Sea water organism that disposed of human waste? 1

[frankiee]

A chief engineer told me once that in salt water (ocean) that there is an organism that breaks down and disposes of human waste. He said that certain organism is not present in the fresh water of the Great Lakes.
Does any body know if this organism exists?
If it exists, what is its name,so I can so some research.

 

[waross]

Do some google searches on "septic tanks". Anaerobic bacteria break down fecal matter in a septic tank. (Anerobic is a description not a name.)Aerobic bacteria populate aerated sewage plants.
respectfully

 

[Warpspeed]

I believe that the bacteria normally present in the large intestine end up in the sewer, and septic tank. They continue to break down what is left long after they have left the himan body. But in salt water ? I really don't know.

 

[Ussuri]

Salt water fish?

 

[MikeHalloran]

Lobsters. ;-)



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[MikeHalloran]

Bon appetit.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[rpeng]

Certain natural strains of bacteria will degrade fecal matter to non-hazardous end-products (primarily CO2, water, and bacterial cells). These cultures are more plentiful in warmer waters and are less prevelant in colder climates (such as the Great Lakes). I would caution your Chief that fecal matter in uncontrolled environments takes a long time to oxidize.