Clostridium botulinum and Bio-compost. A Contribution to the Analysis of Potential Health Hazards Caused by Bio-waste Recycling

Abstract

Bio-waste recycling and the production and use of bio-compost are politically encouraged in Europe. Quality control takes no consideration of pathogenic anaerobic spore formers, e.g. Clostridium botulinum. A protocol for health hazard analysis concerning this pathogen has been developed. Samples of marketed bio-compost were tested and results showed that about 50% of the tested samples contained C. botulinum. For the first time it has been shown that the use of bio-compost represents a health hazard to humans and animals, especially in the future when spores will have accumulated in the environment. The use of household bio-waste collected in 'bio-bins' is apparently one factor involved in the production of contaminated compost end-products. Environmental factors in the propagation of C. botulinum are discussed. The improvement of bio-waste recycling technology and management should be encouraged in order to minimize the health hazard caused by contaminated bio-compost.

Pré-compostagem de cadáveres de bovinos acometidos pelo botulismo

“…No entanto, são desconhecidos os efeitos da compostagem sobre a viabilidade dos espo-ros de Clostridium botulinum. Embora Böhnel & Lube (2000) tenham encontrado esporos da bactéria em mais de 50% das 91 amostras avaliadas de composto comercial doméstico na Alemanha, e ainda a presença de toxina livre em algumas amostras, a situação difere da do objeto do presente trabalho. Dos cinco bovinos com evolução clínica crônica e pré-compostados, três foram acometidos pela toxina botulínica tipo D e um pelo complexo CD.…”

Nutritional quality and safety of organic food. A review

“…Indeed, they can provide pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria pathogenic to humans (Strauch, 1991) (Lung et al, 2001;Droffner and Brinton, 1995;Vuorinen and Saharinen, 1997;Tiquia et al, 1998). This could be less efficient in eliminating Clostridium botulinum (Bohnel and Lube, 2000). In addition, when added to the soil, the exogenous bacteria are quickly eliminated due to unfavorable conditions (Van Renterghem et al, 1991;Dowe et al, 1997).…”

Methods and microbial risks associated with composting of animal carcasses in the United States

“…Biowaste recycling has been implicated as an animal and public health hazard with regard to pathogenic anaerobic spore formers (eg, Clostridium botulinum). In 1 study, 56 samples of marketed biocompost in Germany were tested and results indicated that approximately 50% of the tested samples contained C botulinum. Also, findings indicated that household biowaste collection in so-called bio-bins was a risk factor for the production of contaminated compost end-products, but that high composting standards and management could minimize the risk.…”

“…Also, findings indicated that household biowaste collection in so-called bio-bins was a risk factor for the production of contaminated compost end-products, but that high composting standards and management could minimize the risk. 56 Because of its potential for toxic effects in humans and other animals, concerns have been expressed about proliferation of C botulinum in anaerobic zones during the initial first few days after a carcass compost pile is constructed prior to onset of thermophilic stages. Important facts about the types of this bacterium, their characteristics, and toxin production provide perspective in evaluation of these concerns.…”