Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Athens, Georgia » U.S. National Poultry Research Center » Quality and Safety Assessment Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #426232
Research Project: Smart Optical Sensing of Food Hazards and Elimination of Non-Nitrofurazone Semicarbazide in Poultry

Location: Quality and Safety Assessment Research Unit

Title: Evaluation of pathogenic bacteria in a pilot scale wastewater treatment system for hydroponic irrigation in controlled environment agriculture

Author
item ARTHUR, WELLINGTON - Auburn University
item MORGAN, ZACH - Auburn University
item REINA, MARCO - Auburn University
item DRABOLD, EDWARD - Auburn University
item WELLS, DAVID - Auburn University
item BOURASSA, DIANNA - Auburn University
item HIGGINS, BRENDAN - Auburn University

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/11/2024
Publication Date: 8/11/2024
Citation: 2. Arthur, W.2, Z. Morgan, M. Reina, E.T. Drabold, D.E. Wells, D.V. Bourassa, B.T. Higgins. 2024 “Evaluation of pathogenic bacteria in a pilot scale wastewater treatment system for hydroponic irrigation in controlled environment agriculture” IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition. Toronto, Canada, August 11-14

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The global water crisis necessitates sustainable agriculture methods, prompting the use of wastewater for crop irrigation. Poultry processing wastewater (PPW) holds promise due to its nutrient richness but has a risk due to pathogens. This study established a pilot-scale treatment using bioreactors with algae, bacteria, membrane filters, UV disinfection, and hydroponic beds to assess the fate of pathogens in PPW treatment and lettuce safety. It was hypothesized that elevated dissolved oxygen and bacteria filtration would improve pathogen elimination. Analyses were done for Aerobic Plate Count, coliforms, E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter in water and lettuce. The microbial content in PPW ranged from 2.8 to 7.5 log10 CFU/mL for APC, 0.4 to 6.8 log10 CFU/mL for coliforms, and 0 to 4.5 log10 CFU/mL for E. coli, but notably, lettuce showed no traces of pathogens, proving the treatment's efficiency. The research underscores safe lettuce production using PPW, ensuring microbial quality.