Which treatment method can effectively reduce pathogens in biosolids?

Composting is a well-established treatment method that facilitates the decomposition of organic matter, including the reduction of pathogens in biosolids. During the composting process, the combination of aerobic microbial activity and temperature increases can create a hostile environment for many pathogens, leading to their significant reduction or elimination. Furthermore, composting helps to stabilize the organic material, making it safer for land application.

Air drying also serves to reduce the pathogens present in biosolids. This process involves exposing the biosolids to air, allowing for moisture loss which can inhibit the survival and reproduction of pathogens. While it may not be as effective as composting, especially under certain environmental conditions, air drying does contribute to pathogen reduction.

Both methods—composting and air drying—are recognized for their ability to enhance biosolid management by achieving pathogen reduction, thereby improving the safety of their eventual use in applications like agricultural land amendment. Thus, the effectiveness of both treatments combined contributes to the best practices in managing biosolids and ensuring environmental and public health safety.