scholarly journals Application of Helminth ova infection dose curve to estimate the risks associated with biosolid application on soil

2008 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Navarro ◽  
B. Jiménez ◽  
S. Lucario ◽  
E. Cifuentes

Helminth ova (HO) are the main biological concern when reusing sludge for agricultural production. Worldwide sludge regulations consider a permissible range of 0.25–1 HO/gTS. Such limits are unaffordable to most developing countries, due to high helminth ova content in sludge, and the lack of viable technology to inactivate them as needed. The quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) is a useful tool to estimate the risk of treated sludge, considering feasible and viable limits. QMRA, however, has not been applied before for HO because no dose-infection curve was available. Therefore, the objectives of this paper are: to build up a risk-based model designed for untreated wastewater exposure (i.e., land irrigation) using Ascaris lumbricoides eggs as indicators for HO, and apply the results to assess health risk (i.e., Ascaris lumbricoides infection) associated with consumption of crops grown on biosolid-enriched soil. Data showed that it may be feasible to update HO threshold in biosolids from developing countries without significantly increasing risks. To reduce health risk from HO, it may be wiser to achieve feasible and evidence-based standards, than to set unaffordable limits in these countries. QMRA data suggested additional protection measures, such as biosolid application rates, crop restriction, and produce better washing practices.

Author(s):  
B. Jimenez ◽  
I. Navarro

This chapter describes, using the quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) methodology proposed by WHO, how to set affordable standards for reuse of wastewater or sludge in agriculture using helminth eggs (Ascaris lumbricoides) as an example. The development of a risk-based model for Ascaris lumbricoides infection and its application to assess human risks associated with helminths egg exposure from crops irrigated with untreated wastewater, as well as crops grown in biosolid-enriched soil are explained. From QMRA results it becomes evident that WHO guidelines for wastewater reuse in agriculture seem more stringent than needed in developing countries, while for sludge reuse it will be the opposite. Even though more information is needed to confirm this conclusion from a single research, cautious approach when revalorizing sludge for agricultural purposes is recommended. Additionally, this work shows that intervention methods, other than wastewater and sludge treatment as suggested by WHO, can play an important role in controlling risks.


Author(s):  
Annalaura Carducci ◽  
Gabriele Donzelli ◽  
Lorenzo Cioni ◽  
Ileana Federigi ◽  
Roberto Lombardi ◽  
...  

Biological risk assessment in occupational settings currently is based on either qualitative or semiquantitative analysis. In this study, a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) has been applied to estimate the human adenovirus (HAdV) health risk due to bioaerosol exposure in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). A stochastic QMRA model was developed considering HAdV as the index pathogen, using its concentrations in different areas and published dose–response relationship for inhalation. A sensitivity analysis was employed to examine the impact of input parameters on health risk. The QMRA estimated a higher average risk in sewage influent and biological oxidation tanks (15.64% and 12.73% for an exposure of 3 min). Sensitivity analysis indicated HAdV concentration as a predominant factor in the estimated risk. QMRA results were used to calculate the exposure limits considering four different risk levels (one illness case per 100, 1.000, 10.000, and 100.000 workers): for 3 min exposures, we obtained 565, 170, 54, and 6 GC/m3 of HAdV. We also calculated the maximum time of exposure for each level for different areas. Our findings can be useful to better define the effectiveness of control measures, which would thus reduce the virus concentration or the exposure time.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 542-548 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. W. M. H. Smeets

Abstract Providing microbially safe water is a main goal of water supply to prevent endemic waterborne disease and outbreaks. Since increasing the level of safety requires resources, it is important to identify most relevant risks and efficient ways to reach health-based targets. Over the past decades, quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) developed into a systematic, science-based approach to assess microbial risks through drinking water supply. In this study we present the QMRA approach and how it can be used to support decisions in both affluent and developing countries. This includes examples from the statutory QMRA in the Netherlands that led to efficient and effective improvements in water supply, not only in treatment, but also in monitoring and operation. In developing countries people often need to use various sources of drinking water. We will demonstrate how QMRA can help to improve insight in the relative risks of these routes and the effect of interventions.


Author(s):  
Chukwuemeka Kingsley John ◽  
Jaan H. Pu ◽  
Rodrigo Moruzzi ◽  
Manish Pandey

Abstract This paper presents a study to assess the roof-harvested rainwater (RHRW) in the Ikorodu area of Lagos state, Nigeria, and recommends guidance to minimise the health risk for its households. The types, design and use of rainwater harvesting systems have been evaluated in the study area to inspect the human risk of exposure to Escherichia coli (E. coli). To achieve these objectives, a detailed survey involving 125 households has been conducted which showed that 25% of them drink RHRW. Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) analysis has been used to quantify the risk of exposure to harmful E. coli from RHRW utilised as potable water, based on the ingestion of 2 L of rainwater per day per capita. Results have revealed that the maximum E. coli exposure risk from the consumption of RHRW, without application of any household water treatment technique (HHTTs) and with application of alum only, were 100 and 96 respectively, for the estimated number of infection risk per 10,000 exposed households per year. This estimation has been done based on 7% of E. coli as viable and harmful. Conclusively, it is necessary that a form of disinfectant be applied to the RHRW before use.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 1823-1830 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. O. Bataiero ◽  
R. S. Araujo ◽  
A. C. Nardocci ◽  
M. H. Matté ◽  
M. I. Z. Sato ◽  
...  

Abstract This study aimed to estimate the annual probability of Giardia and Cryptosporidium infection for a population supplied by contaminated drinking water sources. Parasites were quantified by the USEPA Method 1623.1/2012. Annual risk was estimated using the quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) approach. Genotyping was performed using specific primers based on the 18S rRNA gene for Cryptosporidium and gdh gene for Giardia. Giardia was detected in 83.3% of the samples (<0.1 to 8.6 cysts/L) and Cryptosporidium in 37.5% (<0.1 to 2 oocysts/L). In general, annual risk values for Giardia were 1 log higher when compared with those obtained for Cryptosporidium. Giardia intestinalis A and B were present as well as C. hominis and C. parvum. The lack of protection measures for the water supply catchment point put the population's health at risk. The results provide data to support decision-makers to take actions to improve environmental quality resulting in a positive impact on consumers' health.


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