Human pathogens are present in fertilizers from biowaste in vast numbers. Although biowaste is very beneficial for improvement of agricultural land, it's application may cause unintended negative consequences. The presence of dangerous pathogenic microorganisms makes biowaste a potential hazardous source of human food chain contamination. Outbrakes and research in the past have shown, that if the conditions are advantageous for growth, transfer of pathogens can occur at any time during food production. The main source of human pathogens are farm animals, as their digestive system provides advantageous conditions for growth and proliferation. In this work, special attention was given to animal manure, farmyard manure and slurry, since pathogens are a part of excreta of farm animals. It has previously been shown, that transfer of pathogens depends on: quantity and density of pathogens in excreta, manure storage, type of fertilizer application, susceptibility of plants for pathogen uptake, and various environmental conditions. By following good practices, significant reduction of pathogen quantity can be achieved and risk of transfer to human food chain minimalized. However, advantageous conditions for pathogen growth can cause their proliferation in soil, even if guidelines are followed. Furthermore, uptake of pathogens by plants is not the only concern for human health. Contamination of air, surface water and groundwater can present serious challenges and threats to human well-being as well.
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