Biogas digestate, a byproduct of anaerobic digestion, offers a valuable source of nutrients for sustainable agriculture but poses risks including nutrient overload, heavy metals, pathogens, antibiotics, microplastics, and other emerging contaminants. Current regulations, such as the EU limit of 170 kg N/ha/year, manage some risks, but controls for antibiotics, microplastics, and other chemicals remain limited. Expanding regulatory frameworks is recommended to ensure safe and sustainable use of digestate as fertilizer.
For a detailed overview of digestate characteristics, risks, and regulations, the full study can be accessed here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177855