SOME NOTES ON VIRUS RETENTION BY SAND

Abstract

Using bacterial virus MS2 against Escherichia coli, a systematic investigation was conducted to study virus retention by sand. Virus sorption on sand was influenced by water chemistry of the system. Both rate of sorption and sorptive capacity decreased with increase in the system pH in the range of 6.0-8.4. However, the highest virus sorption was observed with a natural ground water high in calcium and magnesium, at pH 7.8. Results of the percolation column test and rapid sand filtration study showed that sand was effective in removing the model virus from percolating water as well as during filtration. It was observed that viruses were not immobilized or inactivated following their retention or removal by sand.