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Biosolids Microbial Testing EPA 1680, EPA 1681, and EPA 1682
Citation:
Boczek, L. Biosolids Microbial Testing EPA 1680, EPA 1681, and EPA 1682. OW Biosolids Webinar series, Cincinnati, OH, April 21, 2022.
Impact/Purpose:
This presentation will give the audience information on how to run the microbial tests for pathogen detection for biosolids as allowed by the 40 CFR part 503 regulations. The presentation will go in great detail of the EPA methods for the 2 bacterial tests allowed under the biosolid regulations. The methods that will be discussed are EPA 1680, 1681, and 1682.
Description:
The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) regulates land application of biosolids through the Clean Water Act (CWA). Biosolids are classified by their treatment process and microbial densities of indicator organims. Biosolid regulations outline the frequency and the organisms that must be monitored for land application events to meet the regulatory limits, in order to ensure that land application occurs in a manner that is safe to the public and environment. The EPA uses microbial indicators to demonstrate that treatment of the material has occured, these indicators include fecal coliforms, Salmonella, enteric viruses, and viable Helminth ova. This presentation will decribe in detail the EPA biosolids methods for fecal coliforms and Salmonella.