Abstract

Septage is widely acknowledged as a major source of infectious pathogens while disposal of septage, and the operation and maintenance of septic tanks, is not regulated in many developing countries. Twenty untreated septage and septage sludge samples were taken from Can Tho City, Vietnam to examine their pathogen content, and indicator micro-organisms. Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. were detected in all samples, regardless of sludge storage time. Phages were detected in 80% of samples. Salmonella spp. were detected in 70% of the untreated septage and 60% of septage sludge samples. Concentrations of phages and bacteria tested in septage sludge after many years of tank storage were much higher than the expected levels. Helminth ova were present in 95% of untreated septage samples with an average of 450 ova l(-1) and were detected in all septage sludge samples with an average of 16,000 ova l(-1). Twelve varieties of helminth ova were identified. More helminth ova varieties in higher concentrations were found in septage than those reported from stool samples. The varieties' frequency ranged from 10% to 50% and Ascaris lumbricoides predominated. Results show that pathogens and indicator micro-organisms, especially helminth ova, accumulate in sludge. Thus helminth ova should be considered when septage sludge is treated and used for agriculture. Proper health protection measures must be applied for people handling septage. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Septage sludge; Septic tank; Pathogens; Helminth ova

Published in

Science of the Total Environment
2010, Volume: 408, number: 9, pages: 2050-2053
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

SLU Authors

• Vinnerås, Björn

  • Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • National Veterinary Institute (SVA)

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG6 Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
SDG11 Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable


UKÄ Subject classification

Fish and Aquacultural Science
Food Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.01.030

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/60705