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Biosolids

2009 Targeted National Sewage Sludge Survey (TNSSS)

The Targeted National Sewage Sludge Survey was conducted to obtain concentration data for pollutants identified in biosolids in order to assess their potential risk to human and ecological health. EPA focused its efforts on publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) that treat more than one million gallons of wastewater per day, which collectively generate approximately 94 percent of the wastewater flow in the United States. Samples were collected between August 2006 and March 2007, and analysis for the following 145 analytes was conducted: four anions (nitrite/nitrate, fluoride, water-extractable phosphorus), 28 metals, four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, two semi-volatiles, 11 flame retardants, and 72 pharmaceuticals, steroids, and hormones.

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