Modeling leaching of viruses by the Monte Carlo method.

A predictive screening model was developed for fate and transport of viruses in the unsaturated zone by applying the final value theorem of Laplace transformation to previously developed governing equations. A database of input parameters allowed Monte Carlo analysis with the model. The resulting kernel densities of predicted attenuation during percolation indicated very small, but finite probabilities of failure for all homogeneous USDA classified soils to attenuate reovirus 3 by 99.99% in one-half meter of gravity drainage. The logarithm of saturated hydraulic conductivity and water to air-water interface mass transfer coefficient affected virus fate and transport about 3 times more than any other parameter, including the logarithm of inactivation rate of suspended viruses. Model results suggest extreme infiltration events may play a predominant role in leaching of viruses in soils, since such events could impact hydraulic conductivity. The air-water interface also appears to play a predominating role in virus transport and fate. Although predictive modeling may provide insight into actual attenuation of viruses, hydrogeologic sensitivity assessments for the unsaturated zone should include a sampling program.

Effect of surfactants on the survival and sorption of viruses.

There is an increasing concern about the protection of groundwater from contamination by enteric viruses and the prevention of outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Knowledge of survivability and transport of viruses from their point of origin is necessary to determine their potential effects on the neighboring groundwater systems. The distribution of virus is, in turn, dependent on the physical and chemical compositions of the surrounding soil and subsurface systems. For the present study, we have determined the effects of different surfactants (cationic, anionic, nonionic, and biological) and natural organic matter (NOM) on bacteriophages. Results indicated that surfactants and NOM adversely affect phage survival in binary systems, with surfactants being the most harmful. Studies with ternary systems also showed that the presence of surfactants reduced sorption of phages on sorbents either by occupying available sorption sites on the sorbent material or by displacing the sorbed phages from the sorbent surface. Water contact angles of the selected phages and different sorbent surfaces have been measured. Experimental data demonstrated that the sorption of hydrophobic viruses was favored by hydrophobic sorbents, while the sorption of hydrophilic viruses was favored by hydrophilic sorbents.