Microbial Survival in Cured Municipal Compost

摘要

Two studies were conducted to assess factors affecting survival of salmonellae in cured municipal compost. In the first study, Salmonella heidelberg was seeded into finished compost and finished compost mixed with soil. These seeded samples were monitored for salmonellae survival over a six-month period. Fecal coliform and fecal streptococci were monitored to evaluate their usefulness as indicators of salmonellae survival. At the same time, pH, moisture content, and the survival of a fungus, Aspergillus fumigatus, were measured. The bench scale study was an attempt to measure the effect of different quantities and qualities of soil on salmonellae survival by varying the amounts and type of soil in seeded compost/soil mixtures, as well as the effect of temperature.