Health (pathogen) considerations regarding the use of human waste in aquaculture

The author reviews the potential health risks and current epidemiological evidence for actual risks from pathogen transmission through wastewater aquaculture. The groups at risk, their exposure and the types of risk are defined. A distinction is made between potential and actual risks. The main factors determining pathogen transmission and survival are discussed. Water quality standards required for aquaculture are compared with the microbial quality of natural surface waters from which fish are harvested without restriction. Since wastewater treatment is an important technical tool to reduce pathogen transmission risks, several treatment processes are rated with respect to their pathogen elimination potential. Adequate wastewater treatment is needed for reasons of public health protection as well as for social acceptance of wastewater-based aquaculture. Possible legal approaches to minimise the pathogen transmission risks are discussed and examples of existing guidelines and standards relating to waste-fed aquaculture and aquatic food products are presented.