Pollutants are omnipresent in soils. They originate from industry, agriculture, traffic and private households, for example, but also from natural sources. If pollutants accumulate in the soil, they can pose a risk to humans and the environment.
Compost and sewage sludge contain valuable nutrients and humus substances that farmers traditionally use as organic fertilizer so as to reduce mineral fertilizer use. But unfortunately, compost and in particular sewage sludge, contain pollutants such as chemicals, heavy metals and pharmaceutical residues that are hazardous to the environment and human health.
High quality compost and digestate for agricultural and horticultural use can be obtained from organic waste, provided that the waste is collected and composted separately and in a manner that is as environmentally sound as possible.
