Impact of long-term application of biosolids to surface water nitrogen in a working forest plantation in King County, Washington.

Forest fertilization with municipal biosolids has been shown to increase tree growth and enhance forest soils. However, there are concerns that nitrogen from the biosolids could impact surface waters through movement from subsurface flow. Here we analyzed data on soil and surface water nitrogen from a working tree plantation that has used biosolids for over three decades to see if there was evidence of N movement through the soil to surface waters. GIS (Geographic Information System) was used to map application units over time and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) was used to delineate watersheds. The program is located in King County Washington with biosolids provided by the King County Wastewater Treatment program. We assembled records to determine if there is any evidence of movement of NO3- through soils or any enrichment in surface waters. While soils show evidence of NO3- enrichment following biosolids application with cumulative loading rates up to 26 Mg ha-1, this is generally limited to the 'A' soil horizon and does not increase linearly with increased biosolids loading rates. There was no indication of increased surface water NO3- concentration relative to biosolids application rates, with a small trend of decreasing water NO3- over time. Surface water NO3- concentration was not correlated with the fraction of the watershed area that had been amended with biosolids, and there was no observable increase in surface water NO3- with increased frequency of biosolids applications to the tree plantations. These results suggest that the current biosolids program is sufficiently protective of ground and surface waters. These observations suggest that biosolids application can be conducted on a large scale with multiple benefits and no discernible impact to surface waters.

The usefulness of artificial intelligence in breast reconstruction: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers an approach to predictive modeling. The model learns to determine specific patterns of undesirable outcomes in a dataset. Therefore, a decision-making algorithm can be built based on these patterns to prevent negative results. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the usefulness of AI in breast reconstruction. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in August 2022 following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar online databases were queried to capture all publications studying the use of artificial intelligence in breast reconstruction. RESULTS: A total of 23 studies were full text-screened after removing duplicates, and twelve articles fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The Machine Learning algorithms applied for neuropathic pain, lymphedema diagnosis, microvascular abdominal flap failure, donor site complications associated to muscle sparing Transverse Rectus Abdominis flap, surgical complications, financial toxicity, and patient-reported outcomes after breast surgery demonstrated that AI is a helpful tool to accurately predict patient results. In addition, one study used Computer Vision technology to assist in Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Artery detection for flap design, considerably reducing the preoperative time compared to manual identification. CONCLUSIONS: In breast reconstruction, AI can help the surgeon by optimizing the perioperative patients' counseling to predict negative outcomes, allowing execution of timely interventions and reducing the postoperative burden, which leads to obtaining the most successful results and improving patient satisfaction.

Machine Learning Algorithms Predict Long-Term Postoperative Opioid Misuse: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: A steadily rising opioid pandemic has left the US suffering significant social, economic, and health crises. Machine learning (ML) domains have been utilized to predict prolonged postoperative opioid (PPO) use. This systematic review aims to compile all up-to-date studies addressing such algorithms' use in clinical practice. METHODS: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science using the keywords "machine learning," "opioid," and "prediction." The results were limited to human studies with full-text availability in English. We included all peer-reviewed journal articles that addressed an ML model to predict PPO use by adult patients. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included with a sample size ranging from 381 to 112898, primarily orthopedic-surgery-related. Most authors define a prolonged misuse of opioids if it extends beyond 90 days postoperatively. Input variables ranged from 9 to 23 and were primarily preoperative. Most studies developed and tested at least two algorithms and then enhanced the best-performing model for use retrospectively on electronic medical records. The best-performing models were decision-tree-based boosting algorithms in 5 studies with AUC ranging from .81 to .66 and Brier scores ranging from .073 to .13, followed second by logistic regression classifiers in 5 studies. The topmost contributing variable was preoperative opioid use, followed by depression and antidepressant use, age, and use of instrumentation. CONCLUSIONS: ML algorithms have demonstrated promising potential as a decision-supportive tool in predicting prolonged opioid use in post-surgical patients. Further validation studies would allow for their confident incorporation into daily clinical practice.

Steps to circularity: Impact of resource recovery and urban agriculture in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington.

Capturing the value in urban residuals (food scraps and wastewater) is a critical component of urban sustainability and a circular nutrient economy. Food production in urban areas has also been recognized as an important component of urban health. Data from two cities (Seattle and Tacoma, WA) with active resource recovery and community garden programs were used to quantify nutrient recovery and food production potential. Yield data from growth trials conducted using soil amendments produced from locally generated organic residuals were used to model yields in existing urban agriculture programs. Our survey showed much lower than expected volume of food scraps from both residential and multifamily housing for both cities. Nutrient generation rates from food scraps were estimated as 0.55-0.67 kg N and 0.09-0.11 kg P capita-1 yr-1. Recovery rates for Seattle with an established food scrap collection program were 0.21 kg N and 0.006 kg P capita-1 yr-1. Nutrient recovery from wastewater biosolids was higher; 1-1.67 kg N and 0.23-0.76 kg P capita-1 yr-1. Data on effluent quantity and nutrient concentrations from these programs suggests that effluent has a high potential for nutrient recovery (4.03-5 kg N and 0.3-0.5 kg P capita yr-1). Yield was modeled for kale (brassica oleracea) considering the number of people that could be fed per hectare for one year using a 67 g portion by comparing yields from synthetic fertilizer and residuals-based amendments in both high and low quality urban soils. The Tacoma biosolids potting soil yielded enough for 310 and 736 people ha-1 yr-1 for the high and low quality soils, respectively. The modeled food/yard compost produced from the food scraps yielded sufficient kale for 148 to 353 people ha-1 yr-1. Relative yield from fertilizer for the low and high quality soils was 15 and 263 people ha-1yr-1, respectively. Considering yield, enough biosolids are produced to meet 6.7-29.2% of the vegetable needs of each city. These results suggest that significant nutrients can be recovered using existing infrastructure. With enhanced nutrient capture from wastewater effluent, sufficient nutrients could be recovered to meet the N and P needs for food crops for the residents of each city.

Hepatitis C testing among three distinct groups of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional study in the Celtic nations.

OBJECTIVE: The hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) is associated with sexual and drug-related behaviours. To stem the tide of HCV infection in GBMSM, regular testing leading to early diagnosis and treatment as prevention is vital. This study aimed to evaluate the success of current HCV testing guidelines from the perspective of GBMSM in four Celtic nations. METHODS: Subpopulation analysis of data from the 2020 cross-sectional online SMMASH3 (social media, men who have sex with men, sexual and holistic health) survey was undertaken to examine HCV testing experiences and sexual behaviours among sexually active GBMSM (n=1886) stratified across three groups: HIV-diagnosed GBMSM (n=124); HIV-negative GBMSM using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (n=365); and HIV-negative/untested GBMSM not using PrEP (n=1397). RESULTS: Sexual behaviours associated with HCV acquisition were reported by the majority of HIV-diagnosed (76.6%, n=95) and PrEP-using (93.2%, n=340) GBMSM. Reassuringly, recent testing for HCV in these groups was common, with 79.8% (n=99) and 80.5% (n=294) self-reporting HCV screening within the preceding year, respectively, mostly within sexual health settings. While 54.5% (n=762) of HIV-negative/untested GBMSM not using PrEP reported sexual behaviours associated with HCV, 52.0% had not been screened for HCV in the last year, despite almost half (48.0%, n=190) of unscreened men being in contact with sexual health services in the same period. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual behaviours associated with HCV acquisition among HIV-diagnosed and PrEP-using GBMSM are common but complemented by regular HCV testing within sexual health services. Current testing guidelines for these groups appear to be effective and generally well observed. However, behaviour-based HCV testing for HIV-negative/untested GBMSM not using PrEP appears less effective and may undermine efforts to achieve HCV elimination. Accordingly, we need to increase HCV testing for these men in clinical settings and explore ways to screen those who are not in touch with sexual health services.

Trusting the Government to Do the Right Thing: Data Ethics in Australia's Pandemic Response.

After a brief overview of ethical issues in an Australian context catalyzed by the current pandemic, this article focuses on data protection in the light of recent debates about COVID-19 data tracking in Australia and globally. This article looks at the issue of trust as a fundamental principle of effective and ethical COVID-safe measures undertaken by the government. Key to ensuring such trust are Habermasian participatory dialogs, which assume trust as a condition of authentic illocution, and an emphasis on short-term data capture.

Benefits of subsidence control for coastal flooding in China.

Land subsidence is impacting large populations in coastal Asia via relative sea-level rise (RSLR). Here we assesses these risks and possible response strategies for China, including estimates of present rates of RSLR, flood exposure and risk to 2050. In 2015, each Chinese coastal resident experienced on average RSLR of 11 to 20 mm/yr. This is 3 to 5 times higher than climate-induced SLR, reflecting that people are concentrated in subsiding locations. In 2050, assuming these subsidence rates continue, land area, population and assets exposed to the 100-year coastal flood event is 20%-39%, 17%-37% and 18%-39% higher than assuming climate change alone, respectively. Realistic subsidence control measures can avoid up to two thirds of this additional growth in exposure, with adaptation required to address the residual. This analysis emphasizes subsidence as a RSLR hazard in China that requires a broad-scale policy response, utilizing subsidence control combined with coastal adaptation.

Great expectations: views and perceptions of professionalism amongst mental health services staff, patients and carers.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have explored the concept of 'professionalism' in medicine, yet little attention has been paid to the concept in a mental health services context. AIMS: This study sought to determine how the lived experience of patients, carers and healthcare professionals in mental health services align with medically defined, generic, professionalism standards. METHOD: Interviews and focus groups were conducted with patients, carers, nurses, occupational therapists, psychiatrists and psychologists. A framework analysis approach was used to analyse the data, based on the 'Improving Selection to the Foundation Programmes' Professional Attributes Framework. RESULTS: Fifty-six individuals participated. Data aligned to all nine attributes of the Professional Attributes Framework, however the expectations within each attribute varied from that originally cited. A tenth attribute was devised during the process of analysis; Working with Carers. This attribute acknowledges the need to liaise with, and support carers in mental health services. Situational examples included both online and offline behaviours and the topic of 'black humour' emerged. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to a conventional medical definition of professionalism, additional themes and differing emphases were observed for mental health and learning disability services. These findings should be used to inform the teaching and evaluation of professionalism, especially for staff pursuing mental health service careers.

Linking Families and Teens: Randomized Controlled Trial Study of a Family Communication and Sexual Health Education Program for Rural Youth and Their Parents.

PURPOSE: This study describes the results of an impact evaluation of the Linking Families and Teens (LiFT) program, a 5-hour program for families in rural communities. LiFT's goal is to reduce unplanned teen pregnancies by increasing family connectedness and youth's self-efficacy, knowledge, and sexual health skills. METHODS: LiFT was externally evaluated using a cluster randomized controlled trial. Families, consisting of one or more dyads of high school aged youth and their parenting adults, were randomly assigned to a study condition. The program was implemented 57 times in rural communities in 9 states. The analytic sample includes 786 youth (407 program and 379 control) with baseline, 3-month, and 12-month data. The analysis used an intent-to-treat framework using ordinary least squares regression to measure effects on each outcome. RESULTS: Fewer LiFT participants experienced a pregnancy than control youth, which was significant at 3 months (net of baseline, 0 program vs. 4 control) and marginally significant at 12 months (net of baseline, 6 program vs. 14 control.) At both follow-up periods, the program had statistically significant effects on youth's frequency of communication with their parenting adults about sexuality and pregnancy prevention and on their perceived competence to prevent pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: LiFT achieved lasting effects on increasing parent-child communication and youth self-efficacy to prevent unwanted pregnancies a full year following the brief, family-focused workshop. LiFT's impact on pregnancy was significant at 3 months and trended in the right direction at 12 months. A larger experimental study of this promising program is warranted to show the long-term effect on pregnancy.

Carbon balance for biosolids use in commercial Douglas Fir plantations in the Pacific Northwest.

Municipal biosolids are commonly used to fertilize Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) plantations in the Pacific Northwest. An intensive soil sampling was conducted to quantify the effects of long-term biosolids application on soil carbon, nitrogen and bulk density for forest soils. This information was used to calculate a carbon balance for biosolids use in commercial tree plantations. Paired control and treated sites on two soil series (Klaus and Tokul) were included with samples collected to a 30 cm depth. A significant decrease in bulk density for two depths, but no changes in total C or N were observed in the Klaus soil. In the Tokul soil, biosolids fertilization increased C storage (total C * bulk density) for three of the four measured depths, resulting in an increase in total C from 112.8 Mg C ha-1 to 172 Mg C ha-1 for the 0-30 cm depth. A comparable increase in N was observed, with significant increases in N storage for all measured depths. The C balance considered fuel use associated with transport and application as costs. The fertilizer (N and P) content of the biosolids and changes in soil C were considered as credits. The balance showed net sequestration for both soil series. Carbon benefits for the Klaus soil totaled -0.2 Mg CO2 per Mg biosolids. Benefits in the Tokul soil totaled -5.15 Mg CO2 per Mg biosolids. Based on diameter at breast height (DBH) biosolids use also resulted in increased tree growth for both soil series. However, differences in stand age and stocking rate complicated interpretation of these results.

Assessing and managing SARS-CoV-2 occupational health risk to workers handling residuals and biosolids.

Current wastewater worker guidance from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommendations and states that no additional specific protections against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 infections, are recommended for employees involved in wastewater management operations with residuals, sludge, and biosolids at water resource recovery facilities. The USEPA guidance references a document from 2002 that summarizes practices required for protection of workers handling class B biosolids to minimize exposure to pathogens including viruses. While there is no documented evidence that residuals or biosolids of any treatment level contain infectious SARS-CoV-2 or are a source of transmission of this current pandemic strain of coronavirus, this review summarizes and examines whether the provided federal guidance is sufficient to protect workers in view of currently available data on SARS-CoV-2 persistence and transmission. No currently available epidemiological data establishes a direct link between wastewater sludge or biosolids and risk of infection from the SARS-CoV-2. Despite shedding of the RNA of the virus in feces, there is no evidence supporting the presence or transmission of infectious SARS-CoV-2 through the wastewater system or in biosolids. In addition, this review presents previous epidemiologic data related to other non-enveloped viruses. Overall, the risk for exposure to SARS-CoV-2, or any pathogen, decreases with increasing treatment measures. As a result, the highest risk of exposure is related to spreading and handling untreated feces or stool, followed by untreated municipal sludge, the class B biosolids, while lowest risk is associated with spreading or handling Class A biosolids. This review reinforces federal recommendations and the importance of vigilance in applying occupational risk mitigation measures to protect public and occupational health.

Greener gas? Impact of biosolids on carbon intensity of switchgrass ethanol.

Synthetic fertilizers make up a significant fraction of the energy required to grow switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) for ethanol production. A field study compared biosolids and synthetic fertilizers on biomass yield, ethanol production, and nitrous oxide (N2 O) emissions of switchgrass to determine if using an alternative source of nutrient would lower the energy density of the fuel. Minimal N2 O emissions were observed the first year of the study (0.99 ± 1.5 g N2 O ha-1 d-1 for biosolids), with no difference between treatments. Biosolids were added in excess of agronomic rates, and gas samples were collected immediately after irrigation for the subsequent years to examine maximum N2 O emissions. Mean Year 2 emissions increased for fertilizers to 1.8 ± 8 g N2 O ha-1 d-1 (n = 131) and to 3.73 ± 10.2 g N2 O ha-1 d-1 (n = 130) for biosolids-amended soils. Emissions in Year 3 were similar to Year 2. Yield was similar and ranged from 3.7 ± 5 to 11 ± 1.1 and from 5.0 ± 0.2 to 13.4 ± 1.7 Mg ha-1 for biosolids and fertilizer, respectively. The potential ethanol yield was 365 ± 28 L Mg-1 and 374 ± 34 L Mg-1 for the biosolids- and fertilizer-grown grass, respectively. Greenhouse gas emissions associated with fertilizer production were considered for N, P, and K and totaled 1,653 kg carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 e) ha-1 . The equivalent credits for substitution of biosolids (18 Mg ha-1 ) were -2,492 kg CO2 e ha-1 . Nitrous oxide emissions were calculated based on 1% of total N applied for agronomic applications and were 8,600 and 3,500 g N2 O ha-1 for the biosolids and fertilizer treatments, respectively. Total carbon costs associated with fertilization were 2,700 kg CO2 e ha-1 for fertilizer and 60 kg CO2 e ha-1 for biosolids. Using measured N2 O data would have resulted in lower emissions for both treatments.

Creating topsoils and soil conditioners from biosolids and urban residuals.

A study was conducted to test the suitability of a range of organic and inorganic residuals mixed with municipal biosolids to create a soil amendment effective for a broad range of end uses. Biosolids suitable for unrestricted use were sourced from San Francisco, CA. Residuals including urban wood and yard waste, nut shells, biochar, and sawdust were sourced from nearby producers. Existing biosolids based soil products, peat, and a yard-food compost were used as controls. Experimental mixtures were tested for a range of soil properties, appearance, odor, germination, and growth response. Several mixtures performed as well as or better than the yard-food compost, and several performed comparably to the biosolids soil controls. Yard waste fines blended with biosolids in a 50:50 ratio by volume or yard waste fines blended with biosolids and 20% sand at 40:40:20 were highly effective across all measured indices. Mixed yard and recycled lumber fines blended with biosolids at these same ratios performed similarly well. Blends with a high percentage of char performed poorly in germination and growth response, likely as a result of elevated electrical conductivity. Certain blends such as gypsum and redwood shavings failed to mix well with biosolids to create a uniform looking material and were less visually appealing. In general, blends that met established quality control parameters for compost performed well on the measured indices. These results suggest that blending Class A biosolids with organic and inorganic feedstocks to meet quality criteria developed for compost will create marketable soil products.

Coastal flood risks in China through the 21st century - An application of DIVA.

China experiences frequent coastal flooding, with nearly US$ 77 billion of direct economic losses and over 7,000 fatalities reported from 1989 to 2014. Flood damages are likely to grow due to climate change induced sea-level rise and increasing exposure if no further adaptation measures are taken. This paper quantifies potential damage and adaptation costs of coastal flooding in China over the 21st Century, including the effects of sea-level rise. It develops and utilises a new, detailed coastal database of China developed within the Dynamic Interactive Vulnerability Assessment (DIVA) model framework. The refined database provides a more realistic spatial representation of coasts, with more than 2700 coastal segments, covering 28,966 km of coastline. Over 50% of China's coast is artificial, representing defended coast and/or claimed land. Coastal flood damage and adaptation costs for China are assessed for different Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) and Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSP) combinations representing climate change and socio-economic change and two adaptation strategies: no upgrade of currently existing defences and maintaining current protection levels. By 2100, 0.7-20.0 million people may be flooded/yr and US$ 67-3,308 billion damages/yr are projected without upgrade to defences. In contrast, maintaining the current protection level would reduce those numbers to 0.2-0.4 million people flooded/yr and US$ 22-60 billion/yr flood costs by 2100, with protection investment costs of US$ 8-17 billion/yr. In 2100, maintaining current protection levels, dikes costs are two orders of magnitude smaller than flood costs across all scenarios, even without accounting for indirect damages. This research improves on earlier national assessments of China by generating a wider range of projections, based on improved datasets. The information delivered in this study will help governments, policy-makers, insurance companies and local communities in China understand risks and design appropriate strategies to adapt to increasing coastal flood risk in an uncertain world.

The Ethics of Medical AI and the Physician-Patient Relationship.

This article considers recent ethical topics relating to medical AI. After a general discussion of recent medical AI innovations, and a more analytic look at related ethical issues such as data privacy, physician dependency on poorly understood AI helpware, bias in data used to create algorithms post-GDPR, and changes to the patient-physician relationship, the article examines the issue of so-called robot doctors. Whereas the so-called democratization of healthcare due to health wearables and increased access to medical information might suggest a positive shift in the patient-physician relationship, the physician's 'need to care' might be irreplaceable, and robot healthcare workers ('robot carers') might be seen as contributing to dehumanized healthcare practices.

Understanding the attitudes and acceptability of extra-genital Chlamydia testing in young women: evaluation of a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the UK. Recent studies suggest that in addition to the genital tract, C. trachomatis is found in the throat and rectum, suggesting the number of infections is under-reported. There is an urgent need to study the impact of extending diagnosis to include extra-genital samples; however, there is a lack of evidence on the acceptability of asking young women to provide these samples. METHOD: A mixed methods single group feasibility study explored the acceptability of combined genital and extra-genital testing in young women aged 16-25 years consecutively attending a sexual health centre in Edinburgh, Scotland. Young women were asked to complete a self- administered anonymous questionnaire whether they would be willing to give self-taken throat and ano-rectal samples. Interviews with women (n = 20) willing to self-sample were conducted before and after self-sampling, and these explored the underlying reasons behind their decision, and feelings about the tests. RESULTS: Of 500 women recruited to the study, 422 (84.4%) women provided sufficient data for analysis. From completed questionnaires, 86.3% of respondents reported willingness to self-sample from the throat. Willingness of ano-rectal self-sampling was lower (59.1%), particularly in women under 20 (< 20 years: 44.4%; ≥20 years, 68.2%). Willingness of ano-rectal self-sampling was higher in women who had more sexual partners in the last 6 months (0 partners, 48.3%, n = 14, 3 or more partners, 67.4%, n = 60) and in those who have previous experience of a positive test for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) (positive: 64.5%; negative: 57%). Interviewed women suggested that a lack of knowledge of STIs, embarrassment and lack of confidence in the ability to carry out the sampling were barriers towards acceptability. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, self-sampling of throat samples is largely acceptable; however, the acceptability of taking an ano-rectal sample for C. trachomatis testing in young women was lower in younger women. The study suggests further research to investigate the acceptability of extra-genital testing as an addition to routine C. trachomatis testing, and whether this increases detection and prevents infective sequelae for women.

Author Correction: Future response of global coastal wetlands to sea-level rise.

Change history: In Fig. 2b of this Letter, 'Relative wetland change (km2)' should have read 'Relative wetland change (%)' and equations (2) and (3) have been changed from 'RSLRcrit = (m × TRe) × Sed + i' and 'Sedcrit = (RSLR - i)/(m × TRe)', respectively. The definition of the variables in equation (2) has been updated. These errors have been corrected online.

Integrated Management of Pig Residues and Copper Mine Tailings for Aided Phytostabilization.

There is high demand for identifying socio-environmentally sound ways to dispose of large quantities of offensive odor-generating organic residues produced by intensive livestock farming. The use of these residues as amendments at large-scale mine tailings storage facilities for in situ plant-based reclamation may be a useful alternative. We performed a greenhouse assay to evaluate effectiveness of pig slurries and the solid organic fraction of aerobic-aerated pig slurries, both treated and not treated for odor emission, as amendments for copper tailings. Different doses of slurries or the solid organic fraction of the slurries, untreated and treated with either ozone or a commercial product used to manage strong odors (Just a Drop), were incorporated into tailings and stabilized (15 d) under greenhouse conditions. L. (ryegrass) was used as bioindicator for Cu and Zn toxicity. Plant performance (shoot and root dry biomass, Cu and Zn content in leaves) and general physicochemical characteristics of substrates were evaluated. Our results showed that odor management of pig residues was possible with commercial products, and their incorporation into tailings rapidly and effectively reduced odor emission. The solid organic fraction of the slurries neutralized acidic tailings, and both pig residues increased organic matter and nutrient content in tailings while reducing extractable Cu. As a result, ryegrass productivity was significantly improved by incorporation of either slurries or their solid organic fraction into tailings in a dose-dependent form. Foliar Cu content in ryegrass was not affected but foliar Zn content increased; however, Zn remained within acceptable ranges. Both the pig slurries and their soil organic fractions proved to be valuable residues for tailings reclamation.