Effect of the Activated Sludge Process of Sewage Treatment on Poliomyelitis Virus

Abstract

Investigations have been made of the effect of the activated sludge process as used in municipal sewage disposal plants on the removal or inactivation of a mouse adapted strain of poliomyelitis virus. Virus suspension 1:300 was used in sludge concs, of 1,100, 2,200, and 3,300 ppm. with aeration periods of zero, 6 and 9 hours. The results indicate that activated sludge in amts. as low as 1,100 ppm. with 6 hrs. aeration will remove or inactivate the virus to a sufficient extent to reduce greatly infectivity for mice injd. intracerebrally. Heavier concs, of sludge with longer aeration periods largely eliminate infectivity.