Environmental exposure to endotoxin emissions from commercial composting activities

Project details

Funding body: NERC

Collaborators: Cranfield University and Centre for Research in Biosciences, UWE Bristol

Dates: 2007-2009

Project summary

This 18 month proof-of-concept research project investigated the endotoxin element of bioaerosol release from commercial composting facilities. In particular, this project investigated how much bioaerosol and in particular endotoxin is released from composting facilities, how far it will travel and whether the ambient concentrations found in the vicinity of compost facilities can harm the health of people living close to these facilities.

AQMRC led a programme of atmospheric dispersion modelling of both Endotoxins and Aspergillus Fumigatus and provided support in the development of the sampling methodology.

This successful project resulted in the publication of a number of academic papers which can be found on the UWE Research Repository.

Please email Professor Enda Hayes at enda.hayes@uwe.ac.uk for more details.