Barbara E. Moore

Viral transport through soil columns under conditions of saturated flow

Abstract Movement of poliovirus 1, reovirus 3, and bacteriophage OX174 was studied in 8 different soils. Soils were sampled to a depth of 100 cm in three 33 cm profiles, and packed into acrylic cylinders, 10 cm in dia. and 33.66 and 100 cm in length according to the vertical distribution and bulk density of the soil as found in the field. Sequential flooding of the columns with wastewater and distilled water resulted in a cyclical pattern of viral release in column percolates. The total number of viruses detected in percolates differed among the soils tested. This was due to the differences among soil properties. Poliovirus recovery correlated most favorably with low soil cation exchange capacity and high organic carbon and clay content. The recovery of OX174 was related to low soil organic carbon and residence time of liquid within a column in combination with either high soil pH or per cent clay. As with poliovirus, detection of reovirus in soil column percolates was negatively correlated with soil cation exchange capacity.

SURVIVAL OF POLIOVIRUS IN MODEL WASTEWATER HOLDING PONDS

Abstract Poliovirus I, a human enterovirus, was studied in field-scale model wastewater holding ponds. Viruses were distributed between the sediment and overlying water in the ponds. Virions were inactivated more rapidly in the water than in the sediment. The rate of inactivation was higher during the warmer months of the year for virions in both water and sediment. Primary wastewater effluent in ponds was more conducive to prolonged virus survival than was final effluent. The metabolic activity of algae elevated the pH of the pond waters, correlating with a more rapid inactivation of poliovirus.