What happened: A study by the University of Leeds revealed more than 520 chemicals in English soils, including old pharmaceutical toxins, linked to the use of human waste as fertiliser. Nearly half of these substances had not been identified in previous global soil studies.
Why it matters:
- The presence of these chemicals could pose risks to food safety and environmental health.
- Farmers, consumers, and ecosystems may be affected by the contamination of arable land.
MNN Take: The findings highlight how fertilising land with human waste can introduce a complex mix of chemicals into soil, some of which persist long after being banned. This raises questions about monitoring and managing soil contaminants in agriculture.
Sources: Guardian UK