What is in biosolids?

Biosolids are mainly a mix of water and organic materials that are a by-product of the sewage treatment processes. Most wastewater comes from household, kitchens, laundries and bathrooms. Biosolids may contain:

• Macronutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur and
• Micronutrients, such as copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron, boron, molybdenum and manganese

Biosolids may also contain traces of synthetic organic compounds and metals, including arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, nickel and selenium. These contaminants limit the uses to which biosolids can be put, with all applications regulated by appropriate government authorities in each State and federally. Australia has one of the strictest regulatory regimes for biosolids application and use in the world.