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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Athens, Georgia » U.S. National Poultry Research Center » Quality and Safety Assessment Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #426235
Research Project: Smart Optical Sensing of Food Hazards and Elimination of Non-Nitrofurazone Semicarbazide in Poultry

Location: Quality and Safety Assessment Research Unit

Title: Long-term nutrient utilization and evaluation of pathogenic bacteria in a pilot-scale wastewater treatment system for hydroponic applications

Author
item ARTHUR, WELLINGTON - Auburn University
item MORGAN, ZACH - Auburn University
item WELLS, DANIEL - Auburn University
item BOURASSA, DIANNA - Auburn University
item HIGGINS, BRENDAN - Auburn University

Submitted to: American Water Works Association Annual Conference and Exposition
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/10/2024
Publication Date: 6/10/2024
Citation: Arthur, W., Z. Morgan, D.E. Wells, D.V. Bourassa, B.T. Higgins. “Long-term nutrient utilization and evaluation of pathogenic bacteria in a pilot-scale wastewater treatment system for hydroponic applications.” American Water Works Association, Annual Conference and Exhibition, Anaheim, CA. Invited. June 10-13, 2024

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The increasing global water crises and the demand for sustainable agriculture have led to the exploration of wastewater utilization for crop irrigation. Poultry processing wastewater (PPW) holds promise due to its nutrient richness however, the impact of pathogens poses significant food safety risks. This study established a pilot-scale treatment using bioreactors (inoculated with a consortium of microalgae and nitrifying bacteria), clarifiers, membrane filters, UV disinfection, and a deep-water hydroponic system to investigate the treatment and use of PPW for hydroponic irrigation. Two parallel treatment trains were considered (algal-bacteria system and bacteria-only system) to assess COD removal, nitrogen transformation, and the fate of pathogens during continuous treatment (~ 9 months). High organic loading (350 - 800 mg/L) in PPW inhibited nitrification in bioreactors however, upstream COD removal (85 - 100%) in bioreactors enhanced nitrification in hydroponic grow beds. Downstream nitrification could be attributed to the pH effect of CO2 sparging in the bioreactors. The background microbial content in PPW typically ranged from 2.8 to 7.5 log10 CFU/mL for aerobic plate counts, 0.4 to 6.8 log10 CFU/mL for coliforms, and 0 to 4.5 log10 CFU/mL for E. coli. Pathogen analysis showed ~ 40% total coliform and ~30% aerobic plate count reductions with no detection of Salmonella and Campylobacter after UV treatment. These findings demonstrate that treated wastewater can feasibly replace mineral fertilizers while maintaining food safety and contributing to sustainable agriculture practices.