Date: Jun 16, 2025
Thanks to recent Sydney Water data and growing evidence from PFAS testing, the future of biosolid reuse is now under serious scrutiny.
In late May 2024, a Government Information Public Access (GIPA) request from Friends of the Earth Australia revealed confronting PFAS contamination data from Sydney Water.
The response showed that 86% of monitored wastewater treatment plants are currently exceeding draft National Environmental Management Plan 3.0 (NEMP) thresholds for PFAS in biosolids, in some cases by as much as 190 times the proposed unrestricted use limit.
And it’s not just Sydney. Australia produces over 500,000 tonnes of biosolids every year, with roughly 73% applied directly to farmland.
These biosolids (previously considered a sustainable, nutrient-rich by-product of wastewater treatment) may now be contributing to a slow-burning PFAS contamination crisis.
What Are PFAS and Why Do They Matter in Biosolids?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s for their resistance to water, grease, and heat.
They’re found in everything from firefighting foams to cosmetics and food packaging and are now recognised for their environmental persistence and potential health risks.
Unlike other contaminants, PFAS don’t break down easily. They bioaccumulate in soil, water, animals and humans, earning them the label “forever chemicals”.
When biosolids containing PFAS are applied to soil, these compounds can leach into groundwater, be taken up by crops, or make their way into livestock feed, opening potential pathways into the food chain.
This is no longer hypothetical. The Adelaide West Lakes development is a prime example, where PFAS residues were found decades after sewerage waste had been applied.
The Alarming Scope of Contamination in Sydney Water Biosolids
The latest Sydney Water data highlights just how widespread and persistent this problem is:
- 180,000 tonnes of biosolids are produced annually by Sydney Water alone
- 19 of 22 monitored plants (86%) breached the draft unrestricted use threshold for PFOS+PFHxS
- 5 plants (23%) exceeded even the restricted use threshold
- Over 25% of biosolids may no longer be suitable for agricultural reuse under proposed standards
- All detections also breached the MASCC (Maximum Allowable Soil Contaminant Concentration)
If current thresholds hold under the finalised PFAS NEMP 3.0, much of this material could be reclassified as contaminated waste, with only two options left: landfilling or thermal destruction.
What Does NEMP 3.0 Say About PFAS in Biosolids?
Upon being published in late 2024, the National Environmental Management Plan 3.0 introduced much tighter contaminant thresholds for PFAS in biosolids based on land-use scenarios, including:
- Unrestricted use: Assumes biosolids are surface-applied with no usage restrictions
- Restricted use: Assumes biosolids are mixed into soil at low application rates
- Dilution: Explicitly rejected as a mitigation strategy under NEMP guidelines
These updates come with a stark reality – there are currently no practical treatments for removing PFAS from biosolids. Once contaminated, options are limited, costly, and contentious.
The regulatory intention is clear: if PFAS levels exceed thresholds, reuse is off the table.
With half a million tonnes of biosolids reused each year across Australia, this issue challenges long-standing resource recovery practices and sets up generational consequences for soil health, food safety and water management strategies.
How Leeder Analytical Can Help
At Leeder Analytical, we’re already helping water utilities and environmental regulators stay ahead of tightening PFAS regulations with advanced laboratory testing that goes beyond standard methods.
Our PFAS testing capabilities include:
Non-Target PFAS Analysis
Using high-resolution Orbitrap LC-MS, we perform advanced PFAS analysis to detect emerging and unknown compounds that traditional methods overlook – an essential step given the growing list of unregulated variants.
Targeted Quantitation
We accurately measure regulated PFAS like PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS down to parts-per-trillion, ensuring full alignment with NEMP 3.0 and jurisdictional thresholds.
Comprehensive Reporting
Our detailed, interpretation-ready reports support decision-making for:
- Biosolid classification
- Land-use risk assessment
- Compliance auditing
- Stakeholder communication
Don’t Let “Forever Chemicals” Derail Your Biosolids Strategy
The pressure is mounting. With draft regulations tightening and public scrutiny rising, a proactive, scientifically robust approach to PFAS in biosolids is no longer optional – it’s essential.
Leeder Analytical gives you the insight and confidence to move forward. Whether you’re managing wastewater, assessing land reuse risks, or planning for NEMP 3.0 compliance, our advanced PFAS testing delivers the clarity you need.
Contact us today to find out how we can support your biosolids testing, risk assessment and regulatory compliance programs.
Call us: +61 3 9481 4167
Email: enquiries@leeder-analytical.com
