ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Evaluation of Meat Waste Composting Process
Based on Fecal Streptococci Survival
A. Ligocka, Z. Paluszak
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Department of Microbiology, University of Technology and Life Science,
Bernardyńska 6/8, 85-029 Bydgoszcz, Poland
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2008;17(5):739-744
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Animal by-products of category 3 after proper processing may be a valuable fertilizer for agricultural
purposes. However, they can contain numerous bacterial and viral pathogens and, in cases of improper handling,
may pose a health risk for people and animals. This study is aimed at monitoring the number of fecal
streptococci introduced into carriers of different types imitating fragments of meat and bone wastes during
composting process in a drum bio-reactor. Fecal streptococci are indicator microorganisms, and are known by
their thermoresistant characteristics, so it was assumed that their elimination will also diminish the pathogenic
microorganisms present in wastes. Three research cycles were carried out in a drum-type bio-reactor, and a
different course of temperature was noted in each of them. In cycle 1, in which the temperature exceeded 60oC,
fecal streptococci died the fastest, 139.0-154.4 hours later (depending on carrier type). In cycles 2 and 3, maximum
temperatures were similar (57.2oC and 58.8oC, respectively), but secondary multiplication of the streptococci
in the 102nd hour of the processes was observed. In cycle 2 at this time their number was similar to
the level of initial suspension. The type and size of the carriers were of no major importance to streptococci
survival in the bio-reactor. Yet in each of the cycles analyzed, effective reduction was accomplished and the
product obtained can be considered to be environmentally safe.