Growth potential of faecal bacteria in simulated psychrophilic/mesophilic zones during composting of organic waste.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the growth potential of Salmonella serotype Typhimurium and faecal indicator organisms in compost materials and the correlation between bacterial growth potential and the physico-chemical composition of the compost substrate and temperature.


RESULTS
Survival of Salm. Typhimurium, Enterococcus spp. and total coliforms at 14, 24 and 37 degrees C was determined in material of different degrees of maturity collected from composting plants for household waste and manure. All three micro-organisms showed the potential for growth in the material from active composts (Solvita index 4) but inactivation generally occurred over time in mature compost material (Solvita index 7-8).


CONCLUSIONS
Salm. Typhimurium had the potential for growth in psychrophilic/mesophilic (P/M) zones of immature compost material and its growth potential correlated negatively with the maturity of the compost and the temperature within the simulated P/M zone.


CONCLUSIONS
The risk of pathogen regrowth in P/M zones during organic waste composting further emphasizes the importance of good management practices and of avoiding P/M zones in combination with low compost maturity.
Elving
J
J
Department of Chemistry, Environment and Feed Hygiene, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden. josefine.elving@sva.se
Ottoson
J R
JR
Vinnerås
B
B
Albihn
A
A
D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D016983:Enterococcus / Q000254:growth & development*; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D008372:Manure / Q000382:microbiology*; D010944:Plants / Q000382:microbiology; D012486:Salmonella typhimurium / Q000254:growth & development*; D012987:Soil / Q000032:analysis*; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D013696:Temperature
D008372:Manure; D012987:Soil