Tiger worms fail to destroy Ascaris eggs in faecal waste, posing health risks
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biotechnology & health research· Prelims·
Pathogen persistence in vermicompost: a GS3 Science & Technology and Public Health case study.
Why in news
Researchers from the Royal Society of Chemistry found that tiger worms fail to destroy Ascaris eggs in faecal waste, posing a risk of ascariasis transmission through vermicompost.
Background
The study tested tiger worms in laboratory-scale biodigesters to see if they could destroy Ascaris eggs in faecal waste. Results showed eggs remained intact and viable after 4 to 14 weeks of exposure.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TTiger worms: Organisms tested for their ability to destroy Ascaris eggs in faecal waste.
- FactAscaris eggs remained viable after 4 to 14 weeks of exposure to tiger worms in biodigesters.
- EnvironmentAscaris: Parasitic worms whose eggs can be transmitted through contaminated vermicompost.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the study on tiger worms and Ascaris eggs, consider the following statements:
- Tiger worms were found to successfully destroy Ascaris eggs within 4 weeks.
- The study was conducted using tiger worms in laboratory-scale biodigesters.
- Ascaris is a parasitic worm whose eggs can be transmitted through contaminated vermicompost.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)3 only
- (c)1 and 2 only
- (d)2 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (d) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The eggs remained intact and viable after 4 to 14 weeks of exposure.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the public health risks associated with using untreated vermicompost in agriculture and suggest measures to ensure the safety of organic fertilizers.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Pathogen persistence: Resistance of Ascaris eggs to vermicompost decomposition processes
- Regulatory gap: Lack of standardized safety protocols for vermicompost used in food crops
- Public health risk: Potential for large-scale ascariasis transmission via contaminated agricultural inputs
Keywords: vermicompost · ascariasis · pathogen persistence · bioremediation · public health · organic farming
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