Survival of Salmonella spp. in a simulated acid-phase anaerobic digester treating sewage sludge

The presence of pathogenic microorganisms in municipal waste sludge may create a serious outbreak of water borne diseases if the sludge is used for agricultural purpose. An attempt to decrease the number of pathogenic microorganisms, Salmonella spp. using a simulated acid-phase anaerobic digester was tested in a laboratory-scale batch experiment. Reduction of Salmonella spp. was demonstrated in a mixture of sludge and organic acid, simulating an acid digester of a two-phase anaerobic digestion process. A high concentration of organic acid at a pH value of 5.5–6.0 prevents a decrease in Salmonella spp. concentration. Almost complete destruction of Salmonella spp. is observed within two days if the pH value is maintained below 5.5.