Microbiological characterization of solid wastes and aerosol in a municipal solid waste landfill site

: Authors report data about microbiological characterization of solid wastes and aerosol in the municipal solid waste landfill site in Poiatica (RE). In solid waste samples high values of total coliform and fecal coliform were observed (10(5)-10(6) CFU/g): total bacterial counts at 22 degrees, at 36 degrees and at 44 degrees ranged from 10(7) to 10(9) CFU/g. Aerosol samples collected during waste movement in the landfill site showed values of total and fecal bacterial ranging from 10(3)-10(4) CFU/m3. Staphylococci and fungi reported the same values while streptococci, total and fecal coliform and spore evidenced lower values. Municipal solid wastes and aerosol have to be considered as an infective substrate: it is necessary to adopt protective barriers in occupationally exposed subjects.