Which component of wastewater treatment can be beneficially reused as a soil amendment?

Biosolids are the correct choice because they are treated sewage solids that can be beneficially reused as a soil amendment after going through a rigorous treatment process to reduce pathogens and contaminants. The treatment process typically stabilizes the organic matter, making biosolids nutrient-rich and suitable for enhancing soil quality, promoting plant growth, and improving soil structure.

When applied to land, biosolids can improve soil fertility and enhance the soil's capacity to retain moisture and nutrients, ultimately benefiting agricultural practices and land rehabilitation efforts. Their reuse aligns with sustainability goals by recycling nutrients back into the agricultural system rather than disposing of them in landfills or incineration.

In contrast, while solids, effluent, and scum are components of wastewater treatment, they do not provide the same benefits as biosolids. Solids may require further treatment to be considered safe for reuse, effluent typically refers to the treated liquid discharge, which has its own recovery potential but is not used as a soil amendment in the same context, and scum consists of floating debris that is generally not suitable for beneficial reuse without extensive processing.