Recovery of viruses from field samples of raw, digested, and lagoon-dried sludges

In a 22-month study, viruses were detected in 84% (62/74) of raw, 53% (19/36) of anaerobically digested, and 39% (11/28) of lagoon-dried sludge samples. Lagoon sludge contained detectable viruses (reovirus and enterovirus groups) even after 8 months of retention. Because of such prolonged virus survival in sludge, care must be taken in its disposal or utilization.