The RNA F-specific coliphages, MS2 and Qbeta, have been used as virus indicators in water and wastewater studies. It is therefore useful to have a good understanding concerning the effects of environmental factors on their survival in order to choose an appropriate candidate for assessing microbial safety in relation to water quality management. The effects of pH and temperature on the survival of these two coliphages were investigated. MS2 survived better in acidic conditions than in an alkaline environment. In contrast, Qbeta had a better survival rate in alkaline conditions than in an acidic environment. The inactivation rates of both coliphages were lowest within the pH range 6-8 and the temperature range 5-35 degrees C. The inactivation rates of both coliphages increased when the pH was decreased to below 6 or increased to above 8. The inactivation rates of both coliphages increased with increasing temperature. Qbeta behaved peculiarly in extreme pH buffers, i.e. it was inactivated very rapidly initially when subjected to an extreme pH environment, although the inactivation rate subsequently decreased. In general, MS2 was a better indicator than Qbeta. However, within the pH range 6-9 and at temperatures not above 25 degrees C, either MS2 or Qbeta could be used as a viral indicator.
Iron(VI) and iron(v), known as ferrates, are powerful oxidants and their reactions with pollutants are typically fast with the formation of non-toxic by-products. Oxidations performed by Fe(VI) and Fe(V) show pH dependence; faster rates are observed at lower pH. Fe(VI) shows excellent disinfectant properties and can inactivate a wide variety of microorganisms at low Fe(VI) doses. Fe(VI) also possesses efficient coagulation properties and enhanced coagulation can also be achieved using Fe(VI) as a preoxidant. The reactivity of Fe(V) with pollutants is approximately 3-5 orders of magnitude faster than that of Fe(VI). Fe(V) can thus be used to oxidize pollutants and inactivate microorganisms that have resistance to Fe(VI). The final product of Fe(VI) and Fe(V) reduction is Fe(III), a non-toxic compound. Moreover, treatments by Fe(VI) do not give any mutagenic/carcinogenic by-products, which make ferrates environmentally friendly ions. This paper reviews the potential role of iron(VI) and iron(V) as oxidants and disinfectants in water and wastewater treatment processes. Examples are given to demonstrate the multifunctional properties of ferrates to purify water and wastewater.
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