Factors controlling the survival of viruses in groundwater

M. V. Yates, C. P. Gerba

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to define factors which control virus survival in groundwater. Groundwater samples collected from throughout the United States were inoculated with the coliphage MS-2 and the rate of virus inactivation determined. All samples were incubated at the temperature of the native groundwater. All samples were analyzed for pH, nitrates, ammonia, turbidity, total dissolved solids, and calcium, magnesium and total hardness. Multiple regression analysis of the chemical variates indicated that temperature and calcium hardness were significantly correlated with the rate of virus die-off. Temperature alone account for 60% of the variation in decay rate. Using all variates, 94% of the variation could be predicted.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)681-687
Number of pages7
JournalWater Science and Technology
Volume17
Issue number4-5 -5 pt 2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1985

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Water Science and Technology

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