Using a model virus, bacteriophage MS2 against Escherichia coli, virus sorption on coal was investigated. Batch sorption data show that virus sorption is influenced by H/C and H/0 ratios of coal, and the presence of other viruses, bacteria, and organic pollution in the water. Virus removal in a continuous flow coal column is affected by column height and input virus concentration. Application of virus sorption on coal in water treatment is discussed.The occurrence of enteric viruses in effluents of conventionally treated domestic waste waters and their discharge to the environment, along with their subsequent possible transmission by the water route, have continued to be of concern for some time. These viruses exist in multiple antigenic type in the water environment and share the following common characteristics (1) : (a) Particle size of about 15-30 nm in diameter; (b) cubic icosahedral symmetry; (c) ribonucleic acid (RNA) core; (d) resistance to ether, chloroform, and bile salts; and (e) thermal inactivation inhibited by rations. The presence of viruses of human and non-human origin in raw water supplies and transmission of viruses by the water route have been recognized (2-4). Furthermore, it is obvious that viruses could be a serious problem in the practice of water reuse. These viruses must, therefore, be removed or inactivated if the water is to be entirely safe for public consumption. This has led to investigations concerning the virus removal efficiency of various water and waste water treatment processes, including the potential of coal as a sorbent for removing or inactivating viruses in water (5-7) in view of its increasing use in water and waste water treatment. Coal has been found to be potentially useful as a virus sorbent and the nature of the virus-coal sorption interaction has been studied in great details (6-7). The objective of the present study was to investigate further the sorption of an RNA-containing model virus using different grades of coal, and in the presence of DNA-containing viruses, bacteria, and extraneous organic matter. Removal of the model virus in a continuous flow coal column was also studied.
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