evaluation of pulverized trommel fines for use as a soil amendment

Available online at www.sciencedirect.com

Bioresource Technology 99 (2008) 7848–7858

Evaluation of pulverized trommel fines for use as a soil amendment

Paul M. Walker a,*, Tim R. Kelley b, Ken D. Smiciklas a

a Department of Agriculture, College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST), Illinois State University (ISU), Normal, IL 61790, USAb Department of Health, Education and Promotion, Environmental Health Sciences, Eastern Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA

Received 21 November 2005; received in revised form 10 January 2008; accepted 16 January 2008Available online 18 April 2008

Abstract

Pulverized trommel fines collected from the City of Chicago’s municipal solid waste were applied as a soil amendment over a 2-yearperiod to evaluate: (1) their effects on soil quality by measuring soil elemental concentrations, pH, organic matter and cation exchangecapacity; (2) their potential for pathogen transfer. A secondary objective was to examine crop growth, yield and productivity. Total andfecal coliform, Enterococci, Escherichia coli, Staphylococci and Salmonella were below minimum detection limits in trommel fines. Trom-mel fines contained 894.5 ± 171.4 mg/kg Pb, and when applied at a rate equivalent to 9.95 mt/ha dry wt, resulted in a soil Pb concen-tration increase of 18.80 mg/kg, thereby limiting lifetime trommel fine application to 15.9 years before reaching the 300 ppm IEPA(USEPA) regulatory limit. Trommel fines were subjected to a shake extraction procedure and resulting leachate Pb samples were88.7% below the IEPA (USEPA) regulatory limit (5 mg/l). For the first year, corn yield was significantly higher on soil amended withtrommel fines than soil amended with inorganic nitrogen fertilizer. During the second year, soybean yield was significantly lower on soilamended with trommel fines than on soil amended with inorganic fertilizer due to lower plant population. Results of this study suggestthat trommel fines can be land applied as a soil amendment if best management practices are followed.Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Keywords: Trommel fines; Municipal solid waste; Soil amendment; Crop productivity

1. Introduction

Over 463 million metric tons of municipal solid waste(MSW) are generated each year in the US and of thatamount 64.1% is landfilled (Simmons et al., 2006). Chicagoalone generates over one million tons of MSW annually(William Schubert, personal communication, 2002). Todecrease the amount of MSW entering landfills, WasteManagement, Inc. developed a process to separate trommelfines from the Chicago MSW. Trommel fines consist ofgrass, leaves, soil, pieces of glass, partially decomposedorganics and other inerts with the physical appearance ofsoil (Schubert et al., 2000). In 2000, Waste Management,Inc. collected 100,000 t of trommel fines from Chicago’sMSW. With this diversion comes a need to find a beneficialuse for trommel fines. Direct land application as a soil

0960-8524/$ - see front matter Published by Elsevier Ltd.

doi:10.1016/j.biortech.2008.01.081

* Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 309 438 3881; fax: +1 309 438 5653.E-mail address: [email protected] (P.M. Walker).

amendment is one potential use. Other waste products suchas biosolids, dead leaves, and woodchips have been used asa soil amendment with varying success (Flanagan et al.,1993; Pascual et al., 1997; Brown and Leonard, 2004). Apaucity of knowledge exists regarding the use of MSWtrommel fines as a soil amendment for agricultural pur-poses. The purpose of this study was to conduct an appliedfield study investigating the feasibility of utilizing trommelfines as a soil amendment in corn and soybean production.Specific objectives included: determining the short termeffect of trommel fine application on soil health and qualityby monitoring soil pH, organic matter, cation exchangecapacity (CEC), and elemental concentrations before andafter application; evaluating the potential for pathogentransfer by analyzing the concentration of selected patho-genic and pathogen indictor bacteria in trommel fines;and determining corn (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine

max) plant response to trommel fines for growth, yieldand productivity parameters.

mailto:[email protected]

P.M. Walker et al. / Bioresource Technology 99 (2008) 7848–7858 7849

2. Methods

2.1. Experimental design

A 0.41 ha Illinois EPA approved field site was selected ata closed landfill in Illinois. The field site had not been incrop production for at least 32 years, and mainly consistedof weed vegetation. The field site has uniform soil (Hunts-ville loam; fine-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic CumulicHapludolls), with a 2–3% slope, optimal drainage andmoderate to low fertility. Initial soil parameters were mea-sured prior to trommel fine application, and annually todetermine the influence of annual trommel fine applicationon soil element concentration, organic matter, pH and cat-ion exchange capacity (CEC). At each sampling, four soilcores were taken from each plot to a depth of 18 cm andcomposited to represent each plot. Four treatments wereevaluated to determine the effect of trommel fine applica-tion on crop growth and development: (1) the equivalentof 0 metric tons/ha (mt/ha) trommel fines (negative ratecontrol); (2) 60.5 mt/ha of trommel fines (on dry weightbasis) (1� application rate); (3) 121.0 mt/ha of trommelfines (on dry weight basis) (2� application rate); (4)168.5 kg N/ha inorganic fertilizer nitrogen (positive con-trol). Weed control was accomplished by manual removal,and the spot treatment of glyphosate herbicide as required.An experimental unit consisted of 9.1 m (twelve 76.2 cmcrop rows) by 18.3 m in length. Each treatment was repli-cated three times, utilizing a randomized complete blockdesign (RCB).

During year 1, the experiment was planted into a singlecross corn hybrid (Pioneer 33A14) and thinned after emer-gence to a uniform density equivalent to 69,188 plants/ha.To monitor corn plant development, three plants weresampled from each plot at silking (R1 crop stage) and atphysiological maturity (R6 crop stage). Total aboveground stover, and grain fresh weight and dry weight weredetermined. A subsample was taken from each plot to ana-lyze for nutrient concentration and content nitrogen (N),phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium(Ca), sulfur (S), sodium (Na), copper (Cu), manganese(Mn), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and boron (B). Grain productiv-ity was estimated at harvest maturity by combining the cen-ter eight rows of each plot and measuring grain weight, testweight and moisture. Because this was intended as anexploratory study, additional information could be gleanedby growing corn and soybean, rather than just corn.

Therefore, during year 2, soybean was drilled (20.32 cmrows) using the variety Pioneer 93B67. Due to extremelywet conditions the soybeans were planted late in the season(mid-June) for the geographic location. The populationwas dramatically increased to compensate for the reductionin vegetative growth. The plots were planted at a 4� rate inpart to maximize plant nutrient and potential contaminateaccumulation per plot. To monitor soybean plant develop-ment, 20 plants were sampled from each plot at beginningseed stage (R5 crop stage). Total above ground plant fresh

weight and dry weights were determined, and a subsamplewas taken from each plot to analyze for nutrient concentra-tion and content (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, S, Na, Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn,and B). Seed productivity was estimated at harvest matu-rity by combining the center 4.57 m of each plot and mea-suring seed weight, test weight and moisture.

2.2. Trommel fine application

A traditional tandem-axle manure spreader powered bya farm tractor was used to apply the trommel fines. For theyear 1 growing season, trommel fines were applied toappropriate replicate plots using a volumetric method.Net weight and moisture content of the delivered trommelfines were obtained. This weight was used to calculate therate of trommel fine application, assuming trommel fineswould be applied to treatment replicates at a 1� and 2�rate. Accordingly, the equivalent of 60.5 mt:ha (1�) and121.0 mt:ha (2�) (dry weight basis) were applied to thesix appropriate replicate plots.

For the year 2 growing season, trommel fines wereapplied to appropriate replicate plots by the net weightmethod. The dry matter content of the trommel fines wasdetermined, and each load of trommel fines applied wasweighed and applied in equivalent weight amounts to thesame replicate plots as the previous year such that theequivalent of 60.5 mt:ha and 121.0 mt:ha (dry weight basis)were applied to the six appropriate replicate plots. In bothyears, the trommel fines were applied in the spring beforeplanting and incorporated into the soil to a depth of 15-cm via tillage with a field cultivator. Fertilizer N wasapplied at the same time as the trommel fine application.Solid urea granules (46%) were spread by hand (broadcast)and incorporated in a similar fashion to trommel fines. A Nrate equivalent to 168.5 kg N/ha was applied each year,according to University of Illinois Agronomy Handbookrecommendations for corn based on yield goal and previ-ous cropping history.

2.3. Microorganism analyses

Soil, trommel fine, corn and soybean grain, and cornand soybean plant samples were analyzed for heterotrophicbacteria, total and fecal coliform, Staphylococci, Entero-cocci, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) concentra-tions using standard membrane-filtration and streak/spread plate culturing techniques using appropriate selec-tive/differential media (APHA, 1995; Freir and Hartman,1987; Kelley et al., 1995). Samples were stored at 4 �C priorto initiating bacterial analyses (APHA, 1995). Replicatesubsamples of 10.0-g were weighed into sterile blender jars,20.0-ml of 1.0% sterile buffered peptone–water surfactantwas added and samples were blended for 30-s at approxi-mately 15,000-rpm using an Oster� (Sunbeam Products,Inc., Boca Raton, Florida) blender (Kelley et al., 1994,1995). A standard membrane-filtration culturing methodwas used to determine coliform concentration (Freir and

7850 P.M. Walker et al. / Bioresource Technology 99 (2008) 7848–7858

Hartman, 1987). Duplicate 0.1 ml samples were passedthrough 47-mm diameter, 0.45-lm pore-size filters usingNalgene� filtration apparatus attached to a vacuum pumpand filters were transferred to appropriate culture mediafor microbial group enumeration (APHA, 1995; Freirand Hartman, 1987). Aseptic technique was observedthroughout plating procedures. Plates were transferred toincubators at appropriate temperature settings for appro-priate culturing time periods. Microbial concentrationswere determined by counting the number of colonies grow-ing on each plate and reported on a cfu (colony formingunit) per gram dry weight basis. Percent moisture contentwas determined by drying samples of 5–10 g in a circulatingair oven at 103 �C to terminal dryness and calculatingchange in weight due to moisture loss (APHA, 1995).

2.4. Soil amended with trommel fine water extraction

analysis

Approximately 6 months prior to and subsequent totrommel fine application, soil samples were collected foranalysis to estimate the extractability of selected constitu-ents. Samples were prepared for analysis according to thestandard test method for shake extraction of solid wastewith water (ASTM, 1988) with the following modification:100.000 ± 0.002 g of soil or soil amended with trommelfines were added to 200 ml of distilled/deionized waterand agitated for 18 h at 32 revolutions per minute.

2.5. Environmental analyses

Soil samples, trommel fine samples, soil samples amendedwith trommel fines, corn plant tissue samples and waterextract samples were analyzed for biosolids, metals, gaseoushydride metals, volatile organics, semi-volatile organics(USEPA 624), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) andselected fractionates by an independent laboratory (A and

Table 1Comparative biosolids of trommel fines (dry matter basis) applied during yea

Item Unit of measure Year 1 concentr

Nitrogen Total (%) 0.74 ± 0.13Nitrogen Total Kjeldahl (%) 0.74 ± 0.13Nitrogen Ammonia as N (%) 0.01 ± 0.00Nitrogen Nitrate as N (%) <MDLPhosphorus % 0.15 ± 0.02Potassium % 0.23 ± 0.01Arsenic mg/kg 5.07 ± 2.57Cadmium mg/kg 1.26 ± 0.05Copper mg/kg 55.66 ± 34.81Lead mg/kg 855.63 ± 490.53Mercury mg/kg 0.77 ± 0.05Molybdenum mg/kg 1.52 ± 0.34Nickel mg/kg 12.09 ± 1.62Selenium mg/kg 0.20 ± 0.17Zinc mg/kg 556.81 ± 145.16Total PCB mg/kg <0.04 ± 0.00

a MDL = minimum detection limit.* Means within a row differ significantly (p < 0.05).

L Great Lakes Labs, Inc., Fort Wayne, Indiana) usingaccepted USEPA procedures and reference methods fornitrate and nitrite N (USEPA 353.1); total Kjeldhal N(USEPA 351); P (USEPA 365.2); silver (Ag), barium (Ba),Ca, cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), Cu, K, Mg, molybde-num (Mo), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb) (USEPA, 200.7);arsenic (As) (USEPA 206.3); mercury (Hg) (USEPA245.1); and aluminum (Al) (USEPA 270.3) (Henley, 2000).Reported as total PCB concentration, the following PCBArochlors were selected for detection analysis; 1016, 1221,1232, 1242, 1248, 1254 and 1260.

2.6. Statistical analyses

Statistical analysis of above ground stover weights,grain weights, and stover and grain element concentrations(dependent variables) were conducted for negative control,1�, 2� and positive control (independent variables) usingRCB ANOVA (Steel and Torrie, 1960). Treatment meanswere compared by calculating Fisher’s protected least sig-nificant difference (FLSD) at p < 0.05 probability levelwhen a significant F value was observed. Statistical analysisof biosolids, metals, gaseous hydride metals, volatile organ-ics, semi-volatile organics, and PCB concentrations in soiland trommel fines (dependent variables) were conductedfor negative control, 1�, 2� and positive control (indepen-dent variables) using a protected F-test (SPSS� software,1988). Significance of differences between data values weredetermined at a p < 0.05 level.

3. Results and discussion

3.1. Trommel fines and soil

Concentration of PCB in trommel fines applied duringyear 1 were found below the minimum detection limit(MDL) of 0.041 mg/kg. Analysis of the trommel fines

r 1 and year 2

ation ± SD Year 2 concentration ± SD MDLa

0.75 ± 0.64 0.00050.75 ± 1.21 0.00050.05 ± 0.33 0.0005<MDL 0.00050.14 ± 0.04 0.00050.34 ± 0.04* 0.00056.51 ± 1.31 0.012.32 ± 0.75* 0.0471.38 ± 34.40 0.04894.50 ± 171.40 0.040.86 ± 0.12 0.0022.17 ± 0.64 0.0425.40 ± 7.90 0.041.09 ± 1.21 0.1424.0 ± 141.0 0.040.48 ± 0.32* 0.041


applied during year 2 detected PCBs (Table 1). Total PCBlevels detected in the trommel fines applied during year 2were significantly (p < 0.05) above the MDL of PCBdetected in the trommel fines applied during year 1. How-ever, the 0.475 ± 0.329 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg)detected were substantially lower than the 50 mg/kg maxi-mum limit for land application of biosolids. According toSection 391.402, Sludge Application Design Criteria, foundin Title 35 Subtitle C Chapter II Part 391 Design CriteriaFor Sludge Application on Land, biosolids containing con-centrations of PCB equal to or greater than 10 mg/kg mustbe incorporated into soil when land applied, implying thatbiosolids containing less than 10 mg/kg are not subject toincorporation (even though incorporation may be a bestmanagement practice) (IEPA, 1984). The level of PCBdetected in the trommel fines applied during both yearsof this study were numerically below the 10 mg/kg level.No significant differences in N, P, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cu, As,Hg, Mo or selenium (Se) concentrations were observedbetween trommel fines applied during year 1 or year 2.Concentrations of K and Cd were significantly higher inthe trommel fines applied during year 2 than during year1 (Table 1).

Trommel fines applied during year 1 and year 2 weresubjected to an extraction procedure to provide an indica-tion of the solubility of various fractionates. For each offive metals (Ba, Cd, Ag, Cr and Pb) and three gaseoushydride metals (As, Se and Hg), sample concentrationsfor Cd, Ag, Se and Hg in the extract were below theMDL of 0.04, 0.04, 0.01 and 0.002 mg/kg, respectively,for trommel fine samples analyzed during year 1 and year2. For those elements which were detected (Ba, Cr, Pband As), all were found to be below the IEPA maximumregulatory limit (MRL) (Table 2). The amount of Badetected in the water extraction samples was 99.77% and99.78% less than the acceptable regulatory limit recognizedby the IEPA for years one and two, respectively. Theamounts of Cr, Pb and As detected in the water extractionsamples were 99.67, 99.30, 89.23, and 88.07, 99.70 and99.6% less than the acceptable regulatory limit recognizedby the IEPA for years one and two, respectively (Table2). The Pb concentrations generated by the neutral extrac-tion analyses represent the highest Pb concentrations thatcould be expected in surface runoff water from the control

Table 2Concentration (mg:l) of metals, gaseous hydride metals, semi-volatileorganics and volatile organics detected in trommel fine water extract

Element Mean ± SD year1

Mean ± SD year2

Regulatorylimit

Arsenic 0.02 ± 0.01 0.02 ± 0.01 5.0Barium 0.22 ± 0.04 0.22 ± 0.07 100.0Chromium 0.02 ± 0.03 0.04 ± 0.01 5.0Lead 0.54 ± 0.01 0.60 ± 0.31* 5.0Hexachlorothane <0.05 2.67 ± 0.93*

Vinylchloride <0.12 0.55 ± 0.02

* Means within a row with an asterisk differ significantly (p < 0.05).

and treatment soils. The amount of Pb detected in trommelfines during this study suggests that trommel fines would beclassified as a non-hazardous waste.

Additional extraction analyses were conducted on soilsamples collected from the plot approximately 6 monthssubsequent to application of the trommel fines during year1 and 3 months subsequent to application during year 2 toestimate the risk of elements leaching to the environment.This standard test method for shake extraction of solidwaste was conducted for volatile organics, semi-volatileorganics, selected gaseous hydride elements, selected heavymetals, and PCB. Analyses were conducted on samples ofsoil collected from negative control replicates, positive con-trol replicates, replicates of soil amended with 1� treat-ments, and replicates of soil amended with 2� treatments.For analyses performed, all analytes across all four treat-ments except 12 were found to be below the MDL. Thoseanalytes detected in the water extraction samples includedtotal Kjeldahl N, nitrate N, P, K, Zn, Se, Ca, Cr, Br, As,Pb and acetone (Table 3). Total Kjeldahl N was detectedin the filtrate samples representing each of the four treat-ments during year 1 and year 2. No significant differencesin Kjeldhal N were observed in the filtrate samples repre-senting each of the four treatments during year 1. Followingtrommel fine application during year 2, significantly higher(p < 0.05) levels of Kjeldhal N were detected in the filtratefor the 2� and 1� treatments compared to control andinorganic fertilizer treatments. Significantly higher KjeldhalN levels were detected for the 2� treatment compared to the1� treatment. Nitrate N was above the MDL only in soilsample filtrate where inorganic fertilizer (positive control)was applied and only subsequent to year 2 application.Nitrate N was below the MDL in all of the other treatmentsamples.

No significant difference in total P concentration wasobserved in the filtrate between negative control and posi-tive control but the filtrate P concentration was lower(p < 0.05) for the 2� and 1� treatments compared to neg-ative and positive control samples analyzed subsequent totrommel fine application in year 1. No significant differ-ences in P levels in the filtrate were detected between treat-ments during year 2.

Arsenic concentrations in the filtrate were not signifi-cantly different between the 1� and 2� treatments. Duringyear 1, As filtrate concentration was significantly higher forsoil samples amended with inorganic fertilizer than the soilsamples amended with trommel fines. Filtrate from boththe 1� and 2� treatment samples contained significantlylower As concentrations than the negative control samples.During year 2 similar arsenic concentrations were observedin positive control soil samples and in soil samplesamended with trommel fines at the 1� rate. Significantlyhigher concentrations of As were detected in soil samplesamended with inorganic fertilizer (positive control) and2� treatment of trommel fines.

No significant differences in Ba filtrate concentrationswere observed between negative controls and any of the

Table 3Water extraction analysis of soil samples amended with trommel fines collected at the end of year o1 and during year 2 (mean ± SD)

Item Year 1 Year 2 MDLa

Negativecontrol

Positivecontrol

1� TRT 2� TRT Negativecontrol

Positivecontrol

1� TRT 2� TRT

Kjeldhal 8.0 ± 1.4 8.5 ± 0.7 7.0 ± 1.4 5.5 ± 0.7 7.7 ± 1.5 7.8 ± 1.1 11.0 ± 3.2b 24.3 ± 17.6c 0.05Nitrogen (mg:l)Nitrate nitrogen

(mg:l)<MDL <MDL <MDL <MDL <MDL 3.3 ± 1.6b <MDL <MDL 0.05

Phosphorus (mg/l) 1.3 ± 0.1 1.3 ± 0.1 0.8 ± 0.1b 0.5 ± 0.0b 0.6 ± 0.3 0.7 ± 0.2 0.4 ± 0.3 1.7 ± 1.1 0.05Potassium (mg/l) 8.5 ± 0.7 9.5 ± 0.7 6.5 ± 0.7 5.5 ± 2.1 6.7 ± 1.5 8.0 ± 1.4 14.0 ± 2.9b 39.0 ± 23.3b 0.05Acetone (lg:l) 6677.0 ±

9428.66183.5 ±6849.7

20,417.0 ±10,450.2

2652.0 ±3750.5

<MDL <MDL < MDL <MDL 0.01

Arsenic (lg:l) 8.5 ± 0.7 10.3 ± 2.5 5.8 ± 0.4b 5.3 ± 3.2b 3.4 ± 2.0 7.1 ± 4.0b 3.7 ± 0.7 10.2 ± 2.8b 0.001Barium (mg:l) 0.3 ± 0.0 0.3 ± 0.0 0.2 ± 0.0 0.1 ± 0.0 0.3 ± 0.3 0.1 ± 0.0 0.1 ± 0.0 0.1 ± 0.0 0.04Calcium (mg:l) 13.5 ± 2.1 11.0 ± 0.0 29.5 ± 3.5b 33.5 ± 3.5b 13.7 ± 1.5 15.0 ± 2.1 99.8 ± 11.4b 189.3 ± 56.8c 0.05Chromium (mg:l) 0.2 ± 0.0 0.1 ± 0.0 <MDL <MDL <MDL <MDL <MDL <MDL 0.04Lead (mg:l) <MDL <MDL <MDL <MDL <MDL <MDL <MDL 0.2 ± 0.1 0.04Selenium (l:l) 2.5 ± 0.7 2.3 ± 0.4 1.8 ± 0.4 1.8 ± 0.4 13.0 ± 0.0b 31.9 ± 41.1c 0.0 ± 0.0 2.0 ± 0.0 0.01Zinc (mg:l) 0.1 ± 0.0 0.2 ± 0.1 0.1 ± 0.0 0.1 ± 0.0 0.1 ± 0.0 <MDL 0.1 ± 0.0 0.2 ± 0.1 0.05

a Minimum detection limit.bc Within a year, means within a row with different superscripts differ significantly (p < 0.05).

Table 4Element loading calculations of selected biosolids in trommel fines

Item Lifetime maximumEPA elementloading rate(kg:ha)

Total allowabletrommel fineapplication rate (drymt:ha)

Lifetimetrommel fineapplication(yearsa)

Nitrogen 24.3b 51.7 NAPc

Phosphorusas P2O5

124.6b 31.9 NAPc

Potassiumas K2O

129.1b 41.5 NAPc

Cadmium 11.2d 5613.6 83.3Copper 280.7d 3954.3 58.7Lead 1122.7d 1225.2 18.6Nickel 112.3d 4490.9 66.7Zinc 561.4d 1010.5 15.0Total solids NAe NAe NAe

a Assumes 67.4 mt:ha annual trommel fine application rate (dry matterbasis).

b Assumes 10.1 mg:ha corn yield and 50% of nitrogen available in year 1;a pre-application phosphorus test of 31.2 kg:ha; and a pre-applicationpotassium test of 2510 kg/ha.

c NAP = not applicable.d Taken from Table II, Section 391.420 Title 35, Subtitle C, Chapter II

IEPA design criteria for sludge application on land.e NA = not available.


treatment samples. Calcium concentrations were signifi-cantly higher in the filtrate collected from the 1� and 2�treatments during both year 1 and year 2 than in the neg-ative or positive controls. This data suggests that the Cacontained in the screenings was relatively soluble comparedto the soil Ca of the positive and negative controls.Increased Ca solubility could suggest that trommel finesmay have potential to provide limited buffer capacity insome soils. Chromium was below the MDL in the 1�and 2� treatment filtrate and relatively lower concentra-tions (96% below the minimum regulatory limit or MRL)were detected in the negative and positive control Cr fil-trate samples. Though Zn, K and Se were detected in thefiltrate samples, no significant differences were observedamong treatment samples during year 1. Treatment filtratesamples analyzed during year 2 contained significantlyhigher concentrations of K, similar concentrations of Znand lower concentrations of Se than negative and positivesamples. During year 2 inorganic fertilizer filtrate samples(positive control) contained significantly higher Se concen-trations than negative control samples.

During year 2, acetone was below the MDL for all of thefiltrate samples analyzed. However, considerable variationin acetone concentration was observed in the filtrate sam-ples analyzed during year one. No significant differencesin filtrate means were observed, possibly due to the highstandard deviations. In addition, no numerical trend wasobserved. Negative and positive control concentration val-ues for acetone were similar, while 2� concentrations werenumerically lower than either negative or positive controlmeans. No explanation was postulated regarding the highvalues for acetone detected in the filtrate for the 1�treatment.

During year 2 following the 2� rate of trommel fineapplication, low levels of Pb (96% below the MRL) were

detected. The mean Pb concentration detected in the 2�treatment filtrate was 0.21 ± 0.14 mg/l, ranging from 0.0to 0.3 mg/l. Lead was below the MDL for all of the otherfiltrate samples during year 1 and year 2, including the 2�treatment for year 1 and the 1� treatment for year 1 andyear two. These data suggest that the Pb contained in trom-mel fines is not readily soluble.

A summary of selected element and PCB concentrationsand their relationship to annual load limitations, maximumapplication rates and recommended application rates is


provided in Table 4. The concentrations cited in this tablerepresent the highest mean concentration observed for eachbiosolid parameter in the trommel fines analyzed for eitheryear 1 or year 2. In this study, Zn and Pb appeared to posethe greatest concern for limiting application rates. Assum-ing an expected trommel fine application rate of 30 dry ton-s:acre (67.4 mt:ha) (approximate 1� treatment rate), Pbconcentrations would limit the application of trommel fineson any one acre of land to 18.6 years and Zn concentra-tions would limit trommel fine application to 15 years.The maximum IEPA element loading rate (which is consis-tent with the USEPA element loading rate – 40 CFR Part503 Standards for the Use or Disposal of Biosolids) for Pb,Zn, Ni, Cu and Cd were obtained from Section 391.420,Table II: Maximum Acceptable Heavy Metal LoadingRates Over the Life of a Project Site found in Title 35 Sub-title C Chapter II Part 391 Design Criteria for SludgeApplication on Land (IEPA, 1984). The lifetime trommelfine application in years was calculated by dividing thetotal allowable trommel fine application rate (dry mt/ha)by a constant value of (64.7 mt/ha). The total allowabletrommel fine application rate (dry mt/ha) was determinedby dividing the lifetime maximum IEPA (USEPA) elementloading rate (kg/ha) by the calculated kg of heavy metalper mt of trommel fines (dry weight basis). The kg of heavymetal per mt of trommel fines was based on the actual ana-lyzed mean heavy metal concentration (mg/kg) in the trom-mel fines.

Baseline soil sample elemental concentrations weredetermined from the plot replicate samples prior to initia-tion of the study and prior to application of any trommelfines. No significant differences in any of the analyses per-formed on soil samples were observed among the negativeor positive controls, or the 1� and 2� trommel fine treat-ments. (Baseline concentrations are reported in the on-lineAppendix Table 27). Soil samples were also collected sub-sequent to trommel fine application in year 1 and year 2.Those elements considered as potential contaminates are

Table 5Biosolids analysis of soil samples post-trommel fine application (mean ± SD)

Item Negative control Positive

End of year 1

Arsenic (mg/kg) 4.99 ± 0.07 5.35 ±Copper (mg/kg) 11.90 ± 0.44a 12.17 ±Lead (mg/kg) 18.71 ± 0.09 22.27 ±Potassium (%) 0.16 ± 0.01 0.25 ±Zinc (mg/kg) 54.87 ± 3.03a 60.19 ±

During year 2

Arsenic (mg/kg) 3.90 ± 0.31 5.18 ±Lead (mg/kg) 40.67 ± 3.92 46.30 ±Mercury (mg/kg) 0.04 ± 0.01 0.15 ±Molybdenum (mg/kg) 0.65 ± 0.18 1.26 ±Nitrogen (%) 0.27 ± 0.00 0.61 ±Zinc (mg/kg) 55.43 ± 6.21 103.27PCB (mg/kg) 0 ± 0 0 ± 0

abc Means within a row with different superscripts differ significantly (p < 0.05

listed in Table 5. (Concentrations of all elements analyzedare shown in the on-line Appendix Tables 28 and 41).

All soil samples analyzed for volatile organics and semi-volatile organics were below the MDL both pre-and post-trommel fine application during year 2. During year 2,PCB was detected in the soil samples amended with trom-mel fines. Significantly higher concentrations of PCB weredetected in soil samples collected from replicates receivingthe 2� treatment than from the samples collected from rep-licates amended with 1� treatment. Polychlorinated biphe-nyls were below the MDL in soil samples collected fromboth negative and positive control replicates. No significantdifferences in soil Pb concentrations were found subsequenttrommel fine application during year 1 (Table 5). However,significantly higher Pb concentrations were detected in 1�and 2� soil samples collected subsequent to trommel fineapplication during year two. Following the first applicationof trommel fines, Pb concentrations were not significantlydifferent between the negative control and the 1� treatment,but Pb concentrations were found to be significantly higherin the soils amended with the 2� treatment. Mean Pb con-centration detected in the 2� treatment was found to be69% below the IEPA concentration level (5 mg/l) desig-nated as hazardous waste. Arsenic was in all soil samplescollected during year 1 and year 2 (Table 5). Significantlyhigher concentrations were observed in soils amended withinorganic fertilizer (positive control) than either the nega-tive control or the 1� or 2� treatments.

Biosolids analysis was performed on the soil samplescollected before and after trommel fines application. Nosignificant differences in any of the analytes were foundbetween control and treatment soil samples prior to fieldapplication of trommel fines. This suggests that any changein analytes found in soil samples were due to treatmenteffects. During year 1, no significant differences in any ofthe analytes were observed between control and treatmentsoil samples post-trommel fine application with the excep-tion of: K, As, Pb, Zn, and Cu. Polychlorinated biphenyls

control 1� 2�

0.13a 4.95 ± 0.15 5.66 ± 0.141.12ab 14.37 ± 0.87bc 15.87 ± 0.00c

2.44 37.64 ± 15.05a 58.72 ± 14.62b

0.13a 0.22 ± 0.09a 0.31 ± 0.04b

8.21ab 85.14 ± 29.90b 112.54 ± 21.02c

2.73a 4.28 ± 0.23 4.96 ± 0.257.91 341.67 ± 295.40a 399.67 ± 189.25a

0.17 0.24 ± 0.04 0.57 ± 0.210.21a 1.25 ± 0.45a 1.50 ± 0.28a

0.54 0.40 ± 0.06 0.49 ± 0.14± 87.25 232.33 ± 121.50a 327.33 ± 139.50

0.60 ± 0.20a 1.36 ± 0.36b

).


were below the MDL for all treatments. During year 2, sig-nificant differences were observed between soil samples forN, As, Pb, Zn, Mb and PCB concentrations.

Potassium, when expressed both as an elemental percentand as percent K2O, was significantly higher for the positivecontrol and the 1� and 2� trommel fine application ratescompared to negative control soil samples (Table 5). Thissuggests that trommel fines have value as a soil amendmentfor K. Lead concentrations in the soil were significantlyhigher for 1� and 2� trommel fine application rates com-pared to control soil samples and to soil samples amendedwith inorganic fertilizer. Significantly higher Pb concentra-tions were found in the soils amended with the 2� treatmentthan in the 1� treatment. It should be noted that Pb concen-trations above the MDL were found in negative control soilsamples and in soil samples amended with inorganic fertil-izer (positive control). Significantly higher Pb concentra-tions were found in the soils amended with the 2�treatment than in the 1� treatment. Therefore, applicationof trommel fines to the same soil over several years willresult in an accumulation of Pb in the soil. No significantdifference in soil Zn concentration was observed betweennegative and positive control soils following year 1. Soilsamended with the 1� or 2� treatments were found to havesignificantly higher Zn levels than negative control. A sim-ilar trend to in the soil concentration of Cu was observedbetween the negative and positive controls and the 1�and 2� treatments. Trace amounts (Table 5) of Hg weredetected in the negative and positive controls and the 1�and 2� treatments. No significant differences in Hg concen-trations were found between any of the treatments.

Biosolids analyses yielded significantly lower total Nand Kjeldhal N in negative control samples than positivecontrol, 1� and 2� treatments at the end of year 2. Thisdata suggests that trommel fines may have value as a nutri-tive soil amendment. Percent nitrate N was significantlyhigher for the positive control, compared to the negativecontrol and the 1� and 2� treatments. While Pb concen-trations were above the MDL in all soil samples duringyear 2 regardless of treatment, significantly higher concen-

Table 6Biosolids comparison in soils and predicted lifetime application

Element Concentration pre-trommelfine application (mg/kg)

Concentration post-trommelfine applicationa (mg/kg)

Lead 18.7967 37.6400Zinc 58.3567 85.1400Copper 11.9633 14.3650Arsenic 5.5867 4.9550Cadmium <1.033 <1.0000Mercury 0.0427 0.0905Nickel 16.6667 18.6150Selenium 0.3967 0.3700

a Based on 1� (60.5 dry mt:ha) trommel fine application rate.b IEPA regulatory limit for municipal sludge.c Determined by dividing the regulatory limit by the increase in concentratid No value provided if change in concentration was not positive.

trations were detected in the 1� and 2� treatments as adirect result of the Pb concentrations detected in trommelfines. Mean Hg concentrations were significantly higherin soils amended with the 2� treatment than in other soils.No significant differences in Hg levels were detectedbetween the negative and positive controls and the 1�treatment. Significant differences were observed in meanMo concentrations between the negative control and the1� and 2� treatments. No significant differences weredetected between positive control, and 1� and 2� treat-ments in Mo levels. Polychlorinated biphenyls were belowthe MDL of 0.041 mg/kg in the negative and positive con-trol amended soils during year 2. Trace levels of PCBs weredetected in the 1� treatment (0.60 mg/kg) and in the 2�treatment (1.36 mg/kg). However, these levels are substan-tially below the 50 mg/kg IEPA MRL.

A comparison of (1) concentrations of selected elementsin replicate soil samples prior to year 1 trommel fine appli-cation (baseline), (2) their concentration in replicate soilsamples at the end of year 1 and prior to trommel fineapplication for year 2, (3) their change in concentration,(4) the IEPA (USEPA) MRL regulatory limit, and (5)the predicted number of years trommel fines could beapplied to soil before reaching the regulatory limit is shownin Table 6. For the elements considered during this study,Pb appears as the most limiting in terms of years of lifetimeallowable application when applied at a maximum rate of30 dry tons/acre/year (67.4 mt/year). The lifetime applica-tion rate reported in Table 4 for Pb is based on the concen-tration of lead found in the trommel fines. The lifetimeapplication rate reported in Table 6 for Pb is based onthe increased concentration level (mg/kg) found in the soilsubsequent to the one time actual application of 60.5mt/haof trommel fines. The data reported in Table 4 suggeststhat the maximum IEPA (USEPA) soil concentration limit(pounds/acre or kg/ha) would occur after 18.5 years. Thedata in Table 6 suggests the IEPA (USEPA) maximumconcentration level of 300 mg/kg would occur after 15.9years. Therefore, the data presented in Table 4 are consis-tent with that presented in Table 6.

Concentrationchange (mg/kg)

IEPA maximum regulatorylimit (MRL)b (ppm)

Lifetime trommel fineapplicationc (years)

18.8433 6300 15.926.7833 62800 104.52.4017 61500 624.6�0.6317 641 d

– 621 d

0.0478 617 355.71.9483 6420 215.60.0267 636 d

on.


For Zn, the data reported in Table 4 (based on the con-centration of these elements in the trommel fines) and thedata reported in Table 6 (based on the change in soil con-centration following 1 year of application) provide con-trasting application lifetimes, 15.0 years (Table 4) and104.5 years (Table 6). The calculated application lifetimesfor the other elements presented in Tables 4 and 6 are ofsufficient years or the trommel fine concentrations are suf-ficiently nominal that they do not appear to pose an envi-ronmental application rate concern, based on results of thisstudy.

3.2. Plant elemental concentrations

During year 1, corn stover tissue samples were collectedand analyzed for several fractionates, including potentiallyhazardous elements (Table 7). Levels of PCB were belowthe MDL for the negative and positive controls and the1� and 2� treatments. Concentrations of As, Cd, Hg,Mb, Ni, Pb and Se were either below the MDLs or werenot significantly different between corn plants grown oncontrol soils, or soils amended with either the 1� or 2�trommel fine treatments.

During year 2, soybean plant tissue samples and soy-bean seed samples were collected and analyzed for severalelements and PCBs (Table 8). Levels of PCB were belowthe MDL in grain samples and vegetative plant samples,regardless of treatment. Concentrations of all elements insoybean vegetation samples analyzed were not significantlydifferent among the negative and positive controls and the1� and 2� treatments. No significant differences were

Table 7Concentration of selected fractionates in corn plant tissuea samples collected a

Item Negative control Positiv

Nitrogen (%) 1.17 ± 0.18 0.98 ±Nitrate nitrogen (%) 0.01 ± 0.00 0.01 ±Phosphorus (%) 0.32 ± 0.06 0.22 ±Potassium (%) 1.49 ± 0.91 1.20 ±Aluminum (ppm) 39.22 ± 26.36 32.22 ±Arsenic (mg/kg) 0.02 ± 0.02 0.01 ±Boron (ppm) 8.78 ± 3.67 8.11 ±Cadmium (mg/kg) <MDL <MDLCalcium (%) 0.20 ± 0.05 0.21 ±Copper (ppm) 4.56 ± 2.83 3.22 ±Iron (ppm) 140.00 ± 104.83 123.00Lead (mg/kg) <MDL <MDLMagnesium (%) 0.20 ± 0.01 0.18 ±Manganese (ppm) 45.00 ± 40.48 52.56 ±Mercury (mg/kg) <MDL 0.00 ±Molybdenum (mg/kg) <MDL <MDLNickel (mg/kg) 0.70 ± 0.67 0.37 ±Selenium (mg/kg) 0.00 ± 0.01 <MDLSodium (%) 0.01 ± 0.00 0.01 ±Sulfur (%) 0.15 ± 0.05 0.09 ±Zinc (ppm) 101.56 ± 64.27 43.44 ±PCB, Total (mg/kg) <MDLb <MDL

a Tissue reflects all above ground portion of the corn plant including seed ab MDL = minimum detection limit.

detected for any of the elements analyzed in soybean seedsamples collected. In the plant samples, mean Zn concen-trations were not significantly different among negativeand positive controls and the 1� treatment. However, Znconcentrations were significantly higher in the 2� treat-ment samples than in the negative and positive controlsamples. Similarly, in plant samples mean Mn concentra-tions were not significantly different between negative con-trol, positive control and 1� treatments nor were theysignificantly different between the positive control, 1�and 2� treatments. Plant samples collected from soilsamended with the 2� treatment were significantly higherin Mn concentrations than were soybean plants grown incontrol soils.

The data of this study suggest that metals such as Pbfound in trommel fines are not readily soluble and there-fore less subject to leaching once applied to soil or have aslow rate of release as compared to other elements evalu-ated during this study. Data also suggested that metalssuch as Pb found in trommel fines are either not takenup by corn and soybean plant tissues or are absorbed bycorn and soybean plants in similar amounts by plantsgrown on control soils, soils amended with inorganic fertil-izer or soils amended with trommel fines.

3.3. Microbial analyses

Pathogenic and pathogen indicator bacteria were belowthe MDL in trommel fine samples prior to trommelfine application. Only heterotrophic bacteria were abovethe MDL in the trommel fines. Similarly, pathogens and

t the end of year 1 (mean ± SD)

e control 1� Treatment 2� Treatment

0.28 1.19 ± 0.25 1.47 ± 0.360.00 0.01 ± 0.00 0.02 ± 0.020.07 0.28 ± 0.04 0.19 ± 0.080.61 1.53 ± 0.92 1.63 ± 1.0217.84 42.00 ± 42.63 27.89 ± 19.34

0.01 0.03 ± 0.04 0.02 ± 0.033.44 9.22 ± 4.06 9.67 ± 4.36

<MDL <MDL0.07 0.23 ± 0.02 0.24 ± 0.031.26 4.67 ± 2.35 5.89 ± 3.14± 83.19 206.44 ± 282.15 140.11 ± 152.04

0.19 ± 0.57 <MDL0.08 0.17 ± 0.07 0.13 ± 0.0438.92 65.78 ± 50.98 82.78 ± 59.52

0.01 <MDL 0.00 ± 0.01<MDL <MDL

0.49 0.57 ± 0.92 0.14 ± 0.430.00 ± 0.01 0.00 ± 0.01

0.00 0.01 ± 0.00 0.01 ± 0.000.03 0.14 ± 0.04 0.12 ± 0.03038.61 130.22 ± 144.91 100.78 ± 81.83

<MDL <MDL

nd stover.

Table 8Concentration of selected fractionates in soybean plant tissue collected at the end of year 2 (mean ± SD)

Item Negative control Positive control 1� Treatment 2� Treatment

Nitrogen (%) 3.30 ± 0.41 3.99 ± 0.12 3.82 ± 0.74 4.21 ± 0.22Nitrate nitrogen (%) 0.03 ± 0.01 0.15 ± 0.05 0.10 ± 0.11 0.09 ± 0.03Phosphorus (%) 0.30 ± 0.07 0.37 ± 0.02 0.39 ± 0.03 0.43 ± 0.05Potassium (%) 2.00 ± 0.27 2.21 ± 0.08 2.33 ± 0.19 2.36 ± 0.30Aluminum (mg/kg) 90.33 ± 23.54 166.33 ± 7.23a 196.00 ± 96.01a 221.00 ± 53.70a

Boron (mg/kg) 37.33 ± 5.51 35.67 ± 2.08 40.67 ± 3.06 49.33 ± 10.12Calcium (%) 1.15 ± 0.04 1.23 ± 0.08 1.31 ± 0.21 1.45 ± 0.11Copper (mg/kg) 11.00 ± 1.00 14.67 ± 0.58 14.67 ± 2.52 15.33 ± 1.15Iron (mg/kg) 191.63 ± 174.82 264.00 ± 74.00 389.00 ± 313.08 353.00 ± 51.68Lead <MDLc <MDL <MDL <MDLMagnesium (%) 0.46 ± 0.02 0.49 ± 0.05 0.47 ± 0.06 0.50 ± 0.02Manganese (mg/kg) 35.33 ± 13.65a 53.67 ± 12.86ab 57.33 ± 17.95ab 86.67 ± 28.02b

Sodium (%) 0.01 ± 0 0.01 ± 0 0.01 ± 0 0.01 ± 0Sulfur (%) 0.23 ± 0.03 0.26 ± 0.01 0.27 ± 0.03 0.29 ± 0.02Zinc (mg/kg) 53.00 ± 7.94a 64.67 ± 9.71a 81.67 ± 22.14ab 93.67 ± 18.77b

PCB, Total (mg/kg) 0 ± 0 0 ± 0 0 ± 0 0 ± 0

Tissue reflects all above ground portion of the soybean plant including seed, stalk and leaves.ab Means within a row with different superscripts differ significantly (p < 0.05).

c MDL = minimum detection limit.

Table 9Measurements of R1 (silking growth stage) and R6 (physiological maturity growth stage) corn plant productivity after application of trommel fines for the2000 growing season, and R5 (beginning seed stage) soybean plant productivity after the second trommel fine application during the 2001 growing season

Treatment R1 stage – corn

Fresh weight g/plant Dry weight g/plant Plant moisture %

Negative control 246 46.5 81.11� 482 86.8 82.02� 578 98.5 83.0Positive control 479 95.5 80.3LSD(0.05) 167 37.4 n.s.

Treatment R6 stage – corn

Dry stover weight g Dry cob weight g Dry grain weight g Dry plant weight g Stover moisture %

Negative control 59.1 13.8 83.0 142.1 73.41� 103.1 20.8 146.2 249.3 72.52� 152.0 29.3 190.3 342.3 71.6Positive control 103.5 18.8 118.8 222.3 69.8LSD(0.05) 23.4 1.9 19.5 30.2 n.s.

Treatment R5 stage – soybean

Fresh weight per plant g/plant Dry weight per plant g/plant Plant moisture % Total plant weight per acre kg/acre

Negative control 14.8 4.0 72.9 56651� 20.4 5.0 76.1 43152� 25.6 6.0 76.6 2660Positive control 23.5 5.5 76.5 8547LSD(0.05) n.s. n.s. 2.8 3930

The LSD value is bold and if it is a number its significance is 0.05. If no significant differences were observed no number is cited, it is listed as N.S.


pathogen indicator bacteria were below the MDL in thesoil samples collected from the plot prior to applicationof the trommel fines. Pathogenic and pathogen indicatorbacteria were also below the MDL in soybean and cornplant tissues, soybean seed and corn grain samples ana-lyzed. These data suggest that application of and handlingof trommel fines do not pose a human health risk whenconsidering contamination from total and fecal coliformindicator bacteria as well as Staphylococci, Enterococci,Salmonella or E. coli.

3.4. Response of crop yields

The negative control treatment produced corn plants withthe lowest plant dry weight and grain yield (Table 10). The2� and positive control treatments produced similar plantdry weight results, yielding significantly more mass thanthe 1� treatment at the silking. By physiological maturity,significantly greater plant dry weights were observed for alltreatments compared to the negative control. Significant dif-ferences in corn yield were observed for all treatments com-

Table 10Measurements of R6 (physiological maturity growth stage) corn plant and soybean plant productivity after application of trommel fines for the 2000 and2001 growing seasons

Treatment Kernel number per year Kernel weight mg/kernel Harvest index % Plant population plant/acre

Negative control 304 273 58.7 63.0451� 502 292 58.8 68.1702� 639 297 55.6 59.969Positive control 416 287 53.5 68.427LSD(0.05) 60 n.s. n.s. n.s.

Treatment Grain moisture % Grain yield kg/ha Grain test weight kg/hl

Measurements of corn plant grain productivity at combine harvest

Negative control 26.0 4865 70.851� 22.6 8179 57.72� 21.9 8317 57.6Positive control 20.7 6779 58.0LSD(0.05) 1.3 1224 n.s.

Treatment Seed moisture % Seed yield, kg/ha Seed test weight kg/hL Population plants/acre

Measurements of soybean plant seed productivity at combine harvest

Negative control 14.6 1076 62.0 660.5871� 15.2 491 62.5 373.7452� 15.0 390 62.6 214.315Positive control 15.1 1056 61.9 740.302LSD(0.05) n.s. 336 n.s. 260.334

The LSD value is bold and if it is a number its significance is 0.05. If no significant differences were observed no number is cited, it is listed as N.S.


pared to the negative control. The positive control yielded39% more than the negative control. Grain yield generatedby the 1� and 2� treatments were similar and exceeded theyield produced by the positive control. The primary mecha-nism by which grain productivity was increased was in kernelnumber per ear, whereas weight per individual kernel wasnot significantly different among any of the treatments. Nosignificant changes for the harvest index (the proportion oftotal above ground dry weight in the grain) or plant popula-tion (Table 10) were found for any of the treatments.

The positive control treatments produced soybean plantswith the greatest dry weight per plot (Table 9) and seed yield(Table 10). The 1� and 2� treatment produced significantlyfewer soybean plants with both lower dry weight per plotand lower seed yield. The primary mechanism by which seedproductivity was decreased was a significant decrease inplant population for the 1� and 2� treatments, particularlythe 2� treatment. Plant moisture content was significantlylower for negative control samples than for the positive con-trol and the 1� and 2� treatments.

A possible influential factor in this study was soil com-paction. Since each plot was relatively small (9.1 m �18.3 m) the box-type manure spreader traveled over eachplot a few times to apply the appropriate rate of trommelfines. Given the wet soil conditions (especially in year 2) thiscould have resulted in excessive compaction with the 2�application rate. The N fertilizer (positive control) and thenegative control did not involve the use of the box spreader.No measurements were taken to verify soil compaction lev-els other than visual observations at the time of planting.What effects this application procedure may have had inthis study are unknown. Under normal production scalefor field application of trommel fines, a single pass applica-

tion (best management practice or BMP) would be expectedand excessive compaction should not occur if trommel finesare applied during appropriate soil moisture conditions.The significant reduction in soybean plant population perplot replicate (Table 10) strongly suggests that severe soilpacking occurred during year 2 of this study. The reductionin plant population and subsequent soybean yield may havebeen a result of application procedure and not due to anyeffect of trommel fine composition.

4. Conclusions

4.1. Environmental impact

Results of this study suggest that trommel fines do notpose a human health risk from contamination or transferof selected pathogenic and pathogen indicator bacteria norfrom the transfer of selected potentially toxic elements tocorn grain, soybean seed or the vegetative portion of the cornand soybean plant. Trommel fines do contain concentrationsof Pb which could be of environmental concern for accumu-lation in soils over many years, but Pb found in trommel finesdoes not appear to be readily soluble and is well below allow-able IEPA (USEPA) application rates. If the application rateof trommel fines is limited to 30 dry tons/acre/year (67.4 mt/ha/year) or less, and if the application of trommel fines onany one acre is limited to 15 cumulative years, no negativeenvironmental impact should be expected (IEPA).

4.2. Application rates

Application rates for trommel fines should be based onspecific soil tests for N, P and K concentrations in soil with


particular attention to plant available elements (e.g., heavymetals such as Pb, Cd) already existing in specific soils. Sec-ondly, application rates for trommel fines should be basedon element concentrations found in trommel fines (ele-ments traditionally considered nutrients such as N, P, K,and heavy metals). Thirdly, upper limit application ratesshould be based on BMPs that prevent soil compaction.Land application and subsequent incorporation of trom-mel fines should be compatible with soil type and favorablemoisture conditions specific to individual soil types.

5. Recommendations

5.1. Environmental impact

An analysis of data collected during year 1 of this studysuggested that the practical upper limit application rate fortrommel fines should be 30 tons of dry matter/acre/year(67.4 mt/ha/year) and should be limited to 15 cumulativeyears/acre. The original targeted 1� treatment applicationrate for this study was the equivalent of 30 dry tons oftrommel fines/acre (67.4 mt/ha/year), based on analyzedN concentrations found in trommel fines. However, onlyenough trommel fines to apply the equivalent of 27 and54 equivalent dry tons/acre (60.5 mt/ha and 121.0 mt/ha)were delivered to the research site for year 1. Therefore,even though the 1� treatment application rate actuallyconsisted of 27 tons/acre (60.5 mt/ha), application ratesare recommended based on 30 dry tons of trommel fines/acre (67.4 mt/ha). To more accurately predict lifetimeapplication rates additional monitoring of trommel fineapplication should occur over more than 2 years.

5.2. Trommel fine application rates and soil amendment

benefits

Based on results of this study, beneficial uses of trommelfines for the production of corn grain include increasingorganic matter of the soil and a source of the macronutri-ents N, P and K. Therefore, application rates of trommelfines should be initially based on agronomic N, P, Krequirements per ha, but are limited by IEPA (USEPA) ele-ment loading concentration rates. Best management prac-tices (BMP) should be utilized during trommel fineapplication. Field observations suggest that soil compac-tion can occur when applying trommel fines at rates equiv-alent to 67.5 mt/ha (30 dry tons/acre) and especially duringhigher rates of application. Application rate BMP shouldinclude applying trommel fines on relatively dry soils whencompaction is less likely. Applicators should avoid travel-

ing over recently spread trommel fines prior to soil incor-poration to limit soil compaction potential. This studydoes not elucidate long term effects of trommel fine appli-cation, but it does demonstrate short term effects of trom-mel fine application.

Acknowledgements

This study was partially funded by Waste ManagementInc., Chicago, IL and by a grant from the Bureau of En-ergy and Recycling, Illinois Department of Commerceand Economic Opportunity, Springfield, IL. Appreciationis extended to Caroline Wade for assistance with manu-script preparation.

References

APHA, 1995. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water andWastewater, 20th ed. American Public Health Association, Washing-ton, DC.

ASTM, 1988. Standard Test Method for Shake Extraction of Solid Wastewith Water. American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia,PA.

Brown, S., Leonard, P., 2004. Building carbon credits with biosolidsrecycling. Biocycle. JG Press, Emmaus, PA, pp. 25–29.

Flanagan, M.S., Schmidt, R.E., Reneau Jr., R.B., 1993. Municipal solidwaste heavy fraction for production of turfgrass sod. Hortscience 28(9), 914–916.

Freir, T., Hartman, P., 1987. Improved membrane filtration media forenumeration of total coliforms and Escherichia coli from sewage andsurface waters. Appl. Env. Micro. 53 (6).

Henley, K., 2000. A and L Great Lakes Laboratories, Inc. 3505 ConestogaDr. Fort Wayne, IN.

IEPA, 1984. Design Criteria For Sludge Application On Land. Title 35:Environment Protection, Subtitle C, Chapter II, Part 391, State ofIllinois.

Kelley, T.R., Pancorbo, O., Merka, W., Thompson, S., Cabers, M.,Barnhart, H., 1994. Fate of selected bacterial pathogens and indicatorsin fractionated poultry litter during storage. J. Appl. Poul. Res. 3, 279–288.

Kelley, T.R., Pancorbo, O., Merka, W., Thompson, S., Cabers, M.,Barnhart, H., 1995. Fate of selected bacterial pathogens and indicatorsin fractionated poultry litter during reutilization. J. Appl. Poul. Res. 4,366–373.

Pascual, J.A., Garcia, C., Hernandez, T., Ayuso, M., 1997. Changes in themicrobial activity in an arid soil amended with urban organic wastes.Biol. Fertil. Soil 24 (4), 429–434.

Schubert, W., Combis, S., Green, R., 2000. Organic-rich trommel finesaccelerate soil bioremediation. Biocycle. JG Press, Emmaus, PA, pp.29–31.

Simmons, P., Goldstein, N., Kaufman, S.M., Themelis, N.J., Thompson,J., 2006. The state of garbage in America. Biocycle. J.G. Press,Emmaus, PA, pp. 26–43.

Statistical Package for Social Sciences, 1988. Version 10. Chicago, IL.SPSS Inc.

Steel, R.G., Torrie, J.H., 1960. Principles and Procedures of Statistics.McGraw-Hill, New York.

evaluation of pulverized trommel fines for use as a soil amendment

Documents