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Microplastics as vectors for virus transport in saturated quartz sand: Reduced PRD1 bacteriophage infectivity and enhanced mobility
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Scientists found that microplastics in groundwater can act like tiny rafts for viruses, helping them travel farther through soil and sand than they would on their own—even though the same microplastics also make individual viruses less likely to survive over time. This matters because it means microplastics from sewage sludge and other sources could help harmful viruses spread further into groundwater supplies, potentially raising contamination risks even as it shortens how long any single virus stays infectious.
Microplastics originating from pellets, paints, fragmented macroplastics, textiles, tire wear, and personal care products enter sewage and can aggregate with viruses during treatment. After sludge application, these aggregates may infiltrate soils and enter groundwater, yet their aggregation mechanisms and effects on virus survival and transport remain unclear. To address this gap, we conducted a laboratory study to examine the effect of microplastics on virus persistence and transport in groundwater. Batch experiments were conducted by mixing the PRD1 bacteriophage (a surrogate for adenovirus) with microplastics in groundwater at various temperatures. Column experiments using saturated quartz sand were performed to evaluate the effect of microplastics on virus transport in groundwater. Microplastic particles were quantified using solid-phase cytometry, while PRD1 was enumerated using both molecular and culture-based methods. Experimental data were analyzed using the HYDRUS-1D 2-site attachment-detachment model and colloid filtration theory. Our experimental findings suggest that microplastics significantly influence viral stability and transport in groundwater. Batch experiments revealed a marked decrease in the persistence of infective viruses in the presence of microplastics, reducing viral longevity in the environment. On the other hand, co-transport experiments showed that microplastics promoted the transport of both total and infective viruses through saturated quartz sand. This dual role underscores the complex influence of microplastics in groundwater: while they may reduce virus viability, their ability to enhance viral mobility represents a significant pathway for virus dissemination. These findings highlight the need to consider microplastics not only as pollutants but also as vectors that can potentially increase the risk of waterborne transmission and compromise groundwater safety.
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Co-transport of Microplastics and a surrogate for Human Enteric Viruses in a saturated column packed with Quartz Sand
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Laboratory column experiments found that microplastics can enhance the transport of a virus surrogate (PRD1 bacteriophage) through soil, suggesting that microplastics may act as carriers that help human enteric viruses travel further into groundwater systems. This is a meaningful public health concern, as it implies microplastics could amplify the risk of viral contamination in drinking water sources.
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This review pulls together existing research showing that tiny plastic particles (microplastics) aren't just harmless debris—they can act like rafts that viruses cling to, helping them survive longer and travel farther in water, soil, and air than they would on their own. This matters because it means microplastics could potentially help spread infections more easily, though scientists still need more real-world studies to figure out exactly how big a risk this poses to human health.
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