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Werner KA, Poehlein A, Schneider D, El-Said K, Wöhrmann M, Linkert I, Hübner T, Brüggemann N, Prost K, Daniel R, Grohmann E. Thermophilic Composting of Human Feces: Development of Bacterial Community Composition and Antimicrobial Resistance Gene Pool. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:824834. [PMID: 35250940 PMCID: PMC8895236 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.824834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In times of climate change, practicing sustainable, climate-resilient, and productive agriculture is of primordial importance. Compost from different resources, now treated as wastes, could be one form of sustainable fertilizer creating a resilience of agriculture to the adverse effects of climate change. However, the safety of the produced compost regarding human pathogens, pharmaceuticals, and related resistance genes must be considered. We have assessed the effect of thermophilic composting of dry toilet contents, green cuttings, and straw, with and without biochar, on fecal indicators, the bacterial community, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Mature compost samples were analyzed regarding fecal indicator organisms, revealing low levels of Escherichia coli that are in line with German regulations for fertilizers. However, one finding of Salmonella spp. exceeded the threshold value. Cultivation of bacteria from the mature compost resulted in 200 isolates with 36.5% of biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) species. The majority is known as opportunistic pathogens that likewise occur in different environments. A quarter of the isolated BSL-2 strains exhibited multiresistance to different classes of antibiotics. Molecular analysis of total DNA before and after composting revealed changes in bacterial community composition and ARGs. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing showed a decline of the two most abundant phyla Proteobacteria (start: 36-48%, end: 27-30%) and Firmicutes (start: 13-33%, end: 12-16%), whereas the abundance of Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadetes, and Planctomycetes rose. Groups containing many human pathogens decreased during composting, like Pseudomonadales, Bacilli with Bacillus spp., or Staphylococcaceae and Enterococcaceae. Gene-specific PCR showed a decline in the number of detectable ARGs from 15 before to 8 after composting. The results reveal the importance of sufficiently high temperatures lasting for a sufficiently long period during the thermophilic phase of composting for reducing Salmonella to levels matching the criteria for fertilizers. However, most severe human pathogens that were targeted by isolation conditions were not detected. Cultivation-independent analyses also indicated a decline in bacterial orders comprising many pathogenic bacteria, as well as a decrease in ARGs. In summary, thermophilic composting could be a promising approach for producing hygienically safe organic fertilizer from ecological sanitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina A. Werner
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Department of Microbiology, Berliner Hochschule für Technik, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Poehlein
- Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dominik Schneider
- Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Khaliel El-Said
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Department of Microbiology, Berliner Hochschule für Technik, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Wöhrmann
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Department of Microbiology, Berliner Hochschule für Technik, Berlin, Germany
| | - Isabel Linkert
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Department of Microbiology, Berliner Hochschule für Technik, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Hübner
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nicolas Brüggemann
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences Agrosphere (IBG-3), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Katharina Prost
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences Agrosphere (IBG-3), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Rolf Daniel
- Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Grohmann
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Department of Microbiology, Berliner Hochschule für Technik, Berlin, Germany
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Oishi W, Kadoya SS, Nishimura O, B Rose J, Sano D. Hierarchical Bayesian modeling for predictive environmental microbiology toward a safe use of human excreta: Systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 284:112088. [PMID: 33582482 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The pathogen concentration in human excreta needs to be managed appropriately, but a predictive approach has yet to be implemented due to a lack of kinetics models for pathogen inactivation that are available under varied environmental conditions. Our goals were to develop inactivation kinetics models of microorganisms applicable under varied environmental conditions of excreta matrices and to identify the appropriate indicators that can be monitored during disinfection processes. We conducted a systematic review targeting previous studies that presented time-course decay of a microorganism and environmental conditions of matrices. Defined as a function of measurable factors including treatment time, pH, temperature, ammonia concentration and moisture content, the kinetic model parameters were statistically estimated using hierarchical Bayesian modeling. The inactivation kinetics models were constructed for Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Enterococcus, Ascaris eggs, bacteriophage MS2, enterobacteria phage phiX174 and adenovirus. The inactivation rates of a microorganism were predicted using the established model. Ascaris eggs were identified as the most tolerant microorganisms, followed by bacteriophage MS2 and Enterococcus. Ammonia concentration, temperature and moisture content were the critical factors for the Ascaris inactivation. Our model predictions coincided with the current WHO guidelines. The developed inactivation kinetics models enable us to predict microbial concentration in excreta matrices under varied environmental conditions, which is essential for microbiological risk management in emerging resource recovery practices from human excreta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wakana Oishi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Aoba 6-6-06, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8597, Japan
| | - Syun-Suke Kadoya
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Aoba 6-6-06, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8597, Japan
| | - Osamu Nishimura
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Aoba 6-6-06, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8597, Japan
| | - Joan B Rose
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, 480 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Daisuke Sano
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Aoba 6-6-06, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8597, Japan; Department of Frontier Sciences for Advanced Environment, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, Aoba 6-6-06, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8597, Japan.
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Zhou X, Li Z, Zheng T, Yan Y, Li P, Odey EA, Mang HP, Uddin SMN. Review of global sanitation development. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 120:246-261. [PMID: 30103124 PMCID: PMC6192828 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The implementation of the United Nations (UN) Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has resulted in an increased focus on developing innovative, sustainable sanitation techniques to address the demand for adequate and equitable sanitation in low-income areas. We examined the background, current situation, challenges, and perspectives of global sanitation. We used bibliometric analysis and word cluster analysis to evaluate sanitation research from 1992 to 2016 based on the Science Citation Index EXPANDED (SCI-EXPANDED) and Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) databases. Our results show that sanitation is a comprehensive field connected with multiple categories, and the increasing number of publications reflects a strong interest in this research area. Most of the research took place in developed countries, especially the USA, although sanitation problems are more serious in developing countries. Innovations in sanitation techniques may keep susceptible populations from contracting diseases caused by various kinds of contaminants and microorganisms. Hence, the hygienization of human excreta, resource recovery, and removal of micro-pollutants from excreta can serve as effective sustainable solutions. Commercialized technologies, like composting, anaerobic digestion, and storage, are reliable but still face challenges in addressing the links between the political, social, institutional, cultural, and educational aspects of sanitation. Innovative technologies, such as Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs), Microbial Electrolysis Cells (MECs), and struvite precipitation, are at the TRL (Technology readiness levels) 8 level, meaning that they qualify as "actual systems completed and qualified through test and demonstration." Solutions that take into consideration economic feasibility and all the different aspects of sanitation are required. There is an urgent demand for holistic solutions considering government support, social acceptability, as well as technological reliability that can be effectively adapted to local conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Zhou
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Zifu Li
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Tianlong Zheng
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Yichang Yan
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Pengyu Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19(A) Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Emmanuel Alepu Odey
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Heinz Peter Mang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Sayed Mohammad Nazim Uddin
- Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
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Hijikata N, Tezuka R, Kazama S, Otaki M, Ushijima K, Ito R, Okabe S, Sano D, Funamizu N. Bactericidal and virucidal mechanisms in the alkaline disinfection of compost using calcium lime and ash. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2016; 181:721-727. [PMID: 27562698 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, the bactericidal and virucidal mechanisms in the alkaline disinfection of compost with calcium lime and ash were investigated. Two indicator microorganisms, Escherichia coli and MS2 coliphage, were used as surrogates for enteric pathogens. The alkaline-treated compost with calcium oxide (CaO) or ash resulted primarily in damage to the outer membrane and enzyme activities of E. coli. The alkaline treatment of compost also led to the infectivity loss of the coliphage because of the partial capsid damage and RNA exteriorization due to a raised pH, which is proportional to the amount of alkaline agents added. These results indicate that the alkaline treatment of compost using calcium oxide and ash is effective and can contribute to the safe usage of compost from a mixing type dry toilet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nowaki Hijikata
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, North 13, West 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8628, Japan
| | - Rui Tezuka
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, North 13, West 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8628, Japan
| | - Shinobu Kazama
- New Industry Creation Hatchery Center, Tohoku University, Japan
| | - Masahiro Otaki
- Department of Human Environmental Science, Ochanomizu University, Japan
| | - Ken Ushijima
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, North 13, West 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8628, Japan
| | - Ryusei Ito
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, North 13, West 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8628, Japan
| | - Satoshi Okabe
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, North 13, West 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8628, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sano
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, North 13, West 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8628, Japan.
| | - Naoyuki Funamizu
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, North 13, West 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8628, Japan
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Sangare D, Sou Dakoure M, Hijikata N, Lahmar R, Yacouba H, Coulibaly L, Funamizu N. Toilet compost and human urine used in agriculture: fertilizer value assessment and effect on cultivated soil properties. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2015; 36:1291-1298. [PMID: 25371046 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2014.984774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Toilet compost (TC) and human urine are among natural fertilizers, which raise interest due to their double advantages to combine sanitation and nutrient recovery. However, combination of urine and TC is not so spread probably because the best ratio (urine/TC) is still an issue and urine effect on soil chemical properties remains poorly documented. This study aims to determine the best ratio of urine and TC in okra cultivation, by targeting higher fertilization effect combined with lower impact on soil chemical properties. Based on Nitrogen requirement of okra, seven treatments were compared: (T0) no fertilizer, (T1) chemical fertilizer (NPK: 14-23-14), (T2) 100% urine, (T3) 100% TC, (T4) ratio of 75% urine+25% TC, (T5) 50% urine+50% TC and (T6) 25% urine+75% TC. Results indicated that T4 (75% urine+25% TC) gave the highest plant height and yield. In contrast, T2 (100% urine) gave the lowest results among all treatments, indicating toxicity effects on plant growth and associated final yield. Such toxicity is confirmed by soil chemical properties at T2 with soil acidification and significant increase in soil salinity. In contrast, application of urine together with TC mitigates soil acidification and salinity, highlighting the efficiency of urine and TC combination on soil chemical properties. However, further investigation is necessary to refine better urine/TC ratio for okra production.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Sangare
- a International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering , Ouagadougou , Burkina Faso
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Hijikata N, Yamauchi N, Ishiguro M, Ushijima K, Funamizu N. Suitability of biochar as a matrix for improving the performance of composting toilets. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2015; 33:313-321. [PMID: 25739767 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x15572179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the suitability of biochar (rice husk charcoal) as a matrix in composting toilets that can decompose human faeces and recover fertiliser components, the composting process during toilet operation and the agricultural value of the resulting compost were characterised by performing a comparison with sawdust, rice husks, and corn stalks. The faecal decomposition ratio in biochar was 42%, similar to the values for rice husks (46%) and corn stalks (41%), but higher than the value for sawdust (25%). Heterotroph micro-organism acidity is qualitatively higher in biochar than in sawdust. However, nitrogen loss in biochar was 19%, lower than that in rice husks (36%) and corn stalks (25%), but similar to that in sawdust (16%). Although the biochar compost had no significant impact on the cation exchange capacity and water retention of sandy soil, the ratio of nitrogen transportation into plants was 12.8%, higher than that for the other materials. These results suggest that biochar is effective for achieving high faecal decomposition, low nitrogen loss, and high nutrient supply.
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