Blog by WEF's new Biosolids Program Manager Patrick Dube, Ph.D.
For decades, biosolids have been used successfully in a variety of ways ranging from land application to renewable energy to home gardens and more. Scientific evidence has showed that land application has the potential to increase soil quality and crop yields; also new renewable energy technologies are able to help offset energy costs, and home and urban gardeners can purchase soil amendments that are renewable and cost effective. As biosolids have been better understood and researched, the economic and environmental potential for biosolids has only increased.
WEF has done excellent work to help promote this valuable renewable resource but there is still much to be done to help educate the public about the value of biosolds. Working in conjunction with other water agencies, WEF has and continues to produce fact sheets, reports and papers based on scientific evidence that biosolids are safe and beneficial. By increasing the awareness and understanding of biosolids, we can demonstrate that they are a valuable resource with incredible opportunity.
As the new Biosolids Program Manager, I am looking forward to embracing this challenge of working with our members to help communicate the many benefits ofbiosolids. One of the first events that I have the pleasure of attending is the 2017 Residuals and Biosolids Conference in Seattle, WA from April 8-11. This year’s event will have a special focus on “The Future of Biosolids and Bioenergy” and will feature topics ranging from facilities operation to nutrient management to anaerobic digestion and more. This annual specialty conference is an excellent time for WEF members to gather and discuss many of these topics and brainstorm the best ways to tackle them in the upcoming year--we hope to see you there!
Posted (3/24/2017)
Patrick Dube, Ph.D., is WEF's former practice lead for resource recovery. In this role, he serves as liaison to the Residuals and Biosolids Committee and helps support biosolids technical and communications enterprises. Patrick earned his bachelor’s and doctorate degrees in Biological Engineering from the University of Florida. His research background with UF and the USDA-Agricultural Research Service has ranged from anaerobic digestion to biofuel production to nutrient removal.