Abstract
The survival of faecal and total coliform bacteria and Streptococcus faecalis (indicator bacteria) were monitored in experimental plots receiving various amounts of biological or dephosphatation municipal sewage sludge. Biological sludge was applied on coniferous and mixed regenerative forest soils. The results show that except for total coliforms, there was little significant treatment effect on the indicator bacteria numbers in all of the sites. In most cases, there was a significant time effect, indicating that bacterial populations vary over time, according to environmental factors such as temperature, moisture or nutrient level conditions. In total coliform bacteria, populations varied over time but also in function of treatment levels. The present study suggests that even if the standards of Québec (Canada) for sludge application are respected, there may be some risk for bacterial contamination depending on the types of sewage sludge and forest habitat. Although there is only a short-term effect, high slopes can influence the movement of the indicator bacteria and may potentially cause some contamination problems.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
