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UVC inactivation of MS2-phage in drinking water - Modelling and field testing
Veronica Baldasso1, Helen Lubarsky2, Natalia Pichel2
1Politecnico di Milano, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA), Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milano, Italy.
Water Research
|August 16, 2021
Summary
Ultraviolet C (UVC) disinfection effectively purifies water, but suspended solids and organic matter can impact its efficiency. This study shows UVC systems meet WHO standards, with organic matter being more critical than turbidity for effective disinfection.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Water Treatment Technology
- Microbiology
Background:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes Ultraviolet C (UVC) disinfection for decentralized potable water.
- Real-world application of UVC is limited by factors like suspended solids and natural organic matter.
- Understanding these influences is crucial for effective point-of-use (POU) water disinfection technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of suspended solids and natural organic matter on UVC disinfection efficiency for surface water.
- To assess UVC system performance against WHO drinking water quality requirements for POU technologies.
- To develop a predictive model for UVC disinfection rates based on water quality parameters.
Main Methods:
- Factorial design of experiments using kaolinite (turbidity) and humic acids (HA) in surface water.
- Testing a collimated beam (12 W) and a commercial UVC flow system (16 W) for MS2 phage inactivation.
- Laboratory and field trials in Mexico and Colombia with spiked MS2 phage in natural surface water.
Main Results:
- The commercial UVC flow system consistently met WHO reduction requirements (LRV >3.5) under tested conditions.
- A numerical model predicted disinfection rates based on turbidity and 254 nm transmittance.
- Humic acids significantly reduced inactivation rates by 40% at 3.5 mg/L, while turbidity below 5 NTU had minimal impact.
Conclusions:
- UVC disinfection systems perform well in real-world conditions, meeting WHO standards.
- Natural organic matter, particularly humic acids, critically affects UVC disinfection efficiency.
- Monitoring 254 nm transmittance offers a practical method for controlling UVC domestic systems and ensuring safe drinking water without biological monitoring.
