PERSISTENCE OF ENTEROVIRUSES IN SEWAGE SLUDGE

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  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 55  (4) , 431-434
Abstract
Sewage from residential areas often contains viruses pathogenic for man and significant amounts are probably associated with solids in sewage sludge. Information on the survival of viruses in sewage sludge is necessary to develop guidelines for recycling programs that involve spreading the sludge on land. Several enteroviruses were added to sewage sludge and the artificially contaminated sludges were tested for viruses at intervals for 12-wk. Most of the viruses survived for many weeks at room temperature. Sewage sludge destined for land application should be adequately treated for virus inactivation. In interpreting these results, it should be borne in mind that the survival of hepatitis A virus might be similar. Recent reports about the reappearance of poliomyelitis in regions with immunization programs should also be taken into consideration.