Enteric pathogen modification by anaecic earthworm, Lampito Mauritii

Abstract

The biosolids from municipal wastewater treatment plant contains several enteric microbial pathogens, predominantly Salmonella and Escherichia species in the range of 15-18 x 10⁴ CFU/g and 11-12 x 10⁴ CFU/g respectively. The present study investigates the influence of earthworm, Lampito mauritii on enteric pathogen during vermicomposting of municipal sewage sludge. The Biosolids (B), Rice straw (R) and Cow dung (C) were used in this study. The BR (3:1) and BRC (3:1:1) combination proved to be best in the removal of enteric pathogens. Both these combinations reduced the bacterial pathogens like Salmonella and Escherichia species to nil during 60 days stabilization period of vermicomposting. The gut analysis also proved that Salmonella species ranging 15-17 x 10³ CFU/g and Escherichia species ranging 10-14 x 10² CFU/g were completely eliminated in the gut after 70 days of vermicomposting period.


Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management Vol. 9(1) 2005: 15-17