Abstract
Composting and application of compost to the soil follow the principle of recycling and sustainability. However, input of heavy metals and organic pollutants to soil by compost can threaten soil quality. Brändli et al. (735–760) compiled and evaluated the available data in the literature on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in compost and its feedstock. Median concentrations of POPs in compost were up to 10 times higher than in arable soils but were well within the range of urban soils. Urban compost exhibited generally higher POP concentrations than rural compost. This work provides a basis for the further improvement of composting and for future risk assessments of compost application.
Brändli, R