Management Approaches to Dealing with Pharmaceuticals and Hormones from CAFOs

Abstract

Hormones and most pharmaceuticals can be prevented from entering the environment by simple technologies. Composting is extremely effective in destroying all compounds tested to date. Similarly, silaging is effective in removing most compounds. Closing off the CAFO from the environment leaves the question of what to do with the huge amount of manure accumulated. Fortunately, the demand for organic fertilizers has risen in the last decade as the result of increased interest in organic farming and the rise in the cost of inorganic fertilizers. In addition, to composting, the material can be converted to biogas. Controlling run-off and other common sense best management practices are also likely to help prevent the spread of pharmaceuticals in the environment.