Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

VirWaTest, A Point-of-Use Method for the Detection of Viruses in Water Samples
Published on: May 11, 2019
Virus removal from water by a portable water treatment device
Charles P Gerba1, Jamie E Naranjo, Ellen L Jones
1Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA. gerba@ag.arizona.edu
Objective:
Few portable point-of-use (POU) devices are available for treatment of water by recreational enthusiasts who may obtain water from untreated sources (rivers, lakes, etc.). This study evaluated a POU device containing a structure matrix capable of removing viruses from water without the use of a disinfectant.
Methods:
The unit was evaluated for the removal of poliovirus type 1, rotavirus SA-11, human norovirus, and a wide range of different coliphages exhibiting different isoelectric points, sizes, and shapes.
Results:
The removal of all virus types tested exceeded 99.99%.
Conclusion:
The tested unit complied with the criteria guidelines for virus removal under the US Environmental Protection Agency's "Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing of Microbiological Water Purifiers."
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Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...

