Agricultural waste disposal

Ammonia concentrations in well-aerated soil solutions are normally <10-6 M. The NH ion is almost identical in size to K+, and can be held between 2 1 layer silicate lattices ( fixed ) in the same way as K+. In recently fertilized soils, anaerobic soils and sediments, soils used for municipal and agricultural waste disposal, and forest soils of low pH, exchangeable levels can be a significant portion of the soil s... 

Pesticides in wastewaters come typically from point sources of contamination such as disposal sites and landfills where industrial or agricultural wastes are buried without any consideration, as well as discharges from industrial effluents from pesticide production plants. Furthermore, nonpoint sources derived from regular agricultural activities, especially in intensive agricultural areas, and accidental spills can also be significant. Urban use of pesticides is also possible in large cities where the use of herbicides and insecticides may result in runoff into the sewers. These sewers in turn may expel pesticides into wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). 

Agricultural wastes are disperse in character and of small total volume, and are best utilized on the farm. Municipal solid waste constitutes a disposal problem (12-20 million tonnes per year in Canada), thereby providing an incentive for its use. On the other hand, its heterogeneity (70-80% organic content) and availability in useful quantities only in large urban centres are disadvantages. 

This application is very cost-sensitive because of the subsidy structure of the agricultural sector of the EU. The regulations for waste disposal of mulch film require either recycling or adequate treatment (e.g., incineration). If thin mulch films are concerned, the recovery of the film in the field is crop-dependent and difficult. Cleaning of the soil residues is cost-intensive. In this case, it can be more cost-effective to use biodegradable mulch film, which is adapted to the climate and the fruit application. 

Severe local arsenic pollution can occur adjacent to industrial enterprises producing the various arsenicals used in timber preservation and as agricultural pesticides. Concern expressed by environmental groups has led to a reduction in the use of arsenicals in agriculture over the last decade, and this trend is likely to continue. Waste disposal is the main problem in industrial arsenic production and this problem has been responsible for closing several plants in Western Europe. 

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