AWWA ACE58133

The inactivation of MS2 coliphage by sonication technology was quantified to assess the potential for its use as an alternative disinfection treatment for drinking waters. Results demonstrated that sonication alone inactivated the virus to non-detectable levels, especially with long sonication times. A high power to volume ratio (900 W/L) was more effective than a low ratio (180 W/L). Temperature was a significant factor in inactivation, as the temperature increased to greater than 70C in less than 10 minutes at 900 W/L. Simultaneous application of sonication and chlorination showed significant synergism. Even with short contact times, when temperature increases were not a factor, 3.4 to 5.5 log10 inactivation was achieved by simultaneous disinfection, compared to 3 log10 inactivation that would be predicted if the effects were only additive. Includes 11 references, table, figures.