Important Notice: Our web hosting provider recently started charging us for additional visits, which was unexpected. In response, we're seeking donations. Depending on the situation, we may explore different monetization options for our Community and Expert Contributors. It's crucial to provide more returns for their expertise and offer more Expert Validated Answers or AI Validated Answers. Learn more about our hosting issue here.

Are there disease-causing organisms (pathogens) in the biosolids?

April 26, 2017biosolids disease-causing organisms pathogens

0

10 Posted

Are there disease-causing organisms (pathogens) in the biosolids?

1 Answer

0

10 Posted

There are pathogens in raw wastewater that enters the treatment plant. During treatment, the wastewater solids go through a biological digestion process that kills about 95% of the pathogens. Biosolids from King County contain no detectable parasites and viruses are only rarely detected. Any remaining pathogens die off quickly when exposed to conditions at field sites. Unless a person actually ingests fresh biosolids, the treated material poses little health risk to humans. Site management procedures such as crop harvest and public access restrictions are followed to protect public health.