Enhanced virus inactivation by copper and silver ions in the presence of natural organic matter in water.

Natural organic matter (NOM) is present in water matrix that serves as a drinking water source. This study examined the effect of low and high NOM concentrations on inactivation kinetics of a model RNA virus (MS2) and a model DNA virus (PhiX 174) by copper (Cu) and/or silver (Ag) ions. Cu and Ag are increasingly applied in household water treatment (HHWT) systems.

Inactivation of RNA and DNA viruses in water by copper and silver ions and their synergistic effect.

Cu and Ag have been used as bactericidal agents since ancient times, yet their antiviral capacity in water remains poorly understood. This study tested the effect of copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) on model RNA and DNA viruses MS2 and PhiX 174 in solution at pH 6-8. Cu caused MS2 inactivation with similar rates at pH 6 and 7 but was inert towards PhiX 174 regardless of pH.

Virus removal by ceramic pot filter disks: Effect of biofilm growth and surface cleaning.

Ceramic pot filters are household water treatment and safe storage (HWTS) systems designed to improve the microbial quality of drinking water. They yield high log reduction values (LRVs) for bacterial and protozoan pathogens but provide very little removal of viruses. This study investigated virus removal of ceramic filter discs (CFDs), using feed water with 3 different nutrient levels under extended continuous operation and limited cleaning frequency.