Presence of bacteriophages was evaluated at different stages of two water treatment plants in order to investigate the usefulness of phages as model organisms for assessing the efficiency of the processes. Bacteriophages tested were somatic coliphages, F-specific coliphages and phages infecting Bacteroides fragilis. The presence of human enteric viruses was determined as well in the raw water, the finished water and in samples taken in the distribution network. Results show that in these particular treatment plants, which include prechlorination, phages infecting B. fragilis are more resistant to the treatment processes than the other two phages studied.
This content is only available as a PDF.
© IWA Publishing 1995
You do not currently have access to this content.