A simple method for the detection of low concentration of viruses in large volumes of water by the membrane filter technique

Abstract

A simple prefilter pad – membrane filter combination method is described for the detection and quantitation of low concentrations of virus in natural waters. The data obtained indicate that in surface water experimentally contaminated with poliovirus type 1 (Mahoney strain), more than 50% of the initial virus dose is recovered. The method is practical, efficient, and can be used in field studies. It was clearly demonstrated that the prefilter pad (AP25), when used by itself will adsorb viruses. A certain concentration of electrolytes (200 p.p.m. Ca²⁺) is necessary in water to prevent the loss of virus in filtrate when filtering is done through the membrane filter.