Biological Health Risks Associated With the Composting of Wastewater Treatment Plant Sludge

Abstract

Personnel at wastewater treatment plant sludge compost operations are exposed to a variety of viable gram-negative bacteria and fungi as well as microbial products such as endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) in their work environment. This investigation used clinical, microbiological, and immu nological methods to evaluate the health effects related to exposure to these nonviable substances and viable microorgan isms in dust that arose when dewatered sludge was composted. The study was conducted between 1979 and 1981 at wastewater sludge composting facilities in Camden, N. J., Philadelphia, Pa., Beltsville, Md. and Washington, D. C.