Preliminary evaluation of pathogenic bacteria loading on organic Municipal Solid Waste compost and vermicompost

The use of composts or vermicomposts derived from organic fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW) brought about certain disagreement in terms of high level of bacterial pathogens, thereby surpassing the legal restrictions. This preliminary study was undertaken to compare the evolution of pathogenic bacteria on OFMSW compost against vermicompost (generated by Eudrilus eugeniae) with promises of achieving sanitation goals. Analysis to quality data showed that OFMSW vermicomposting caused a moderately higher reduction in total coliforms in contrast to composting. E. coli in OFMSW composts was found to be in the range of 4.72–4.96 log10 CFU g−1 whilst on a clear contrary, E. coli was undetectable in the final vermicomposts (6.01–6.14 logs of reduction) which might be explained by the involvement of the digestive processes in worms' guts. Both OFMSW composts and vermicomposts generated Salmonella-free products which were acceptable for agricultural usage and soil improvement. In comparison to compost, the analysis of this research indicated that earthworm activity can effectively destroy bacterial pathogenic load in OFMSW vermicomposts. But still, this study necessitates extra research in order to comprehend the factors that direct pathogenic bacteria in vermicomposting and earthworm-free decomposition systems. •Total coliforms were effectively reduced in vermicompost than in compost.•Vermicomposting promoted a higher decrease of E. coli in contrast to composting.•Both treatments (with and without worms) generated Salmonella-free products.•Earthworm activity showed a critical factor leading to destruction of pathogen.•Extra research is needed to comprehend the factors that direct pathogenic bacteria.