MEDICAL AND SANITARY ANALYSIS OF BIOMASS AND BIOGAS PRODUCTION WASTE IN THE UTILIZATION OF ORGANIC RAW MATERIALS ACCORDING TO EUROPEAN SAFETY CRITERIA

Abstract

Objectives. In Ukraine, soil degradation has become an acute problem because of the destructive effects of the war. Organic fertilizing materials may support the restoration of soil structure and humus balance through agrochemical and remediation effects. To conduct a medical and sanitary assessment of biogas production waste, determine biomass safety indicators, and compare them with European criteria for use without unacceptable risks to human health, agricultural product quality, or the environment.

Methods. Physicochemical, sanitary-helminthological, and bacteriological indicators of biomass were investigated and evaluated by hygienic analysis, taking into account the toxicological properties of hazardous components.

Results. The physicochemical indicators did not exceed the applicable threshold values. However, the untreated substrate presented an infectious hazard: the E. coli titer was 0.0001, and the thermophilic bacteria count was 40,000–500,000 CFU/g. These findings indicate the need for pasteurization or composting, followed by confirmatory microbiological testing, before use.

Conclusions. Safe use of waste generated from processed organic raw materials as an organic fertilizer requires treatment and mandatory monitoring of safety and quality indicators in accordance with European medical and sanitary requirements.