Organic contaminants in wastewaters and sewage sludges: transfer to the environment following disposal

Abstract

The behaviour of organic contaminants introduced into the environment via sewage treatment and disposal processes is reviewed. The fate of organics during sewage treatment is examined under the headings of adsorption, stripping, chemical removal mechanisms and biodegradation. Land disposal of sludge is then discussed in terms of ultimate fates of organics. In general, health risk due to sludge-applied organics are not considered to be minor. (D.W.T.)