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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
10:49
Estimating Virus Production Rates in Aquatic Systems
Published on: September 22, 2010
[Virus removal in conventional wastewater treatment process]
Pietro Anastasi1, Emma Bonanni, Giancarlo Cecchini
1LaboratoRI SpA.
Igiene E Sanita Pubblica
|October 22, 2008
Summary
Wastewater treatment plants in Italy showed the presence of various viruses, including Hepatitis A virus and norovirus. Activated sludge and sedimentation stages were most effective at removing these viruses.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Virology
- Public health
Context:
- Limited data exists on pathogenic virus distribution and removal in Italian wastewater treatment plants.
- Advances in molecular biology enable direct virus detection in environmental samples.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the presence and removal of enteric viruses in Italian wastewater treatment plants.
- To assess the efficacy of different treatment phases in virus removal.
Summary:
- Ninety-two samples from three plants were analyzed across seasons for hepatitis A virus, adenovirus, rotavirus, astrovirus, norovirus, and enteroviruses.
- Sixty-two samples tested positive; enteroviruses were most prevalent (44%), followed by Hepatitis A virus and Astroviruses.
- Primary treatment showed minimal virus removal, while activated sludge and sedimentation were more effective.
Impact:
- Provides crucial data on viral contamination in Italian wastewater.
- Informs public health strategies for managing waterborne pathogens.
- Highlights the importance of specific treatment stages for effective virus inactivation.
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