Pathogens

Organic residuals, especially biosolids, may contain pathogens - microorganisms that can cause disease.  By regulation, biosolids applied to soils must be treated to reduce or eliminate pathogens.  The U. S. EPA Part 503 regulations define two classes of biosolids: Class A and Class B:

• Class A biosolids undergo a "Process to Further Reduce Pathogens (PFRP)." Pathogens are reduced to a level similar to the native soil and environment. Class A biosolids products can be used on home lawns and gardens, parks and golf courses, and other places where public contact is likely.

• Class B biosolids undergo a "Process to Significantly Reduce Pathogens (PSRP)." This means that, while pathogens are significantly reduced to levels that are often below those found in animal manures, additional best management practices ("BMPs") and restrictions on public access are required at the site where they are used.

See:

• Control of Pathogens and Vector Attraction in Sewage Sludge (EPA, January 2023)

• Land Application of Organic Residuals: Public Health Threat or Environmental Benefit?  American Society for Microbiology, 2011.  A summary of a workshop held in Washington, DC and chaired by Gary M. King, PhD, of Louisiana State University.  The workshop, involving expert research scientists from around the nation, discussed the "microbiological concerns about land spreading, the appropriate disposal of biosolids, and the role of microbiology."

• A Plain English Guide to the EPA Part 503 Biosolids Rule

• Guidance For Controlling Potential Risks To Workers Exposed to Class B Biosolids (NIOSH, 2002)

• Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. A useful 1998 guidance document for safely using manures and biosolids is available from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Review of United States Guidance and Regulations For Sludge Disinfection and Stabilization (James Smith, PhD, presentation, October 2013)

Additional resources on pathogens in biosolids:

Contemporary Perspectives on Infectious Disease Agents in Sewage Sludge and Manure (James E. Smith, Patricia D. Millner, Walter Jakubowski, Nora Goldstein, & Robert Rynk, editors, 2005). An excellent compilation of findings of a 2001 seminar of experts on biosolids and manure pathogen risks. Contact BioCycle or NEBRA for details.

Problem Formulation for Human Health Risk Assessments of Pathogens in Land-Applied Biosolids; includes an excellent literature review.

The NEBRA office has additional information, references, and referrals.