Monitoring Intertidal Habitats for Effects from Biosolids Applications onto an Adjacent Forestry Plantation

Abstract

Stabilised organic solids derived from sewage sludge (“biosolids”) are applied to land as an alternative to disposal as landfill. This study evaluated the long-term effects of biosolids applied to forestry plantations on the adjacent intertidal habitats of Rabbit Island (New Zealand). On this island, biosolids are applied to enhance the growth of trees (Pinus radiata). Shoreline topography, macroalgal cover, sediment grain size, the concentrations of nutrients, trace metals, and faecal indicator bacteria, and benthic infaunal communities were studied in 2008, 2014, and 2019 at twelve intertidal transect sites (four “reference” and eight “application”) adjacent to forestry blocks where biosolids have been applied over a period of 24 years. The sediment composition did not differ significantly between the survey years or between the reference and application sites. Total nitrogen concentrations in the sediments increased over time at some transects, but such increases were not consistent among the application transects. No symptoms of excessive algal growth, sediment anoxia, and hydrogen sulphide odours were observed at most sites. Key infaunal taxa were similar between the reference and application transects. Overall, no long-term adverse changes to intertidal habitats attributed to biosolids application were detected between the reference and application sites. This study shows that biosolids application can co-occur without detectable adverse effects on nearby intertidal environments. In a global context of rising concern over climate change, environmental pollution, and resource scarcity, forest fertilisation with biosolids can facilitate biomass production and soil development while protecting valued coastal ecosystems.