Persistence and decay rates of microbiological viral threats in livestock industry wastewaters: abattoir waste ponds

This project aims to enhance the management of plant effluents in the event of a disease outbreak. It addresses the critical gap in understanding bacterial and viral pathogen decay rates in effluents, crucial for maintaining industry operations and ensuring environmental safety. The research will determine pathogenic bacterial and surrogate viral decay rates under varying conditions, such as temperature and sunlight, seasons and wastewater types (i.e., influent vs. effluents) to predict pathogen persistence and inform risk-based discharge decisions. Outcomes will provide actionable knowledge for improving wastewater management within livestock industries, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and mitigating risks for safe disposal of effluents in the event of an outbreak of disease.