English (United States)
Biosolids are solid, semi-solid or liquid organic residue that result from the treatment of wastewater processed in PRASA's Sanitary Sewer Plants.
Due to their high nutritional value, they can be used for agriculture and gardening. Its macro and micronutrient content promotes the growth of plants and crops.
In many countries, especially in large cities, there is a general tendency to reduce, recycle, and reuse biosolids in ways that are beneficial to the environment. In the United States, more than 50% of the biosolids generated are recycled as soil conditioners to keep them productive and stimulate plant growth.
Biosolids also have a high calorific value, which makes them an excellent source for the development of combustion alternatives with energy recovery.
If the material meets the regulated parameters, it can be deposited in landfills.
Available alternatives for the use of biosolids include:
The quality of biosolids is established by the concentration of pathogens and metals, and compliance with vector reduction (40CFR Part 503).
Two main quality levels are established with respect to the concentration of pathogens:
As part of the transformation of the PRASA as a Green Agency, a Biosolids Management Plan has been developed with the objective of reducing the disposal of this material to landfills by 90%.
This initiative helps to comply with Law 411, the Reduction and Recycling Act, which establishes the recycling by 2006 of 35% of solid generated waste.
Biosolids recycling provides benefits to the environment while helping to preserve our island's Natural Resources.
The quality of biosolids is established by the concentration of pathogens and metals, and compliance with vector reduction (40CFR Part 503).
Two main quality levels are established with respect to the concentration of pathogens:
