Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Environmental 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The presence of heavy metals in wastewater sludge can lead to soil contamination and reduced fertility, which is a significant environmental concern. Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury can accumulate in soils when sludge is applied as fertilizer or soil amendment. These metals can bind to soil particles, making them persist in the environment for long periods and potentially entering the food chain through plant uptake.

As heavy metals accumulate, they can adversely affect soil microorganisms, plant growth, and overall soil health. This can result in reduced biological activity and impaired ability of the soil to support crops, leading to lower fertility. The toxic effects on plants can inhibit their growth and nutrient uptake, further exacerbating issues related to agricultural productivity and ecosystem stability.

In contrast, the other options suggest positive outcomes that do not occur due to the presence of heavy metals in wastewater sludge. Enhanced plant growth, improved water quality, and increased microbial activity would typically be expected outcomes in healthy environments, but the introduction of heavy metals disrupts these processes, leading to negative ecological impacts.