Monte Carlo assessment of microbial risk associated with landfilling of fecal material

Abstract

Discarded solid material derived from or soiled with fecal matter is commonly disposed in sanitary landfills. This material includes wastewater solids, pet feces, infectious wastes, and soiled disposable diapers. Such materials may contain indicator organisms, as well as human pathogens, including viruses. The aim of the present work was to analyze the health risk to humans from ingesting untreated groundwater obtained from aquifers subject to contamination from landfills receiving such materials. Uncertainty and variability associated with source composition as well as transport processes were included. It was concluded that, even with conservative assumptions, the health risk to humans from exposure to microbial pathogens of fecal origin deposited in well–designed and operated sanitary landfills is below levels currently considered to be acceptable under U.S. drinking water regulations applicable to treated potable water supplies.