VIRUS RETENTION AND TRANSPORT THROUGH AL-OXIDE COATED SAND COLUMNS : EFFECTS OF IONIC STRENGTH AND COMPOSITION

Six saturated sand column experiments were performed. Description of materials and methods and indications on the two bacteriophages used in experimentation. Effects of sand particles charged by Aluminium - oxide on retention and transport of viruses with five buffered (PBS) saline solutions. Survival of the two viruses where monitored periodically. Bromide breakthrough curves are presented and compared with saline solutions transport in pure sand and coated sand. Ionic strength and ion composition of the different saline solutions is compared with virus transport through the Aluminium - oxide coated sand and through pure sand. Comparison of differences in removal behavior between MS-2 and PHIX174 viruses and discussion.