Comparison between different methods of some biologically important agents in compost

ABSTRACT

Three different extraction methods were performed to recover some selected microorganisms from compost. These microorganisms include pollution indicators as fecal coliforms, Clostridium welchii, and parasitic ova. 10 g compost samples were mixed with 100 ml of distilled water, normal saline, or petroleum ether. The extracted solutions were examined for the previous pollution indicators in addition to the total viable bacterial count and Staphylococcus aureus to determine the best detection method for each one. The distilled water was found to be efficient for counting the total viable bacteria and fecal coliforms. The isolation of parasitic ova was superior by normal saline or petroleum ether. The extracted solutions were examined for the previous pollution indicators in addition to the total viable bacterial count and staphylococcus to determine the best detection method for each one. The distilled water was found to be efficient for counting the total viable bacteria and fecal coliforms. The isolation of parasitic ova was superior by normal saline. The best suitable method for detection of Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium welchii is by using organic solvent. These results point out also to the importance of health education of compost workers, periodical medical check up of these workers, and the need for safe handling procedures of the final compost. In addition, application of the compost should be restricted to those crops which are not eaten raw