Assessment of exposure to dust, gaseous pollutants and endotoxins in sewage treatment plants of Ahmedabad city, India.

Background: Sewage treatment plant workers (STPs) are exposed to gaseous pollutants (H2S) and bioaerosols and their health is at risk.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate exposures to dust, 1,3 Beta D Glucans, endotoxins and gaseous pollutants in different process plants and to provide suitable recommendations.

Methods: Gaseous pollutants and bioaerosols (inhalable dust, 1,3 beta D-glucans and endotoxins) were evaluated in two sewage treatment plants (STPs) of Ahmedabad city, India.

Toxicity screening of metals with special reference to quantitative approach.

A series of metals Cr(6+), Al(3+), Cd(2+), Pb(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), and Hg(2+) were tested in three systems--Microtox, Motility Test, and Growth Zone Inhibition Test. Toxicity endpoint of each metal was variable from system to system. Of the three systems, Microtox was the most sensitive system.