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[Effects of algae and kaolinite particles on the survival of bacteriophage MS2]

Qiang He, Qing-Qing Wu, Hong-Fang Ma

    Huan Jing Ke Xue= Huanjing Kexue
    |October 24, 2014
    PubMed

    Insights

    Inorganic particles like Kaolinite generally do not affect human enteric virus MS2 survival. However, organic particles (Microcystis aeruginosa) can reduce virus survival, especially in lower hardness water, impacting drinking water safety.

    Area of Science:

    • Environmental microbiology
    • Water quality research
    • Virology

    Background:

    • Human enteric viruses pose a significant risk to public health.
    • Understanding factors affecting virus survival in water is crucial for risk assessment.
    • Particulate matter in water can influence pathogen persistence.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the impact of inorganic (Kaolinite) and organic (Microcystis aeruginosa) particles on the survival of human enteric virus Bacteriophage MS2.
    • To determine how factors like particle concentration, pH, ion concentration, and natural organic matter affect virus survival.
    • To assess the implications for drinking water safety.

    Main Methods:

    • Using Bacteriophage MS2 as a model for human enteric viruses.
    • Employing Kaolinite as a model inorganic particle and Microcystis aeruginosa as a model organic particle.
    • Conducting survival experiments under varying conditions of particle concentration, pH, and water hardness.

    Main Results:

    • Kaolinite showed no significant effect on MS2 survival, except for a slight increase in higher hardness water.
    • Microcystis aeruginosa reduced MS2 survival by one logarithm, but this effect was mitigated at pH > 4.0 or low algal concentrations.
    • Organic particles protected MS2 in higher hardness water, increasing virus survival.

    Conclusions:

    • The presence of inorganic and organic particles significantly influences the survival of enteric viruses in water.
    • Water hardness plays a critical role in modulating the protective or detrimental effects of particles on virus survival.
    • Increased virus survival in particle-rich, hard water elevates drinking water safety risks, necessitating careful monitoring and treatment.

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