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Sewage Sludge in Agricultural Lands: The Legislative Framework in EU-28

Author

Listed:
  • Dimitrios Koumoulidis

    (Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence, 3012 Limassol, Cyprus)

  • Ioannis Varvaris

    (Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence, 3012 Limassol, Cyprus)

  • Zambella Pittaki

    (World Agroforestry Centre, Nairobi P.O. Box 30677-00100, Kenya)

  • Diofantos Hadjimitsis

    (Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence, 3012 Limassol, Cyprus
    Department of Civil Engineering and Geomatics, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Cyprus University of Technology, 3036 Limassol, Cyprus)

Abstract

Incorporating sewage sludge (SS) into soils presents a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option compared to conventional farming practices. However, SS could be perceived as a double-edged sword, as it may contain a broad spectrum of contaminants, such as heavy metals (HMs), microplastics (MPs), Pharmaceuticals in the Environment (PIE), and personal care products (PSPs), raising concerns for soil health, water resources, food safety, and human health. Council Directive 86/278/EEC, which regulates SS application in agriculture, specifies limits for six HMs but has not undergone substantive revisions since its inception in 1986, until the release of the updated working document SWD-2023-{final 158}. This study critically examines the legislative landscape across the European Union (EU) Member States (MSs), identifying heterogeneity in implementation, regulatory gaps, and the absence of thresholds for emerging contaminants. The results reveal significant disparities in the permissible concentrations of HMs across MSs and in comparison to international guidelines established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Furthermore, the absence of regulatory measures for MPs, PIE, and other common soil pollutants underscores critical deficiencies in the current framework. These inconsistencies contribute to varying levels of soil health across the EU and highlight the need for a harmonized approach. The findings of this study highlight the imperative for a comprehensive overhaul of the EU legislative framework governing SS application. As evidenced, the establishment of harmonized contaminant thresholds, rigorous monitoring protocols, and regulatory provisions for emergent pollutants is essential for addressing the identified regulatory gaps, enhancing legislative coherence, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices aligned with the EU’s environmental and public health objectives.

Suggested Citation

  • Dimitrios Koumoulidis & Ioannis Varvaris & Zambella Pittaki & Diofantos Hadjimitsis, 2024. "Sewage Sludge in Agricultural Lands: The Legislative Framework in EU-28," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-20, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:24:p:10946-:d:1543270
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Filip Mercl & Zdeněk Košnář & Lorenzo Pierdonà & Leidy Marcela Ulloa-Murillo & Jiřina Száková & Pavel Tlustoš, 2020. "Changes in availability of Ca, K, Mg, P and S in sewage sludge as affected by pyrolysis temperature," Plant, Soil and Environment, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 66(4), pages 143-148.
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