PHASE-SEPARATION METHOD FOR CONCENTRATION AND DETECTION OF VIRUSES IN WATER

This paper reports on the further development and refinement of the Phase-Separation Method for concentrating and detecting enteroviruses in water. In this method a water sample of several litres to be tested for viruses is mixed with a combination of organic polymers, which after detention in a separatory funnel produce two phases. The small bottom phase concentrates the viruses of the sample and can be easily drained off. The procedure is repeated to achieve a concentration factor of 500. Virus recovery efficiency is high and as few as 1-2 virus infectious units per litre of sample can be effectively detected. Field surveys of sewage and water samples illustrate the application of this low cost and efficient method which should provide a valuable tool for epidemiological investigations, studies of the virus removal efficiency of various treatment processes, as well as in the routine monitoring of potable water supplies for virus contamination. © 1969.