TY - JOUR
T1 - Inactivation of an indicator virus during microalgae-based wastewater treatment
AU - Jahan, Solène
AU - Pruvost, Jérémy
AU - Cogne, Guillaume
AU - Titica, Mariana
AU - Fallowfield, Howard
PY - 2025/1/11
Y1 - 2025/1/11
N2 - In wastewater treatment systems using microalgae called High Rate Algal Ponds (HRAP), UV radiation induces photochemical modifications of DNA and RNA, leading to inactivation and removal of pathogens present in the wastewater. However, high turbidity due to microalgae and detritus from the wastewater reduces UV penetration in HRAP. Microalgae are expected to contribute significantly to turbidity in HRAP, however, they are also responsible for high oxygen concentration, high pH and, in the presence of UVA, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) favoring disinfection, questioning the relative impact of microalgae on pathogen inactivation. The purpose of this study was to investigate, in a laboratory UVA cabinet, the impact of microalgae on indicator viruses’ inactivation, in terms of UVA attenuation (inhibition of inactivation) and production of ROS (enhancement of inactivation). Tests were performed in presence or absence of ROS quenchers. The presence of algae or algal organic matter (AOM) increased indirect photo-oxidation of MS2. However, in optical conditions more relevant to HRAP wastewater, no impact of indirect photo-oxidation of MS2 was measured. This study highlighted a significant negative impact of microalgae due to UVA attenuation over 30 cm depth together with a strong inherent capacity to produce ROS for virus inactivation.
AB - In wastewater treatment systems using microalgae called High Rate Algal Ponds (HRAP), UV radiation induces photochemical modifications of DNA and RNA, leading to inactivation and removal of pathogens present in the wastewater. However, high turbidity due to microalgae and detritus from the wastewater reduces UV penetration in HRAP. Microalgae are expected to contribute significantly to turbidity in HRAP, however, they are also responsible for high oxygen concentration, high pH and, in the presence of UVA, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) favoring disinfection, questioning the relative impact of microalgae on pathogen inactivation. The purpose of this study was to investigate, in a laboratory UVA cabinet, the impact of microalgae on indicator viruses’ inactivation, in terms of UVA attenuation (inhibition of inactivation) and production of ROS (enhancement of inactivation). Tests were performed in presence or absence of ROS quenchers. The presence of algae or algal organic matter (AOM) increased indirect photo-oxidation of MS2. However, in optical conditions more relevant to HRAP wastewater, no impact of indirect photo-oxidation of MS2 was measured. This study highlighted a significant negative impact of microalgae due to UVA attenuation over 30 cm depth together with a strong inherent capacity to produce ROS for virus inactivation.
KW - Disinfection
KW - High rate algal ponds
KW - ROS
KW - Turbidity
KW - Ultraviolets
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85217372655&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s10811-024-03435-3
DO - 10.1007/s10811-024-03435-3
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85217372655
SN - 0921-8971
JO - Journal of Applied Phycology
JF - Journal of Applied Phycology
ER -
