Belastung und Quellen Organischer Schadstoffe im Klärschlamm und ihre Bedeutung im Zusammenhang mit dem Ausstieg aus der Landwirtschaftlichen Klärschlammverwertung in der Schweiz

Abstract

Sewage sludge contains a multitude of organic substances and is a suitable matrix for the study of anthropogenic emissions. Polycyclic aromatic hydrcarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides, phthalates, UV filters, biocides, synthetic fragrances, polybrominated flame retardants and surfactants have been analysed in stabilised sewage sludge from more than 20 locations (water treatment works, catchment area) in a monitoring network in Switzerland. The concentrations of the analysed substances ranged between few μg/kg and several g/kg of dry matter. The calculated loads of contaminants which end up in soils where sludge is used in agriculture were substantial compared with other input pathways. The specific loads (per connected inhabitant) in the sewage sludge from the three location types studied revealed some background contamination from private households for all analysed substances. The main source for PAHs, PCBs, biocides and polybrominated flame retardants was atmospheric deposition. Synthetic fragrances were emitted almost only by private households. Since 2006, the use of sewage sludge in agriculture has been banned for reasons of health and ecotoxicological risks difficult to assess as well as in view of the market risk. Disposal by incineration is now largely autonomous in Switzerland. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.