Yes. Some metals, such as nickel, zinc, and copper can be found in biosolids. Many of the trace metals in biosolids are micronutrients that are essential for healthy plant growth.
EBMUD regularly monitors and tests our biosolids to ensure they meet all regulatory standards for their intended use. We also have strict pre-treatment and monitoring requirements for industrial and commercial facilities so that metals and other pollutants are reduced or removed before the wastewater is discharged to EBMUD’s treatment plant. As a result, pollutant concentrations in the biosolids are well below the regulatory limits.