EVALUATION OF VIRAL FATE DURING ANAMMOX TREATMENT OF MUNICIPAL WASTEWATERS

Abstract

Conventional secondary treatment of municipal wastewater designed to achieve biological nutrient removal typically utilize methods of nitrification-denitrification to convert ammonia to nitrogen gas to reduce the environmental impact of human wastewater streams. However, this process requires high energy inputs while also producing greenhouse gases. An alternative nitrogen treatment process is possible that treats nitrogen through anaerobic ammonia oxidation (Anammox) which has been reported to have numerous benefits over conventional treatment. While the effect of conventional secondary treatment has been evaluated for its effects on human enteric viruses, the effect of anammox systems on these microbes is undocumented. Through a joint venture between the University of Arizona, Pima County Wastewater and the Water and Energy Sustainability Technology (WEST) center, two different anammox reactors will be established and assessed for their effects on viral fate. Three human enteric viruses (adenovirus, enterovirus, and reovirus) will be monitored as well as evaluating possible indicator organisms to monitor human enteric virus in anammox systems.