Aeration as an effective method for pathogen elimination in pig slurry

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aeration on the survival of indicator and pathogenic microorganisms in pig slurry. After inoculation of the aerated biomass with target bacteria, samples for the microbiological analyses were collected in different time intervals for the period of 12 days. The MPN method was used to determine the number of the investigated microorganisms. The results of statistical analysis showed the lack of significant differences in the theoretical time of survival, elimination rate and the time needed for 90% reduction between different Salmonella serotypes. Theoretical survival of Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Senftenberg W775 and enterococci in the aerated slurry ranged from 13 to 25 days. Enterococci were the most resistant to aeration, and their survival time, compared to salmonellas, was significantly higher.