Effect of post-treatment conditions on the inactivation of escherichia coli after the composting process

A pilot study for the rural model of composting toilet with urine diversion is performed in three villages in Burkina Faso. Millet husk was used as a composting matrix. Compost made from fecal matter in this toilet has high concentration of pathogens that needs post-treatment to inactivate pathogens before using it as fertilizer or soil conditioner. Escherichia coli ATCC 11775 was used as an indicator microorganism in this study. The aim of this research is to evaluate the inactivation rate with environmental conditions such temperature, pH, and moisture content. Lab scale experiments were conducted setting environmental conditions that could inactivate Escherichia coli in post-treatment. Higher temperatures such as 50°C and 70°C with lower moisture content such as 50% can effectively inactivate Escherichia coli. Increasing the pH of the compost can also effectively inactivate Escherichia coli.