Occurrence of norovirus and other enteric viruses in untreated groundwaters of Korea

摘要

A total of 39 water samples from 23 different groundwater wells in Korea were collected andnanalyzed in order to monitor the occurrence of norovirus (NoV) and other indicator microbes as thenfirst part of a national survey of groundwater. More than 500 L of untreated groundwater werenfiltered through 1MDS filters. Following elution and concentration by organic flocculation, PCR andnsequence analysis were employed to detect and identify NoV, enterovirus, rotavirus, hepatitis Anvirus and adenovirus (Adv). Somatic and F-specific phages, heterotrophic bacteria, total coliformsnand were also analyzed to infer possible fecal contamination. NoVs were detectednin 18% of the 39 samples. Five out of seven NoV-positive samples (71%) were identified as GI whilenthe other two (29%) were GII. Enteroviruses and Advs were detected in two and three samples,nrespectively. Rotavirus and hepatitis A virus were not detected. Total coliforms, andncoliphages were detected in 49, 15 and 13% of the samples, respectively, but did not appear to bensuitable indicators of enteric virus contamination in groundwater. These results suggest thatnadditional treatment may be needed for a significant number of groundwaters prior to use asndrinking water.