[Keratinophilic fungi in waste water sediments].

In 21 samples of various kinds of waste water sediments derived from 10 waste water treatment plants of Upper Silesia, the occurrence of keratinophilic fungi was examined. A 2-year recultivation cycle of one of the sediments was investigated. Keratinophilic fungi were found to occur abundantly in waste water sediments. The qualitative and quantitative composition of these fungi depends on the origin and composition of waste water sediments, stabilization degree of their organic matter, hydration degree and structure. It was postulated that keratinophilic fungi may be utilized as microbiological indices of the transformations of organic matter of waste water sediments as well as of the degree of their deactivation from the sanitary standpoint. These fungi can be particularly useful upon utilization of the sediments for recultivation and fertilization of grounds.