology is responsible for diagnosing patients, which allows doctors to provide help to them. MRI, NMRI, or MRT is a useful machine that can help detect brain tumours, or such. Technology is no doubt is an important part of out everyday life and such a broad term that its contribution to our understanding of internal body system is indescribable!

Works Cited

1. Design, Electronic. "Medical Electronics: Technology Advances Will Revolutionize Healthcare." Electronic Design Home Page. Web. 07 Apr. 2011. <http://electronicdesign.com/article/articles/medical-electronics-technology-advances-will-revol.aspx>.
2. NASA Official: Ruth Netting. "X-rays." X-rays. Nasa Gov. Web. <http://science.hq.nasa.gov/kids/imagers/ems/xrays.html>.
3. New Medical Technology: Lifesaving and Life-Enhancing | Reader's Digest Version." Health Tips, Food and Recipes, Funny Jokes and Cartoons, and Sweepstakes | Reader’s Digest Version. Web. 07 Apr. 2011. <http://www.rd.com/health/new-medical-technology-lifesaving-and-life-enhancing/>.
4. Burdett, Jennifer. "Facts About Advances in Medical Technology | EHow.com." EHow | How to Videos, Articles & More - Trusted Advice for the Curious Life | EHow.com. Web. 07 Apr. 2011. <http://www.ehow.com/about_5564827_advances-medical-technology.html>.
5. "ABOUT X-RAYS." ACRIN HOME. Web. 07 Apr. 2011. <http://www.acrin.org/PATIENTS/ABOUTIMAGINGEXAMSANDAGENTS/ABOUTXRAYS.aspx>.

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Growing Population vs Conserving Biodiversity

Every second 5 people are born and 2 people die, a net gain of 3 people. At this rate, the world population will double every 40 years and would be 12 billion in 40 years, 24 billion in 80 years, and more than 48 billion in 120 years (2). How is this population being feed, or will be feed in the future? According to USDA slaughter stats in 2008, the following number of animals were killed to supply the growing population with food: Cattles: 35,507,500. Pigs: 116,558,900. Chickens: 9,075,261,000. Layer hens: 69,683,000. Broiler chickens: 9,005,578,000. Turkeys: 271,245,000 (3). Are there any benefits obtain on relying on a few highly productive livestock?

Industrial agriculture is a form of modern farming that refers to the industrialized production of livestock, poultry, fish, and crops. While Sustainable agriculture is a way of raising food that is healthy for consumers and animals, does not harm the environment. What is the distinctions between the two? According to a science blog, the main distinctions are between a system that tends toward domination and one that strives for harmony; between that which seeks to specialize and that which promotes diversity; between promoting competition and seeking community and cooperation; and between that which is defined by values of speed, quantity, and profit and that defined by values of permanence, quality, and beauty (4). From the following image we see the major difference in Sustainable and Industrial agriculture and also proves that Sustainable Agriculture is much more convenient then Industrial Agriculture. 

Genetically Modification is is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Examples of genetically modified items are: Soybeans, corn, tomatoes, sweet peppers, and rice. Rice is genetically modified to contain high amounts of Vitamin A. Cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits and pigs have been genetically modified with the aim of producing human proteins that are useful, generally as medicines. The gene transfer process is typically very inefficient, and cloning is seen as another way of propagating the GM animal (5).  The Cattle is genetically modified to produce high-protein milk ideal for the cheese industry are created in New Zealand. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this? In resistant rape plants the advantage is that the farmer can grow a larger crop because it is easier to fight pests, while the disadvantage is that genes from the genetically modified rape crop could be transferred to the pests. The pests then become resistant to the crop spray and the crop spraying becomes useless. The advantage of long lasting tomatoes is that because the GM tomatoes can remain fresh longer they can be allowed to ripen in the sun before picking - resulting in a better tasting tomato. Disadvantages of this is; scientists today can genetically modify tomatoes without inserting genes for antibiotic resistance. However the first genetically modified tomatoes contained genes that made them resistant to antibiotics. Doctors and vets use antibiotics to fight infections. These genes spread to animals and people, doctors would have difficulties fighting infectious diseases (6). 


The agriculture industry is able to keep up with the rapid growth of the global human population, although with the help of Industrial Agriculture, which may lead to many issues. Genetically modified foods can be very dangerous and cause many health problems. In addition to the health issues that it may cause it, there are also many disadvantages which are mentioned previously. In the following video it suggest that by using bio-technology would be a sustainable solution to feeding the mass population. 

Work Cited:

1. "Define:Genetic Diversity - Google Search." Google. Web. 11 Jan. 2011. <http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&biw=1215&bih=684&defl=en&q=define:Genetic diversity&sa=X&ei=tPgsTcLqB474sAOej_2OBg&ved=0CBgQkAE>.
2. "World Population Facts." Did You Know? Web. 11 Jan. 2011. <http://didyouknow.org/population/>.
3. “USDA's Official Number of Animals Killed for Food." Animal Liberation Front. Web. 11 Jan. 2011. <http://www.animalliberationfront.com/Practical/FactoryFarm/USDAnumbers.htm>.
4. "Industrial Agriculture v. Sustainable Agriculture : The World's Fair." ScienceBlogs. Web. 12 Jan. 2011. <http://scienceblogs.com/worldsfair/2009/05/industrial_agriculture_v_susta.php>.
5. "CGS : Background: Cloned and Genetically Modified Animals." CGS : Center for Genetics and Society. Web. 12 Jan. 2011. <http://www.geneticsandsociety.org/article.php?id=386>.
6. "4 Examples of Genetically Modified Crops." Bionet - New Discoveries in Life Sciences - Explore the Science and Debate the Issues. Web. 12 Jan. 2011. <http://www.bionetonline.org/english/content/ff_cont3.htm>.

   
   
   

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