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Bacterial Pathogen Indicator Transport from Livestock Mortality Biopiles
Journal of Environmental Quality
|October 6, 2015
Summary
Slaughterhouse residual biopiles reduce indicator bacteria, but pathogens may still leach, especially during heavy rain. Maintaining dry conditions is key to preventing bacterial contamination from biopile leachate.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Waste management science
- Soil science
Background:
- Biopiles are used for slaughterhouse residual disposal.
- Pathogenic bacteria fate in biopiles is poorly understood.
- Bacterial transport in biopile leachate poses contamination risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transport of indicator bacteria (Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcaceae) from slaughterhouse residual biopiles.
- To assess the potential for bacterial pathogen transport via biopile leachate.
Main Methods:
- Three large-scale biopiles were constructed in concrete cells for real-time monitoring.
- Environmental parameters, hydrologic flux, and indicator bacteria in effluent were measured.
- Bacterial transport was analyzed in relation to precipitation and soil conditions.
Main Results:
- Indicator bacteria populations decreased exponentially in biopile effluent.
- Effluent bacteria loads were <0.01% of initial levels, due to retention, inactivation, and death.
- Bacterial transport was linked to preferential flow, especially during large precipitation events (>15 mm/day).
- Enterobacteriaceae decreased with high moisture/low temperature, while Enterococcaceae regrew under these conditions.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial pathogen transport from biopiles can occur even after conventional indicator bacteria decline.
- Management strategies should focus on diverting water and maintaining unsaturated conditions to minimize leachate contamination.
- Covering biopiles and ensuring dry soil conditions are recommended to prevent preferential flow of bacteria.
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