SEM and Elemental Analysis of Phosphorus Concentrations Cullen Soil Amended with Biosolids Under Rainfall Simulation

Municipal waste treatment plants treat domestic wastewater by dewatering and high temperature drying processes. The concentrated biosolid is rich in nutrients that may serve as a value-added product for plant growth. The application of biosolids to soil can increase crop yield and serve as a disposal mechanism for waste materials. However, there is a potential risk for increased phosphorus (P) and metals in runoff and percolation water. Soils with high P-sorbing capacity reduce the level of P in runoff and leachate Iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), and calcium (Ca) are known to immobilize P in soil Increased pH and organic matter in biosolids-amended soils may further reduce the solubility of Al, Fe, Ca and P [3]. SEM can be a valuable tool in understanding the mineralogy and elemental distribution in soil.