Pathogens in wastewater sludge

Gibbs, R.A., Ho, G.E.ORCID: 0000-0001-9190-8812, Rule, H., Unkovich, I. and Lugg, R. (1993) Pathogens in wastewater sludge. In: Proceedings of the 15th Federal Convention of the Australian Water and Wastewater Association, Vol. 2, 18 - 23 April, Gold Coast, Qld, Australia pp. 255-263.

Abstract

Information concerning pathogen densities in wastewater sludge is scarce, particularly for Australian sludges. As part of a project investigating the die-off of pathogens in stored sludge pathogen densities in sludge from Perth wastewater treatment plants were determined. Faecal coliform, faecal streptococci, enterovirus and Salmonella concentrations in sludge were quantified. Campylobacter, Shigella, Legionellaand helminths were not detected in sludge using qualitative tests. Giardia and Entamoeba were present in raw sludge but were not detected in digested and dewatered sludge. There was no consistent relationship between the die-off of indicator organisms and pathogens through sludge treatment. Pathogens generally survived treatment better than faecal coliforms and faecal streptococci. On the basis of these results the use of indicator bacteria to predict pathogen densities in wastewater sludge may not be appropriate.

Item Type:	Conference Paper
Publisher:	Institution of Engineers, Australia
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/22758

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