Give Membranes the Virus Removal Credit They Deserve, Using Rapid In-Field Molecular-Based Methods

Pathogen (e.g., protozoa, viruses) control is essential in potable reuse projects to ensure the protection of public health. Membrane filtration can remove these pathogens; however, the lack of a rapid, direct integrity test for viruses has prevented many states from awarding virus log reduction (LRV) credits for membrane filtration.

The objective of this project is to develop, advance, and modify affordable, rapid, in-field molecular-based methods for quantification of viruses, before and after membrane filtration in reclaimed water. The ability to produce more virus removal data, at lower cost, and in less time, will allow utilities to get higher and more robust virus log reduction value (LRV) credits for membrane filtration.