dc.contributor.advisor |
Tyrrel, Sean |
|
dc.contributor.author |
Fane, Sarah Elizabeth |
|
dc.date.accessioned |
2017-04-26T08:47:05Z |
|
dc.date.available |
2017-04-26T08:47:05Z |
|
dc.date.issued |
2016-11 |
|
dc.identifier.uri |
http://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/11815 |
|
dc.description.abstract |
Achieving microbial compliance levels in biosolids storage is complicated by the
unpredictable increase of Escherichia coli (E. coli), which serves as an important
indicator for pathogen presence risk. Meeting required microbial specifications
validates sludge treatment processes and ensures that a safe product is applied
to agricultural land. Controlled indicator monitoring provides confidence for
farmers, retailers and the food industry, safeguarding the sludge-to-land
application route.
Following mechanical dewatering biosolids products are stored before microbial
compliance testing permits agricultural application. During storage,
concentrations of E. coli bacteria can become elevated and prevent the product
from meeting the conventional or enhanced levels of treatment outlined in The
Safe Sludge Matrix guidelines. Literature research identified innate
characteristics of sludge and ambient environmental parameters of storage which
are factors likely to influence E. coli behaviour in stored biosolids. The research
hypothesis tested whether E. coli growth and death in dewatered sewage sludge
can be controlled by the modification of physical-chemical factors in the cake
storage environment. Parameters including nutrient availability, temperature,
moisture content and atmospheric influences were investigated through a series
of laboratory-scale experiments. Controlled dewatering and the assessment of
modified storage environments using traditional microbial plating and novel flow
cytometry analysis have been performed. At an operational scale, pilot trials and
up-scaled monitoring of the sludge storage environment have been conducted
enabling verification of laboratory results. Understanding the dynamics of cell
health within the sludge matrix in relation to nutrient availability has provided a
valuable understanding of the mechanisms that may be affecting bacterial growth
post-dewatering. The importance of elevated storage temperatures on E. coli
death rates and results showing the benefits of a controlled atmosphere storage
environment provide important considerations for utilities. |
en_UK |
dc.language.iso |
en |
en_UK |
dc.publisher |
Cranfield University |
en_UK |
dc.rights |
© Cranfield University, 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the copyright holder. |
en_UK |
dc.subject |
Biosolids |
en_UK |
dc.subject |
Compliance |
en_UK |
dc.subject |
Safe sludge matrix |
en_UK |
dc.subject |
Storage |
en_UK |
dc.subject |
Mechanical dewatering |
en_UK |
dc.subject |
Temperature |
en_UK |
dc.subject |
Cell disruption |
en_UK |
dc.title |
Control of E.coli in biosolids |
en_UK |
dc.type |
Thesis or dissertation |
en_UK |
dc.type.qualificationlevel |
Doctoral |
en_UK |
dc.type.qualificationname |
PhD |
en_UK |