Detection and quantification of viable Ascaris sp. and other helminth eggs in sewage sludge.
Some epidemiologic studies conducted in developing countries demonstrated a high incidence of enteroparasites, Ascaris sp. being the most prevalent. Therefore, the use of sewage sludge in agriculture may pose risks to human health. In order to protect public health, a Brazilian regulation has established standards regarding its use in rural areas. The objective of this study was to quantify Ascaris sp. and other helminth eggs in sewage sludge from five wastewater treatment plants from a dense metropolitan region, and also to check compliance with the law. The analysis was carried according to USEPA 2003 . A rich parasitological fauna was found, with a prevalence of the eggs of Ascaris sp. (9.55%). The samples analyzed presented a large variety of helminth eggs, and Ascaris sp. proved to be the most prevalent which put in evidence that its application poses public health concerns.
Environmental Health Department, School of Public Health of University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil.
Veridiana Karmann
VK
Bastos
Silvana Audra
SA
Cutolo
Maria do Carmo Oliveira
Mdo C
Doria
Maria Tereza Pepe
MT
Razzolini
D000383:Agriculture / Q000379:methods; D000818:Animals; D001200:Ascaris / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006376:Helminths / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D010063:Ovum; D012722:Sewage / Q000469:parasitology*; D062065:Wastewater / Q000469:parasitology
D012722:Sewage; D062065:Wastewater