Modelling microbial health risk of wastewater reuse: A systems perspective

Denise Beaudequin; F Harden; Anne H Roiko; H Stratton; C Lemckert; K Mengersen

doi:10.1016/j.envint.2015.08.001

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Modelling microbial health risk of wastewater reuse: A systems perspective

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Modelling microbial health risk of wastewater reuse: A systems perspective

Denise Beaudequin, F Harden, Anne H Roiko, H Stratton, C Lemckert and K Mengersen

Environment International, Vol.84, pp.131-141

2015

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2015.08.001

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Abstract

complex systems

conceptual model

health risk assessment

quantitative microbial risk assessment

waste stabilisation pond

water recycling

There is a widespread need for the use of quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) to determine reclaimed water quality for specific uses, however neither faecal indicator levels nor pathogen concentrations alone are adequate for assessing exposure health risk. The aim of this study was to build a conceptual model representing factors contributing to the microbiological health risks of reusing water treated in maturation ponds. This paper describes the development of an unparameterised model that provides a visual representation of theoretical constructs and variables of interest. Information was collected from the peer-reviewed literature and through consultation with experts from regulatory authorities and academic disciplines. In this paper we explore how, considering microbial risk as a modular system, following the QMRA framework enables incorporation of the many factors influencing human exposure and dose response, to better characterise likely human health impacts. By using and expanding upon the QMRA framework we deliver new insights into this important field of environmental exposures. We present a conceptual model of health risk of microbial exposure which can be used for maturation ponds and, more importantly, as a generic tool to assess health risk in diverse wastewater reuse scenarios.

Details

Title: Modelling microbial health risk of wastewater reuse: A systems perspective
Authors: Denise Beaudequin (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
F Harden (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Anne H Roiko (Author) - Griffith University
H Stratton (Author) - Griffith University
C Lemckert (Author) - Griffith University
K Mengersen (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Publication details: Environment International, Vol.84, pp.131-141
Publisher: Pergamon
Date published: 2015
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.08.001
ISSN: 0160-4120
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Thompson Institute; Sustainability Research Cluster
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450782402621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Environmental Sciences

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