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Project title

The effect of the wastewater treatment process, in particular UV treatment, on pathogenic virus removal

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

Lead Applicant

Eoghan Clifford

Project Abstract

Human pathogenic viruses (HPVs) in water supplies can cause infections such as gastroenteritis, hepatitis and meningitis. Other negative effects associated with relatively high levels of pathogenic viruses in surface waters and these include: (i) deterioration of bathing water quality and the associated human health and tourism consequences; (ii) poor quality of abstracted water from surface waters for drinking purposes; and (iii) threats to the marine shellfish industry including consequences for human health and the industry. This project will test at both laboratory and pilot scale a number of methods (membrane and UV) for disinfection of secondary wastewaters by examining removal of the following parameters (amongst others): NoV GI and GII, FRNA bacteriophage, total coliforms and E.coli;Enterococcus. Technologies such as membrane filters and UV systems will be trialled at sites including the EPA/NUI Galway Water Research Facility (WRF). Identification and quantification of norovirus and FRNA bacteriophage will be determined by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). FRNA bacteriophage will also be quantified by an agar plaque assay to give a direct comparison of virus reduction as judged by a viability assay and by real time PCR. FRNA bacteriophage will be compared as a surrogate for norovirus and other HPV�s.

Grant Approved

�157,794.16

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Protecting our Water Resources

Start Date

01/03/2012

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/03/2014