Enhanced virus inactivation by copper and silver ions in the presence of natural organic matter in water

• Published in: The Science of the total environment Vol. 882; p. 163614
• Main Authors: Soliman, Mona Y.M., Medema, Gertjan, van Halem, Doris
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 15-07-2023
• Subjects: Copper; Ions; Metals; MS2 bacteriophage; Natural organic matter; PhiX 174; Silver; Synergy; Virus Inactivation; Water; Water Purification; MS2 bacteriophage; Water; Synergy; Natural organic matter; Metals; PhiX 174
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163614

Natural organic matter (NOM) is present in water matrix that serves as a drinking water source. This study examined the effect of low and high NOM concentrations on inactivation kinetics of a model RNA virus (MS2) and a model DNA virus (PhiX 174) by copper (Cu2+) and/or silver (Ag+) ions. Cu and Ag are increasingly applied in household water treatment (HHWT) systems. However, the impact of NOM on their inactivation kinetics remains elusive despite its importance for their application. The presence of NOM in water led to faster virus inactivation by Cu2+ but slower by Ag+. The fastest inactivation kinetics of MS2 (Kobs = 4.8 h−1) were observed by Cu in water containing high NOM (20 mg C/L). Meanwhile, for PhiX 174, the fastest inactivation kinetics (av. Kobs = 3.5 h−1) were observed by Cu and Ag synergism in water containing high NOM. Altogether, it can be concluded that the combination of Cu and Ag is promising as a virus disinfectant in treatment options allowing for multiple hours of residence time such as safe water storage tanks.
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•Virus inactivation by Cu was significantly enhanced by NOM due to the production of ROS.•Virus inactivation by Ag was significantly reduced by the presence of high NOM in water.•Combined Cu and Ag ions synergistically inactivated MS2 except in water with high NOM.•Meanwhile, for PhiX 174 synergism of Cu and Ag was observed in water with low or high NOM.