Enteric bacteria build-up in effluent irrigated plantations

Abstract

Australia uses more than 70% of re-used effluent as irrigation in playgrounds, parks, golf courses and race courses. This land irrigation is preferred over other methods (wetlands, tertiary treatment and aquifer storage) for being the economical, practical and vastly applicable option. Bacteria (Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp.), protozoa (Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp.), viruses (Poliovirus, Coxsackie virus and Norwalk virus) and helminths (tapeworms and hookworms) are the major pathogens present in municipal effluent. These enteric pathogens have the potential to enter the food chain and cause health risks. Although enteric pathogens start dying once in contact with aerobic environment, bacterial build-up as well as decay rate should be probed periodically.