USDA Logo
ARS Logo

  Environmental Microbial Safety
Printer FriendlyPrintable version     Email this pageEmail this page
 
Search
 
 
This site only
  Advanced Search
 
Research
  Programs and Projects
 
 
  Display category headings
Research
Research >
Research Project: Pathogen Transport and Dissemination from Manure

Location: Environmental Microbial Safety Laboratory

Title: Fecal Bacterial Pathogens and Indicators in Commercially Available Compost

Authors

Submitted to: International Association For Food Protection
Publication Acceptance Date: July 20, 2004
Publication Date: August 8, 2004
Citation: Ingram, D.T. 2004. Fecal Bacterial Pathogens And Indicators In Commercially Available Compost. [abstract]. International Association For Food PROTECTION. AUGUST 8-12, 2004, Phoenix, Arizona. P.2.

Technical Abstract: Compost is a valuable soil amendment used by organic and conventional growers to improve the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. In the U.S., compost is produced from a variety of feedstocks that are sources of potentially pathogenic microbes, e.g. landscape trimmings, animal or poultry manure, food residuals, and biosolids from municipal or industrial wastewater treatment facilities. Aerobic, thermophilic compost production processes are designed to achieve significant reductions in fecal coliforms and salmonellae through timed-temperature exposures. Currently, only biosolids compost must meet time-temperature process standards according to federal statute (40 CFR Part503), and few states have pathogen or pathogen indicator standards for marketable compost. Thus, product quality could vary widely and if inadequately composted the product could introduce pathogens in systems producing fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs that may be consumed raw. We conducted a study of the microbial quality (total heterotrophs, total and fecal coliforms, E. coli, Salmonella, and Enterococci) and seasonal variability, of commercially available compost from 11 facilities across the US. Feedstock compositions represented the wide range of materials commonly used. Results show that nearly all composts had fecal coliform counts above 1000 cfu/g and at least three contained salmonellae above 4 MPN/g (limits acceptable for distribution to the general public according to USEPA). This indicates the need for adherence to time-temperature process standards and product quality testing. Fruit and vegetable producers need to ensure that they use high quality composts, as not all currently available commercial products are disinfected.

 
Project Team
Shelton, Daniel
Pachepsky, Yakov
Millner, Patricia
Fayer, Ronald
Higgins, James
Starr, James
Sadeghi, Ali
Karns, Jeffrey

Publications

Related National Programs
  Water Quality & Management (201)
  Manure and Byproduct Utilization (206)

Related Projects
   Characterization of Bioareosol and Odorous Emissions from Land Application of Biosolids in Pennsylvania
   Safe Production of Vegetables Using Manure
   Role of Soil Nematodes in Vectoring Pathogenic Bacteria to Fruits and Vegetables
   Model Abstraction Techniques for Soil Water Flow and Transport
   Pathogenic Bacteria Breakthrough in Soils As Affected by Physical Meterogeneity
   Assess Levels of Pathogenic E. Coli in the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers

 
ARS Home |  USDA |  Home | About Us | Research | Products & Services | People & Places  | News & Events | Partnering | Careers | Contact Us | Help |
Site Map |  Freedom of Information Act |  Statements & Disclaimers |  Employee Resources |  FirstGov |  White House