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

Mona Y.M. Soliman*, Gertjan Medema, Doris van Halem

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

Abstract

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 (Cu2+) and/or silver (Ag+) ions. Cu and Ag are increasingly applied in household water treatment (HHWT) systems. However, the impact of NOM on their inactivation kinetics remains elusive despite its importance for their application. The presence of NOM in water led to faster virus inactivation by Cu2+ but slower by Ag+. The fastest inactivation kinetics of MS2 (Kobs = 4.8 h−1) were observed by Cu in water containing high NOM (20 mg C/L). Meanwhile, for PhiX 174, the fastest inactivation kinetics (av. Kobs = 3.5 h−1) were observed by Cu and Ag synergism in water containing high NOM. Altogether, it can be concluded that the combination of Cu and Ag is promising as a virus disinfectant in treatment options allowing for multiple hours of residence time such as safe water storage tanks.

Original languageEnglish
Article number163614
Number of pages9
JournalScience of the Total Environment
Volume882
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Keywords

  • Metals
  • MS2 bacteriophage
  • Natural organic matter
  • PhiX 174
  • Synergy
  • Water

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