Characterisation of Indicator Organisms and Pathogens in Domestic Greywater for Recycling |
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Authors: | R Birks S Hills |
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Institution: | (1) Thames Water Research and Development, Spencer House, Manor Farm Rd, Reading, RG2 0JN, UK |
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Abstract: | Greywater from baths, showers and washbasins was collected separately from all other domestic wastewater at a university block
of flats with a dual reticulation system and analysed for a range of contaminants including indicator organisms and pathogens.
Greywater flow and temperature were also monitored and a diurnal variation was observed. Physical and chemical water quality
parameters were similar to previously published data, although measured COD and BOD levels appeared to be lower, possibly
due to settlement or biodegradation in the storage tanks. Plate counts and indicator organism concentrations were consistently
high suggesting a high level of human bacterial contamination necessitating biological treatment and disinfection if the water
is to be used for recycling. However, these high levels of indicator organisms did not correlate to pathogen presence and
should not be used as pathogen indicators in greywater. One positive count of Salmonella veltereden was observed as well as low levels of Giardia. Cryptosporidium, Escherichia coli O157:H7, enteroviruses and Legionella were not identified in any of the samples. The research also highlighted a number of
problems with the complexity of this type of sampling programme, such as identifying the most likely time to isolate pathogens
and analysing an ‘unusual’ water source. |
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Keywords: | Domestic Greywater Microbiology Pathogens Reuse |
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