A review of pathogenic organisms in sewage sludge

Abstract

Municipal sewage sludge may be applied as a fertilizer. This practice has the potential to introduce pathogenic microorganisms from the applied sludge to the environment, with the subsequent risk of transmission to humans or animals. This paper reviews the literature about pathogenic microorganisms - viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites (protozoan and helminthes) in sewage sludge.