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Project title

Assessing the Impact of Waste Water Treatment Plant Effluent on Norovirus contamination in shellfisheries

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Marine Institute

Lead Applicant

Bill Dore

Project Abstract

Norovirus (NoV) is the leading cause of gastroenteritis in the general population. NoV contamination of shellfisheries presents a significant public health risk. This study will compare NoV survival during sewage treatment and in seawater alongside indicator organisms. The impact of sewage discharges on NoV contamination in shellfisheries will be assessed. In-situ studies will investigate NoV levels in influent and effluent from a Waste water treatment plant (WWTP). The relative impact of storm overflows and continuous treated sewage discharges will be investigated. Laboratory studies will investigate the survival of NoV in seawater. Finally, laboratory-based studies will investigate the use of UV treatment of secondary effluents to reduce NoV levels. This project will produce a report providing the first data set on NoV survival during sewage treatment and in the marine environment in an Irish setting. It will provide data which allows the impact of sewage discharges on the NoV content in shellfisheries to be assessed. The information will allow regulatory authorities to more accurately assess the impact of existing and proposed sewage outfalls on NoV contamination of shellfisheries and other sensitive marine environments. This will allow future development of a model risk assessment approach for authorities to assess the impact of WWTP effluent on NoV levels in shellfisheries The project will also produce 2-4 peer reviewed papers.

Grant Approved

�250,842.38

Research Hub

Healthy Environment

Research Theme

Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems & Human Health (including Drinking Water)

Start Date

01/10/2008

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/10/2011