AWWA MTC53679

Department of Health Services (DHS) and National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)testing utilizes MS2 coliphage as an indicator to determine the removal rate ofultra and microfiltration membranes. In this work, membrane filtrationmethodology has been utilized to perform California Department of Health Servicesand NSF testing. MS2 coliphage was chosen due to its size and the stability ofthe host used in the analysis. Pilot systems were seeded with a stock coliphagesuspension and samples were collected and analyzed for MS2 coliphage. Themembranes were tested for rate of removal at low, moderate, and highly fouledconditions. Feed samples were collected over a period of time determined by theduration of each cycle. Permeate samples were collected utilizing the same timeinterval. Samples were analyzed within 24 hours of collection by the membranefiltration method. Plates were read using a quebec colony counter at 4,6,8 and 24hours. In general, the counts seen at 8 hours did not differ from the counts at24 hours. The coliphage membrane filtration method has also been utilized to testthe efficacy of membrane bioreactors (MBR). Initially the systems were tested forindigenous MS2 coliphage. In addition to the feed and permeate samples, sludgeslurry samples from within the units were analyzed for coliphage using themembrane filtration methodology. Although the sludge slurry samples were verythick it was possible to analyze them using the membrane filtration method. Inorder to determine if the solids were affecting the results, a duplicate samplewas spun at 5000RPM for 15 minutes and then serially diluted and filtered. Theresults from the two samples were very similar indicating that the solids hadlittle or no impact on the results. Virus seedings were also done on the MBRunits, after the membranes were cleaned. The MBRs were tested under all threefouling conditions. The units were seeded with MS2 phage and samples werecollected from within the units and the permeate. The use of MS2 coliphage as anindicator of removal rates of membranes and through a treatment provided accurateand rapid results. Includes 2 references.



Keywords: Membranes;Coliphages;Testing;Sludge;Microfiltration;Bacteriophages;California;Fouling;Ultrafiltration;Reactors;Standard Methods