Evaluating the Concentration and Bioavailabililty of Micropollutants in Commercial Biosolids-Based Fertilizers.

The number and concentration of compounds from consumer product use and industrial applications are increasing in municipal wastewater treatment plant (MWWTP) residuals and biosolids. For example, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), synthetic musk fragrances (SMFs, used extensively in personal care products, detergents, etc.) and poly/per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs, used in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabric, food packaging, paints, fire-fighting foam, industrial surfactants, emulsifiers, etc.) have recently been found at elevated concentrations in biosolids and now appear on multiple high priority watch lists.  The environmental detection of these micropollutants has raised concern due to evidence of their persistence, risk of bioaccumulation, and potential for toxicity, carcinogenesis and endocrine disruption. Although the use of commercial biosolids-based fertilizers (CBBFs) is increasing in urban and suburban gardens, little is known about the potential risk these micropollutants may pose to food safety. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to (1) quantify the concentration of targeted micropollutants (e.g., PPCPs, SMFs, and PFASs) in 10 CBBFs and compare them to 5 non-biosolids-based  fertilizers (NBBF); and (2) evaluate the bioavailability of these micropollutants. All CBBFs and NBBFs were used as received and characterized prior to use (e.g., nutrients, total organic-C, pH, etc.).  Internal standards were used to correct for matrix effects.  All extracts were analyzed for micropollutants on an LC/MS/MS, LC/QTOF, or GC/MS.