A study of the occurrence of indicator and pathogenic microorganisms in distributed and marketed municipal sewage sludges was conducted. Samples were analyzed for a variety of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. In the first part of the study, seven municipal sewage sludge compost products were sampled weekly for one year. Five of the products originated from a windrow composting facility and two products originated from an aerated static pile composting facility. The indicator organisms were frequently detected at high and variable concentrations. The only potential pathogens detected regularly were bacterial. Helminth ova were detected but none could be shown to be viable. Enteric viruses were confirmed in only two samples, one each from the static pile and windrow locations. The potential bacterial pathogens detected were salmonella and Yersinia. Salmonellae were detected at both facilities. Yersinia only occurred significantly at the static pile facility and were isolated in a pattern consistent with a seasonal occurrence. At the windrow facility, salmonellae were primarily isolated from amended compost products. Toxigenic E. coli were randomly isolated. Total and fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci were shown to be good predictors of the presence of salmonellae.

"PB88-154273/AS" handwritten on cover. "Mar. 1988." "EPA 600/1-87/014" handwritten on cover. Includes bibliographical references (pages 127-133). Sponsored by Health Effects Research Lab., Research Triangle Park, NC. "Cooperative Agreement No. CR-812589"--Cover. Cover title.

A study of the occurrence of microorganisms in distributed and marketed municipal sewage sludges was conducted in order to determine the levels of indicator and pathogenic organisms that might be present in these products. Samples were analyzed for a variety of bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi in the indicator and pathogen categories. In the first part of this study, seven municipal sewage sludge compost products were sampled weekly for one year. Five of the sample products originated from one windrow composting facility and two products originated from one aerated static pile composting facility.