Loss of infectivity of poliovirus 1 in river water under simulated field conditions

Abstract

The effects of light, virus concentration, and turbidity on the rate of loss of infectivity (LOI) of poliovirus 1 were investigated in two test systems, which utilized flowing river water. Two levels of each variable were used in a 23 confounded factorial design. The seeded systems were sampled at regular intervals to establish LOI rates. Virus infectivity was measured by plaque assay. Loss of infectivity followed a two-component curve; an initial, rapid phase followed by a second, slower component. The slopes of the two components were examined by the analysis of variance to determine the potential influence of each variable. Both light and turbidity exerted a significant influence on the LOI rate in the second component of the LOI curve and also in the transition period between the two components; however, during the initial, rapid phase none of the variables influenced the LOI rate (at the 0.05 significance level). This research demonstrates the significance of light as a virucidal component in the aquatic environment.