Glass Wool for Virus Concentration at Ambient Water pH Level

Operating conditions for using oiled sodocalcic glass wool (Saint Gobain R. 725) to concentrate enteroviruses in 100 to 1000 liters samples were determined. These filters recovered from 62 to 75% of several enteroviruses (laboratory strains or field isolates) and rotavirus SA11 that were added to tap water. The technique permitted the recovery of 62% and 57% of poliovirus added respectively to river water and treated waste water. The results of a 44 months survey of the Seine and Marne river waters are reported. Being efficient at ambient pH, the use of glass wool may permit continuous virological monitoring of water samples.