Sorption of Human Adenovirus to Wastewater Solids

This paper explores sorption of human adenovirus 40 (HAdV40) to wastewater solids in primary and secondary sludge samples. To measure kinetics and isotherms of adsorption, serial dilutions of HAdV40 (105–109 GC/mL) are mixed with sludge samples. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is used for virus quantification. For both types of sludge, HAdV40 adsorption is strong (KP>104 L/kg). There is no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in KP values measured for the primary sludge and the mixed liquor sludge. Sequential desorption experiments with deionized water as the liquid phase show poor reversibility of HAdV40 adsorption. More HAdV40 is desorbed from primary sludge solids than from secondary sludge solids, but the difference is not statistically significant (p>0.05). Future research is needed to evaluate the impact of main wastewater components on virus adsorption and desorption.