Microbial emissions from composting sites

Hester, R. E.; Harrison, Roy M.; Swan, Jillian R. M.; Crook, B.; Gilbert, Edward J.

doi:10.1039/9781847550767-00073

Cited by 30 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 0 publications

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“…In all cases bioaerosol concentrations decreased sharply with downwind distance from the emissions source to the sampling point 80 m downwind of the site boundary. The rapid dispersion of bioaerosols downwind of composting facilities has been reported in previous studies [17]. All data sets showed a second peak in bioaerosol concentrations at 100-150 m. This phenomenon was not expected.…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 69%

Endotoxin emissions from commercial composting activities

et al. 2009

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This paper describes an exploratory study of endotoxin emissions and dispersal from a commercial composting facility. Replicated samples of air were taken by filtration at different locations around the facility on 10 occasions. Measurements were made of endotoxin and associated culturable microorganisms. The inflammatory response of cell cultures exposed to extracts from the filters was measured. Endotoxin was detected in elevated concentrations close to composting activities. A secondary peak, of lesser magnitude than the peak at source was detected at 100-150 m downwind of the site boundary. Unexpectedly high concentrations of endotoxin were measured at the most distant downwind sampling point. Extracted endotoxin was found to stimulate human monocytes and a human lung epithelial cell line to produce significant amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines. On a weight basis, endotoxin extracted from the composting source has a greater inflammatory cytokine inducing effect than commercial E. coli endotoxin.

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Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 69%

Endotoxin emissions from commercial composting activities

et al. 2009

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“…The existence and concentration of individual species associated with the composting process is highly variable and heavily dependant on a number of factors. These include, the nature of the material being composted, individual bioaerosol properties, the temperature and moisture content of the compost, process design, site operations such as turning, shredding and screening, geographical, topographical and meteorological conditions and whether the process is enclosed or carried out in the open air [28,30]. At present the literature available to determine the potential risks to employees' health from bioaerosol exposure is not sufficiently exhaustive or conclusive.…”

Section: Bacteriamentioning

confidence: 96%

An Analysis of Employee Exposure to Organic Dust at Large-Scale Composting Facilities.

Jones¹,

Sykes²,

Allen³

et al. 2009

A95. Microbes and Organic Dusts at Work

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Abstract. The occupational health implications from exposure to dust, endotoxin and 1-3 β Glucan at commercial composting sites are uncertain. This study aims to establish employee exposure levels to inhalable and respirable dust, endotoxin and 1-3 β Glucan during various operational practices in the composting process. Personal samples were collected and the inhalable and respirable dust fractions were determined by gravimetric analysis. Endotoxin concentrations were determined using a Limulus Amebocyte Lysate assay (LAL). 1-3 β Glucan levels were estimated using a specific blocking agent to establish the contribution that these compounds gave to the original endotoxin assay. Employees' exposure to dust was found to be generally lower than the levels stipulated in the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002 (as amended), (median inhalable fraction 1.08 mg/m 3 , min 0.25 mg/m 3 max 10.80 mg/m 3 , median respirable fraction 0.05 mg/m 3 , min 0.02 mg/m 3 , max 1.49 mg/m 3 ). Determination of the biological component of the dust showed that employees' exposures to endotoxin were elevated (median 31.5 EU/m 3 , min 2.00 EU/m 3 , max 1741.78 EU/m 3 ), particularly when waste was agitated (median 175.0 EU/m 3 , min 2.03 EU/m 3 , max 1741.78 EU/m 3 ). Eight out of 32 (25%) of the personal exposure data for endotoxin exceeded the 200 EU/m 3 temporary legal limit adopted in the Netherlands and thirteen out of 32 (40.6%) exceeded the suggested 50 EU/m 3 guidance level suggested to protect workers from respiratory health effects. A significant correlation was observed between employee inhalable dust exposure and personal endotoxin concentration (r = 0.728, p<0.05) and also personal endotoxin exposure and 1-3 β Glucan concentration (r = 0.817, p<0.05). Further work is needed to explore the possibility of using inhalable dust concentration as a predictor for personal endotoxin exposure. The general dust levels stipulated in the COSHH Regulations 2002 (as amended) are inadequate for managing the potential health risks associated with endotoxin exposure at composting sites. Employee exposure levels and dose-response disease mechanisms are not well understood at this present time. Consequently, in light of this uncertainty, it is recommended that a precautionary approach be adopted in managing the potential health risks associated with inhalation of organic dusts at composting sites.

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“…Airborne fungi causing respiratory infections and allergic reactions include Penicillium, Aspergillus, Acremonium, Paecilomyces, Mucor and Cladosporium (Kanaani et al, 2008). Most infections, specifically Aspergillosis can occur in immune compromised hosts or as a secondary infection, which is caused due to inhalation of fungal spores or the toxins produced by Aspergillus fungus (Swan et al, 2002). Fungal metabolism produces many volatile compounds that are capable of inducing sensory irritation to eyes and upper respiratory tract.…”

Section: Respiratory Diseasesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review of bioaerosols in indoor environment with special reference to sampling, analysis and control mechanisms

Ghosh

Lal

Srivastava

2015

Environment International

275

197

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Several tiny organisms of various size ranges present in air are called airborne particles or bioaerosol which mainly includes live or dead fungi and bacteria, their secondary metabolites, viruses, pollens, etc. which have been related to health issues of human beings and other life stocks. Bio-terror attacks in 2001 as well as pandemic outbreak of flue due to influenza A H1N1 virus in 2009 have alarmed us about the importance of bioaerosol research. Hence characterization i.e. identification and quantification of different airborne microorganisms in various indoor environments is necessary to identify the associated risks and to establish exposure threshold. Along with the bioaerosol sampling and their analytical techniques, various literatures revealing the concentration levels of bioaerosol have been mentioned in this review thereby contributing to the knowledge of identification and quantification of bioaerosols and their different constituents in various indoor environments (both occupational and non-occupational sections). Apart from recognition of bioaerosol, developments of their control mechanisms also play an important role. Hence several control methods have also been briefly reviewed. However, several individual levels of efforts such as periodic cleaning operations, maintenance activities and proper ventilation system also serve in their best way to improve indoor air quality.

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Microbial emissions from composting sites

Cited by 30 publications

References 0 publications

Endotoxin emissions from commercial composting activities

Endotoxin emissions from commercial composting activities

An Analysis of Employee Exposure to Organic Dust at Large-Scale Composting Facilities.

Review of bioaerosols in indoor environment with special reference to sampling, analysis and control mechanisms

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