Silicates: non-specific adsorbents in purification of water from viruses

Amorphous silicates having small particles with large surface area, were found to have high non-specific adsorption capacity. Escherichia coli T4 bacteriophage was used as a model in this research. Investigations have shown an adsorption capacity of up to 99% on different tested commercially available silicates. Optimal conditions for the adsorption of T4 bacteriophage on various silicates were determined. Amorphous silicates may be used in purification of water from viral contaminants. A silicate-containing model unit for filtration by adsorption of viruses is described.