Evaluating pathogen safety in biosolids treatment and storage in Victoria

Abstract

We have investigated the inactivation of pathogenic microbial indicators for bacteria and viruses (Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Enterococci and coliphage) in biosolids during the air-drying pan phase and storage of anaerobically digested biosolids. We previously presented preliminary data for enumeration of E. coli and coliphage in biosolids from two wastewater treatment plant in Victoria in 2007/2008. Here, we present further enumeration data for four indicators and pathogens: E. coli, Salmonella, Enterococcus spp. and coliphage, in biosolids from a major metropolitan wastewater treatment plant in Victoria, during 2009/2010, and compare the results to the previous study