Effect of co-composting on helminth eggs removal
1 Laboratory of Ecology and Environment (L2E) (Unit Associated with the CNRST, URAC32), School of Science Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco
2 Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Technics, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco
3 School of Science and Engineering, Al akhawayn University in Ifrane, BP: 1846, Ifrane, Morocco
4 Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Science Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, BP: 2390, Marrakesh, Morocco
2 Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Technics, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco
3 School of Science and Engineering, Al akhawayn University in Ifrane, BP: 1846, Ifrane, Morocco
4 Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Science Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, BP: 2390, Marrakesh, Morocco
Abstract
This study concerns the effectiveness of helminth eggs elimination during co-composting of activated sludge from a wastewater treatment plant mixed with ligno-cellulosic waste in a ratio of either 1/3-2/3 or 1/2-1/2 for 180 days. The Analysis of the initial sludge showed a load of 4-27 nematode eggs /g fresh matter identified as Ascaris sp., Capillaria sp. and Trichuris sp. During the co-composting stabilization phase, the reduction of the number of eggs varied between 50 and 90%. At the end of the process, reduction reached 100% for all the helminth ova. These results confirm the effectiveness of co-composting on their removal. Thereby, the final compost complied with the WHO guidelines for the safe reuse of fecal sludge.
Keywords
co-composting; helminth eggs; palm tree waste; sewage sludge