Oral

There is a growing concern in the field of public health over emerging pathogens and the efficacy of the treatment of wastewater and biosolids. Over the past several years, new studies have caused a refinement in the policy and regulations with respect both Class A and B disinfected biosolids. Land application and reuse of treated biosolids creates potential for impact on the environment and human health. In order to protect public health and the environment from pathogens, federal and state agencies require monitoring and assessment of pathogens, abiotic parameters, nutrients and indicator organisms. As a result, a better understanding of disinfection and stabilization is necessary for enhancing the marketability and safety for the beneficial use of biosolids. This session will address these issues related to emerging pathogens, stressors related to disinfection, limitations of treatment, and regulatory perspective. The aim of this session is to bring out the scientific understanding, the current uncertainty and future policy/regulation direction with regard to pathogens and public health.

Session Objectives: 1. Discuss the issues and concerns of wastewater pathogens and the beneficial use of biosolids. 2. Assess pathogen and indicator organisms’ reliability with regard to potential transmission of infectious diseases and denote the current and future impacts on public health. 3. Evaluate the potential problems related to existing 503 regulations with respect to disinfection, monitoring, etc. and discuss the management approaches to resolve these complex concerns.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)