Microbiological Safety Evaluation of an Industrial Refuse Incinerator

An industrial refuse incinerator was tested to determine minimal operating temperatures required to prevent release of viable microorganisms into the atmosphere. A liquid suspension of Bacillus subtilis var. niger spores was disseminated into the firebox as an aerosol, and dry spores mixed with animal bedding were dumped into the firebox. The minimal requirement for wet spores was 575 F (302 C) for the firebox air temperature and 385 F (196 C) for the firebrick refractory lining. When dry spores were used, these temperatures were 700 and 385 F (371 and 196 C), respectively.