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Review: Indicator bacteriophages in sludge, biosolids, sediments and soils
Julia Martín-Díaz1, Francisco Lucena1, Anicet R Blanch1
1Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Avda/ Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; The Water Research Institute, University of Barcelona, C/ Montalegre 6, 08001, Barcelona, Spain.
Environmental Research
|February 20, 2020
Summary
Somatic coliphages are excellent viral indicators in solid waste, showing higher persistence and resistance than traditional bacterial indicators. Improved methods are needed for their detection in environmental solids.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Virology
- Water quality assessment
Background:
- Solid matrices like sludge and soil harbor pathogens, impacting water cycle contamination.
- Bacteriophages are increasingly used as indicators for fecal and viral pollution in water.
- Data on viral indicators in solid matrices are crucial for sanitation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current data on bacteriophage concentrations in solid matrices.
- To assess bacteriophage resistance to treatments and persistence in solids.
- To evaluate bacteriophages as indicators of viral pathogens in solids.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on bacteriophage concentrations in various solid matrices.
- Analysis of data on bacteriophage resistance to sludge treatments.
- Comparison of somatic coliphages, F-specific RNA coliphages, and bacterial indicators.
Main Results:
- Solid matrices contain higher levels of somatic coliphages than traditional bacterial indicators.
- Somatic coliphages are more persistent and treatment-resistant than Escherichia coli and fecal coliforms.
- Water sediments and soil are significant reservoirs for persistent somatic coliphages.
Conclusions:
- Standardized methodologies for bacteriophage extraction and detection in solids are needed.
- Somatic coliphages are superior complementary indicators for predicting pathogenic viruses in solids.
- Further research is required to understand the role of solids in viral pathogen transmission.
