Adsorption of rotavirus and bacteriophage MS2 using glass fiber coated with hematite nanoparticles

Batch and flow-through experiments were conducted to investigate the removal and inactivation of rotavirus (RV) and bacteriophage MS2 using glass fiber coated with hematite nanoparticles. Batch tests showed a high removal of MS2 (2.49x10(11) plaque forming unit/g) and RV (8.9x10(6) focal forming unit/g) at a low concentration of hematite nanoparticles in solution (0.043g/L and 0.26g/L, respectively). Virus adsorption was, however, decreased in the presence of bicarbonate ions and natural organic matter (NOM) in solution, suggesting a great affinity of iron oxide nanoparticles for these competitors. Adsorption on hematite nanoparticles by MS2 and RV was also tested with aquifer groundwater under saturated flow conditions to mimic environmental conditions with promising results (8x10(8) plaque forming unit/g and 3x10(4) focal forming unit/g, respectively). Desorption of up to 63% of infectious MS2 and only 2% of infectious RV from hematite nanoparticles were achieved when an eluant solution containing beef extract and glycine was used. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed evidence of electrostatic adsorption of apparently intact MS2 and structurally damaged RV particles to hematite nanoparticles. Results from this research suggest that a cartridge made of glass fiber coated with hematite nanoparticles could be used as a point-of-use device for virus removal for drinking water treatment.