title: Use of modified diatomaceous earth for removal and recovery of viruses in water.
abstract: Diatomaceous earth was modified by in situ precipitation of metallic hydroxides. Modification decreased the negative charge on the diatomaceous earth and increased its ability to adsorb viruses in water. Electrostatic interactions were more important than hydrophobic interactions in virus adsorption to modified diatomaceous earth. Filters containing diatomaceous earth modified by in situ precipitation of a combination of ferric chloride and aluminum chloride adsorbed greater than 80% of enteroviruses (poliovirus 1, echovirus 5, and coxsackievirus B5) and coliphage MS2 present in tap water at ambient pH (7.8 to 8.3), even after filtration of 100 liters of tap water. Viruses adsorbed to the filters could be recovered by mixing the modified diatomaceous earth with 3% beef extract plus 1 M NaCl (pH 9).
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Cell Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0100.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Farrah
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Preston
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Toranzos
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Girard
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Erdos
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Vasuhdivan
mesh_terms: D000327:Adsorption; D011232:Chemical Precipitation; D007692:Diatomaceous Earth; D013816:Thermodynamics; D014773:Virology / Q000379:methods; D014780:Viruses / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014871:Water Microbiology
chemical_list: D007692:Diatomaceous Earth