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EPA Method 1615. Measurement of Enterovirus and Norovirus Occurrence in Water by Culture and RT-qPCR. I. Collection of Virus Samples
Published on: March 28, 2015
Development of sample storage methods for detecting enteric viruses in environmental water
Eiji Haramoto1, Hiroyuki Katayama, Etsuko Utagawa
1Department of Water Supply Engineering, National Institute of Public Health, 2-3-6 Minami, Wako, Saitama 351-0197, Japan. haramoto@niph.go.jp
Journal of Virological Methods
|May 24, 2008
Summary
Storing eluted water samples is the best method for detecting enteric viruses in the field. This approach ensures reliable virus detection in environmental water, even after extended storage periods.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Virology
- Water Quality Analysis
Background:
- Field surveys for enteric viruses require reliable water sample storage before analysis.
- Long-term storage can impact virus detection rates in environmental water samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate optimal sample storage methods for detecting enteric viruses in environmental water.
- To compare the efficacy of different storage and concentration procedures for poliovirus and norovirus.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated three storage methods: full concentration before storage, filtration and storage, and storage of eluted samples.
- Used MilliQ water, pond water, and treated sewage inoculated with poliovirus and norovirus.
- Assessed virus recovery after storage for up to 13 days at different temperatures.
Main Results:
- Norovirus recovery on day 0 was comparable to poliovirus recovery.
- Virus recovery decreased over storage, with patterns varying by storage method, sample type, and temperature.
- Storing eluted samples showed the most appropriate results for virus detection.
Conclusions:
- Storing eluted samples is the most effective method for detecting viruses in environmental water.
- This method is practical for field surveys, requiring no special equipment and suitable for developing countries.

