Bioavailability/Toxicity of Iron from Aerobically Processed Organic Fertilizer

Author

Stacey Marie Wilson, Utah State University

Date of Award

5-2002

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Departmental Honors

Department

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences

Abstract

For an undergraduate Honor's project, I worked under the direction of Dr. Jeffery Hall to determine the bioavailability and toxicity of iron from Milorganite® fertilizer, an aerobically processed organic fertilizer. The Milorganite® Company is a subsidiary of the Milwaukee Municipal Sewage District and produces a fertilizer of high iron content (approximately 5-7%). The high iron content has resulted in concern about the toxic potential, which until now was unknown. This thesis paper will explain iron chemistry, bioavailability, requirements, absorption, toxicity, and treatments, followed by a description of fertilizer types and contents. This will be followed by a description and reasoning for the dosing study and the results from our clinical and histological observations, serum biochemistry, and tissue mineral analysis. Finally, there will be a short summary and the conclusions we reached at the end of the study.

Recommended Citation

Wilson, Stacey Marie, "Bioavailability/Toxicity of Iron from Aerobically Processed Organic Fertilizer" (2002). Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects. 836.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/honors/836