**7. Conclusion**

Electron beam irradiation technology is able to decrease microbial populations in a dosedependent manner. In the experiments described in this chapter, it has been estimated that 4.5 kGy of irradiation is sufficient to reduce bacterial populations to safe levels for agricultural use. However, a dose of 14.5 kGy is required to eliminate risks of infection by helminths. Altogether, these observations suggest that irradiation of municipal sludge with electron beam requires at least a dose of 14.5 kGy to eliminate risks of microbial infection. Furthermore, electron beam technology is more cost-effective and less time-consuming than incineration in order to achieve a class A sludge according to EPA standards.
