THE USE OF SEWAGE SLUDGE IN AGRICULTURE: A SWOT ANALYSIS
DUMITRA RĂDUCANU 1, ELENA GOLDAN 2, VIOREL IOAN RATI 1, STEVE HENRI VOUNDI OLUGU 3, IULIANA LAZAR 4 1. „Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacau, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology and Environmental Protection, Marasesti Street, no. 157, Bacau, Romania, e-mail: dumitra_manea@yahoo.com; ratiioanviorel@yahoo.com;
2. „Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacau, Department of Mechanical and Environmental Engineering, e-mail: elena_goldan89@yahoo.com
3. University of Yaounde, Departament of Microbiology, Laboratory of Microbiology, I, PO. Box: 812 Yaounde, Cameroon, voundisteve@yahoo.fr
4. „Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacau, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, ilazar@ub.ro;
The use of sewage sludge in agriculture is an efficient method from the economic point of view and is also sustainable from an ecologic perspective. However, intense debates on this topic occur nowadays because of the possible damage on population, flora and fauna. The aim of this paper is to highlight the use context of sewage sludge in agriculture reported to European Union countries. As main strong points, we identified certain beneficial impact on the biological, physical and chemical characteristics of soil, due to soil nutrients that are taken from the organic components of the waste. The economic costs are also reduced by replacing chemical fertilizers. But, low levels of investment and the limited capacity of the local authorities contributes to the use of the sewage sludge in agriculture on a reduced scale. The existing legislation that facilitates the development of viable markets for the processed sewage sludge is an opportunity. The risk of accumulation of pollutants in soil (heavy metals, organic pollutants, and pathogens) and their bioaccumulation in various trophic levels is obviously a reality. According to the results of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis a detailed matrix based on row data was realized. From the literature review, we noted an increased number of risks presented especially in recent years. Based on the conducted studies we suggest that all responsible factors should pay an increased attention to the use of sludge in agriculture.
