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Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in the rhizosphere of maize grown in waste‐amended soil
Author(s) -
Williams A.P.,
Avery L.M.,
Killham K.,
Jones D.L.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 1364-5072
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2006.03104.x
Subject(s) - rhizosphere , slurry , escherichia coli , persistence (discontinuity) , agronomy , soil microbiology , biology , soil water , environmental science , bacteria , environmental engineering , ecology , biochemistry , genetics , geotechnical engineering , gene , engineering
Aims: To assess whether the persistence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in soil amended with cattle slurry and ovine stomach content waste is affected by the presence of a maize rhizosphere. Methods and Results: Cattle slurry and ovine stomach content waste were inoculated with E. coli O157:H7. Wastes were then applied to soil cores with and without established maize plants. The pathogen survived in soil for over 5 weeks, although at significantly greater numbers in soil receiving stomach content waste in comparison to cattle slurry. Persistence of the pathogen in soil was unaffected by the presence of a rhizosphere. Conclusions: Other factors may be more influential in regulating E. coli O157:H7 persistence in waste‐amended soil than the presence or absence of a rhizosphere; however, waste type did have significant affect on the survival of E. coli O157:H7 in such soil. Significance and Impact of the Study: Escherichia coli O157:H7 can be present within animal‐derived organic wastes that are routinely spread on land. Introduced measures with regards to such waste disposal may decrease exposure to the organism; however, the persistence of E. coli O157:H7 for considerable periods in waste‐amended soil may still pose some risk for both human and animal infection. This study has shown that whilst survival of E. coli O157:H7 in waste‐amended soil is not significantly affected by the presence or absence of a maize rhizosphere; it may vary significantly with waste type. This may have implications for land and waste management.