Date of Award
5-2007
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Legacy Department
Microbiology
Committee Chair/Advisor
Jiang, Xiuping
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to: 1) perform a survey of South Carolina poultry farms to determine if the methods implemented resulted in the destruction of foodborne pathogens, and 2) determine the survival of E. coli O157:H7 in a dairy manure-based compost performed in uncontrolled environmental conditions.
In the survey of poultry farms Ninety-one (91) of 141 compost samples analyzed were positive for coliform populations ranging from 1.00 to 6.00 log10 CFU/g. Among finished compost samples (n=21), ca. 62%, 33%, and 14% were positive for coliforms, presumptive Salmonella, and presumptive Listeria, respectively.
In the investigation of the survival of E. coli O157:H7, the pathogen survived at the heap's surface for up to 4 months. The indicator microorganism, E. coli, was inactivated at a rate similar to that of E. coli O157:H7.
Our studies demonstrated that foodborne pathogens may persist for extended periods of time in the compost surface.
Recommended Citation
Shepherd, Marion, "The microbiological analysis of composting" (2007). All Theses. 146.
https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_theses/146