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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