This book reviews the practice of reclaiming treated municipal wastewater for agricultural irrigation and using sewage sludge as a soil amendment and fertilizer in the United States. It describes and evaluates treatment technologies and practices; effects on soils, crop production, and ground water; public health concerns from pathogens and toxic chemicals; existing regulations and guidelines; and some of the economic, liability, and institutional issues. The recommendations and findings are aimed at authorities at the federal, state, and local levels, public utilities, and the food processing industry.

Intended for advanced students and practitioners of wastewater engineering, this text explains the theory and quantitative rationale for treating wastewater and industrial sludges, with public safety and efficiency in mind. It offers important information on various practices for safe and legal sludge disposal.