Scientific Reports (Oct 2024)

Enhancing agricultural sustainability through optimization of the slaughterhouse sludge compost for elimination of parasites and coliforms

  • Hafiz Muhammad Rizwan,
  • Muhammad Naveed,
  • Muhammad Sohail Sajid,
  • Nadia Nazish,
  • Muhammad Younus,
  • Mohsin Raza,
  • Mahvish Maqbool,
  • Muhammad Hamza Khalil,
  • Dalia Fouad,
  • Farid Shokry Ataya

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-75606-8
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 1
pp. 1 – 14

Abstract

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Abstract For a sustainable ecology, slaughterhouse sludge must be managed effectively in preview of the parasitic or coliforms’ spill over to the community. In order to determine the effectiveness of a customized biological decomposer solution in lowering the parasitic eggs and coliform bacteria, three composting units (Unit 1, Unit 2, and Unit 3) were treated with its different amounts. Over a period of 60 days, pH, temperature, humidity, number of the parasitic eggs per gram (EPG) of faecal material, viability of eggs, and coliform counts were evaluated. By the fifth day of the composting process, pH had significantly (P 45 °C), which persisted for 20 days for Unit 3 and 15 days for Units 1 and 2. Humidity levels initially increased significantly (P 0.05) 12.5% decline in EPG in Unit 2 and Unit 3 was recorded. After that, a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in EPG was observed in all the three treatments until day 25. By day 5, decreased egg viability was significantly (P < 0.05) recorded in Unit 3 (21.43%); in Unit 1 and Unit 2, the decrease was 6.25% and 14.29%, respectively. Additionally, all units showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in total coliforms, meeting minimum allowable limit in Unit 2 and 3 on day 10 and on day 15 in Unit 1. The most substantial reduction in faecal coliforms was observed in Unit 3 (from 2.6 log₁₀ to 1.3 log₁₀), followed by Unit 2 (from 2.6 log₁₀ to 1.5 log₁₀), and then Unit 1 (from 2.6 log₁₀ to 1.6 log₁₀). The results of this study support recommendation of advanced composting techniques to eradicate or reduce the abundance of pathogens (parasites and coliforms). Hence, we endorse the value of careful composting procedures in environment-friendly abattoir waste management and agricultural practices through creating pathogen-free, eco-friendly fertilizers to promote both agricultural and environmental sustainability.

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