What is ISO 19698 about?
ISO 19698 discusses sludge recovery, recycling, treatment, disposal, and beneficial use of biosolids. ISO 19698 provides guidance on the conditions of beneficial use of biosolids produced from industrial and municipal sludge and municipal biosolids derived products (for example- composts, growing media) in the production of food and feed crops, energy crops, forestry crops and for the remediation of disturbed sites. ISO 19698 applies to biosolids for land application and includes biosolids from wastewater treatment (municipal, industrial, and private onsite systems).
ISO 19698 includes:
- General guidelines for the land application of biosolids and biosolids derived products
- Specific guidelines for the land application of biosolids and biosolids derived products for food and feed crop production and for non–food and non–feed crop production (for example- horticulture, fibre for biomass, silviculture, etc.)
- Specific guidelines for the land application of biosolids and biosolids derived products for other beneficial uses (for example- land reclamation or rehabilitation)
Who is ISO 19698 for?
ISO 19698 on sludge treatment is useful for:
- All organizations regardless of type, size, location, and complexity
- Sanitation departments
- Public works departments
- Government and municipality bodies
Why should you use ISO 19698?
Sludge treatment and management is a globally growing challenge for most countries. Sludge is a by-product of the water treatment process. New wastewater treatment facilities are built, and existing ones are upgraded to keep up with the population growth. Sludge treatment and disposal constitute one of the most significant costs associated with water and wastewater treatment.
ISO 19698 aims to identify and address the different criteria that could be considered to develop a sustainable and environmentally successful land application programme. These criteria include the nature of the treatment process, the selection of an appropriate application site, the method of application, the rate of application and the establishment of protective barriers or setbacks to environmentally and socially sensitive areas such as surface water and residences.
