Interaction of Microcystis and Phix174 in the Aquatic Environment
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 143, Issue 6
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the potential impact of algal blooms on the survival of viruses in aquatic environments by using Microcystis and somatic coliphage phiX174 as a model algae and model virus, respectively. The phiX174 concentration was determined by double-agar-layer plaque assay (DAL), and the Microcystis density was determined by optical density (OD) measurement at 678 nm. Individual samples were measured before and after filtration through a membrane with pore size of 0.22 μm to account for the differences between unassociated viruses suspended in the water column and the total viable viruses in the sample. The results showed that no significant inactivation or adsorption of phiX174 was caused by Microcystis either in dark condition or under light. However, algae could act as a source of natural organic matter (NOM) and affect phiX174 inactivation. The presence of algae could also reduce phiX174 inactivation because of light attenuation. Therefore, the presence of algae could potentially prolong the survival of virus in aquatic environment.
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Acknowledgments
This research was funded by Singapore National Research Foundation under its Environmental and Water Technologies Strategic Research Programme and administered by the Environment and Water Industry Programme Office (EWI) of the Public Utilities Board (PUB) [Ref: 1002-IRIS-32 (IDD 90301/1/24) and 1301-IRIS-37 (IDD 90301/1/65)]. The authors would like to thank National University of Singapore, National Environmental Research Institute (NERI), and PUB for supporting this research.
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Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 143 • Issue 6 • June 2017
Copyright
©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 22, 2015
Accepted: Nov 11, 2016
Published ahead of print: Feb 20, 2017
Published online: Feb 21, 2017
Published in print: Jun 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Jul 21, 2017
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