XUQi,CUNShu-juan,LIKui-xiao,et al.Correlation of Indicator Microorganisms with Pathogenic Bacteria and Viruses in a Water Reclamation Plant[J].China Water & Wastewater,2025,41(13):106-113.
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Correlation of Indicator Microorganisms with Pathogenic Bacteria and Viruses in a Water Reclamation Plant

China Water & Wastewater[ISSN:1000-4062/CN:12-1073/TU] volume: 第41卷 Number: 第13期 Page: 106-113 Column: Date of publication: 2025-07-01
Author(s):
XU　Qi1; 2;  CUN　Shu-juan3;  LI　Kui-xiao1; 2;  WANG　Wei1; 2;  WANG　Gang1; 2;  LIU　Ru-yin3
（1. Beijing Drainage Group Co. Ltd.， Beijing 100022， China； 2. Beijing Engineering Research Center of Wastewater Resource， Beijing 100124， China； 3. College of Resources and Environment， University of Chinese Academy of Sciences， Beijing 100049， China）
Keywords:
water reclamation plant;  indicator microorganism;  pathogenic bacterium;  virus
Abstract:
This study investigated the distribution, removal mechanism, and correlation of three indicator microorganisms, one pathogenic bacterium, and six human-related viruses in each treatment unit of a water reclamation plant. The concentrations of three indicator microorganisms (total coliform bacteria, fecal coliform bacteria, and Escherichia coli) in the influent of the water reclamation plant were in the range of 106-108 MPN/L. Following secondary treatment and advanced treatment processes, the removal efficiency reached approximately 5-lg-6-lg, with the average count of fecal coliform in the effluent being 50 MPN/L. The average concentration of Legionella pneumophila in the influent was 81 MPN/mL, and it was undetectable in the treatment units following the ultrafiltration process. It was important to highlight that human adenovirus, norovirus, and human herpesvirus were all detected in the influent. Notably, the detection rate of human adenovirus was the highest, reaching up to 95%. Its average concentration in the influent was 2.7×106 copies/L, while the concentration in the effluent decreased to 5.3×104 copies/L, achieving a removal efficiency of 2.70-lg. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations among the three indicator microorganisms, as well as between these microorganisms and Legionella pneumophila, and between them and viruses (P<0.01). To some extent, the indicator microorganisms could predict the removal mechanisms and concentration variations of pathogenic bacteria and viruses in the water reclamation plant. Effective control of the concentration levels of indicator microorganisms could ensure the biological safety of reclaimed water.
Last Update: 2025-07-01