title: Feasibility of the silver-UV process for drinking water disinfection.
abstract: A synergistic effect between cationic silver and UV radiation (silver-UV disinfection) has been observed that can appreciably enhance inactivation of viruses. The purpose of this work was to assess the feasibility of this technique for drinking water disinfection and evaluate the effects of selected impurities, found in fresh water, and common parameters on inactivation of the coliphage MS-2 with the silver-UV process. Turbidity (kaolin), calcium hardness, carbonate alkalinity, and pH did not significantly degrade inactivation. Inactivation was reduced in the presence of chloride, at concentrations greater than 30 mg/L, and in water samples with UV-254 absorbance values greater than ca. 0.1 cm(-1). Inactivation of MS-2 with silver-UV disinfection was also reduced at high phosphate concentrations (above ca. 5 mM). Silver-UV inactivation of MS-2 increased with increases in temperature between 10 and 20 degrees C. Silver-UV inactivation of MS-2 was increased by greater than 1-log over UV alone, in two untreated fresh water sources, which indicates that silver-UV may be a viable treatment technology. An assessment of operation and management costs suggests that an increase in inactivation of MS-2 with silver-UV disinfection could be economically beneficial.
authors.affiliation: Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Environmental Engineering Program, US Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, USA. Michael.Butkus@usma.edu
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Butkus
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Talbot
authors.forename: Michael P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Labare
mesh_terms: D002712:Chlorides; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004203:Disinfection / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D017909:Levivirus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008274:Magnesium; D010710:Phosphates; D012834:Silver / Q000633:toxicity*; D013696:Temperature; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D038301:Virus Inactivation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D018508:Water Purification / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D014881:Water Supply
chemical_list: D002712:Chlorides; D010710:Phosphates; D012834:Silver; D008274:Magnesium