The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used for the detection of microorganisms in water, but it is known that one does not detect only viable microorganisms by PCR. The following results show the detection of poliovirus on a cell culture assay and by PCR after inactivation by UV irradiation. The virus was irradiated with a low pressure mercury lamp with times up to 4000 seconds (=3980 J/m2). A 4 log inactivation of the virus was complete after 300 seconds (=294 J/m2) as shown by the cell culture assay. The viral RNA was detectable by PCR even at irradiation times of 4000 seconds.
This content is only available as a PDF.
© IWA Publishing 1995
You do not currently have access to this content.