Effects of Biosolids and Manure Application on Microbial Water Quality in Rural Areas in the US

Abstract

Most of the waterborne disease outbreaks observed in North America are associated with rural drinking water systems. The majority of the reported waterborne outbreaks are related to microbial agents (parasites, bacteria and viruses). Rural areas are characterized by high livestock density and lack of advanced treatment systems for animal and human waste, and wastewater. Animal waste from livestock production facilities is often applied to land without prior treatment. Biosolids (treated municipal wastewater sludge) from large wastewater facilities in urban areas are often transported and applied to land in rural areas. This situation introduces a potential for risk of human exposure to waterborne contaminants such as human and zoonotic pathogens originating from manure, biosolids, and leaking septic systems. This paper focuses on waterborne outbreaks and sources of microbial pollution in rural areas in the US, characterization of the microbial load of biosolids and manure, association of biosolid and manure application with microbial contamination of surface and groundwater, risk assessment and best management practice for biosolids and manure application to protect water quality. Gaps in knowledge are identified, and recommendations to improve the water quality in the rural areas are discussed. OPEN ACCESS

Identification of Human and Animal Fecal Contamination in Drinking Water Sources in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, Using Host-Associated Bacteroidales Quantitative PCR Assays

“…In this study, ruminant fecal markers were significantly more likely to be detected in agricultural areas compared to built-up areas, while using different statistical analytical approaches. The application of raw livestock manure as a fertilizer is a common agricultural practice in Nepal [15], and the applied manure can contaminate groundwater with pathogenic microorganisms [59]. In addition, livestock farming is less intensive in developing countries, and thus, animals defecate in pasture lands while grazing, and animal waste is usually improperly managed within farms as well.…”

Büyükbaş Ve Küçükbaş Hayvan Atiklarindan Bi̇yogaz Üreti̇m Potansi̇yeli̇ni̇n Beli̇rlenmesi̇: Balikesi̇r İli̇ Örneği̇

“…Biyokatıların ve gübrenin araziye uygulanması veya uygunsuz koşullarda saklanması gerek bölgede yaşayan insanlar gerekse arazide çalışanlar için enfeksiyon riski taşımaktadır. Ayrıca yağış miktarına ve aerosolizasyona bağlı olarak patojenler ve diğer kirleticiler yüzey sularına, havaya, toprağa ve yer altı sularına karışabilmektedir [10]. Biyokatıların vektörlere olan çekiciliğini azaltmak, biyokatılardaki patojenlerden hastalık bulaşma potansiyelini azaltabilmektedir [23].…”

“…Sorumlu tarafların bilinçlendirilmesi ve eğitilmesi, entegre bir planın ilk adımını oluşturduğundan, faydalar ve riskler konusunda çiftçilerin, ilçe yetkililerinin, bireysel ev sahiplerinin ve su kalitesinin korunması ile ilgilenen kişilerin bilgilendirilmesi gerekmektedir. Bu bağlamda bilim insanları, mühendisler ve diğer profesyonellerin disiplinlerarası işbirlikleri şarttır [10].…”

Producing sludge for agricultural applications

“…Studies that have made links between biological effects and individual compounds in field trials are extremely rare (Zhang et al 2015). While most commentators have stated that the risk to human health following dietary intake of organic contaminants from crops grown on biosolids-amended lands is minimal (Verslycke et al 2016), they acknowledge that a certain amount of uncertainty still exists (Oun et al 2014).…”