Analytical survey of elements and other constituents in central New York state sewage sludges

Thirty-nine elements, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), volatile N-nitrosamines and gamma emission were determined in 24 sewage sludges. The average percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were 2.9, 0.94 and 0.19 respectively. All the sludges contained trace amounts of nitrosamines. Gamma emission levels were relatively low. Relatively high levels of certain elements or PCB were found in some sludges depending on the spectrum of industries served. One third of the sludges were classified as unsuitable for agricultural land application as their heavy metal or PCB concentrations exceeded the proposed federal limits.