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VIRUS ADSORPTION TO MINERAL SURFACES IS REDUCED BY MICROBIAL OVERGROWTH AND ORGANIC COATINGS
Citation:
Fuhs, G., M. Chen, L. Sturman, AND R. Moore. VIRUS ADSORPTION TO MINERAL SURFACES IS REDUCED BY MICROBIAL OVERGROWTH AND ORGANIC COATINGS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/J-85/400.
Description:
In experiments with strains of poliovirus, reovirus, echovirus and Coxsackievirus, overgrowth with exopolymer-forming bacteria reduced virus adsorption to mineral surfaces. Adsorption was improved when organic materials adsorbed to minerals were removed by low-temperature ashing. In a soil series, virus adsorption increased with soil depth. The paralleled a decrease in organic content, but differences in charge development of the soil particles may also be involved. Prolonged (40 year) irrigation with treated sewage effluents, leading to a buildup of organic coatings, also decreased adsorption. However, saturation of the virus-binding capacity of the soil as a result of continuous exposure to virus-containing effluents was not apparent.