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The inactivation of phages MS2, ΦX174 and PR772 using UV and solar photocatalysis
David B Misstear1, Laurence W Gill
1Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland. missted@tcd.ie
Abstract:
The photolytic and photocatalytic disinfection of three bacteriophages (MS2, ΦX174 and PR772) under both artificial UV irradiation and natural sunlight was studied. A large variation was seen in the relative responses of phages to the two light sources, while solar photocatalysis showed promising disinfection capabilities for all three phages. Under artificial UV, the resistance of phages to both photolytic and artificial treatment was found to decrease in the following order: PR772>ΦX174>MS2. Indeed, 3-log inactivation of PR772 was not achieved after 25 h of illumination in either the absence or presence of catalyst. Under solar treatment, PR772 was inactivated far more readily, 3-log inactivation being achieved within an hour in the presence of catalyst in two trials. It is thought that the variation in solar intensity during the trials had a major effect on disinfection rates, as kinetics for phages varied considerably under different weather conditions.
Insights
Solar photocatalysis effectively disinfects bacteriophages (MS2, ΦX174, PR772), outperforming artificial UV treatment. Phage resistance varied significantly between light sources, with PR772 showing higher resistance to UV but rapid inactivation under sunlight.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Photochemistry
- Water disinfection technologies
Background:
- Bacteriophages are key indicators of fecal contamination in water.
- UV disinfection is a common water treatment method, but its efficacy against certain phages varies.
- Photocatalysis offers a potential alternative or enhancement for water disinfection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the photolytic and photocatalytic disinfection of MS2, ΦX174, and PR772 bacteriophages.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of artificial UV irradiation versus natural sunlight for phage inactivation.
- To assess the influence of photocatalysis on disinfection rates under different light conditions.
Main Methods:
- Studied photolytic and photocatalytic disinfection of three bacteriophages (MS2, ΦX174, PR772).
- Utilized both artificial UV irradiation and natural sunlight as light sources.
- Monitored phage inactivation kinetics under varying conditions, including the presence of a catalyst.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in phage inactivation were observed between artificial UV and solar treatment.
- Under artificial UV, phage resistance followed the order: PR772 > ΦX174 > MS2.
- Solar photocatalysis achieved rapid 3-log inactivation of PR772 within an hour, demonstrating high efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Solar photocatalysis shows strong potential for disinfecting multiple bacteriophages, including resistant strains like PR772.
- Phage inactivation rates are highly dependent on light source (UV vs. solar) and intensity.
- Photocatalytic disinfection under natural sunlight is a promising and efficient water treatment strategy.
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