Male-specific (F+) coliphages have been proposed as a candidate indicator of fecal contamination and of virus reduction in waste treatment. However, in this and earlier work with a laboratory thermophilic anaerobic digester, a heat-resistant fraction of F+ coliphage populations indigenous to municipal wastewater and sludge was evident. We therefore isolated coliphages from municipal wastewater ...

Land application is becoming a preferred option for disposal of sewage sludge (biosolids) from wastewater treatment plants. However, it creates potential risks due to the heavy metal contents of these materials, with copper (Cu) being of chief concern. The long-term fate of biosolid metals applied to agricultural soils is not well understood, particularly in the soils of the Middle East. This i...

AIM To evaluate the effect of long-term annual land applications of Class B biosolids on soil bacterial diversity at University of Arizona Marana Agricultural Field Center, Tucson, Arizona. METHODS AND RESULTS Following the final of 20 consecutive years of application of Class B biosolids in March 2005, followed by cotton growth from April to November 2005 surface soil samples (0-30 cm) were ...

At a strategic moment for agricultural soils, which are expected to contribute climate change mitigation through carbon storage while safely feeding growing world population, the fertiliser strategies used will be key. In calcareous soil with extensive rainfed use and straw removal, different were evaluated aim of determining their effects on crop yield, nitrogen agronomic efficiency, organic t...

Describes field experiments to determine the effects of previous organic waste composts, using different types and application rates, on sunflower yield. Oil, carbohydrates and metal content were evaluated. Experiments were conducted in the Nuclear Research Centre Farm, in sandy, infertile soil. Results show a remarkable increase in dry matter and seed yields, due to previous single compost add...