R01046: Radionuclides in sewage sludge - a review of data on uptake into crops and the identification of experimental research requirements and constraints
Wednesday 20 October 2004
This research project will review the literature concerning the incorporation of radioactivity into sewage sludge and subsequent transfer to crops.
Background
Users of radioactivity such as hospitals often discharge waste into the sewage system. A proportion of this radioactivity will become incorporated into sewage sludge which may be applied to agricultural land. The Food Standards Agency needs to be able to evaluate whether this presents an unacceptable risk to consumers of foods produced on soil that has been treated with this sludge.
Research Approach
This project reviewed the literature on the incorporation of radioactivity into sewage sludge and the transfer to crops.
Results and findings
This project reviewed the literature on the incorporation of radioactivity into sewage sludge and the transfer to crops. The information has been used in the development of a model which enables the Agency to predict radioactivity concentrations in foods produced on land on which sewage sludge has been applied.
Dissemination information
The final report is available from the FSA Library and Information centre.
To obtain a copy, please contact the Enquiry Desk, Dr Elsie Widdowson Library and Information Services, Food Standards Agency (tel: 020 7276 8181/8182 or email: library&info@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk)
Contact: For any enquiries concerning this research project, please contact the relevant Programme contact or email science@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk