Enteroviruses of human origin and faecal coliforms in river water and sediments down stream from a sewage outfall in the Taieri River, Otago

Abstract

Abstract Sediment and water column samples were collected at eight sites on the Taieri River down stream from a sewage outfall on six occasions between January and March 1984. These samples were tested for enteroviruses of human origin and faecal coliforms. Enteroviruses were detected in the water column and sediments on most occasions up to 4 km down stream and in sediment on one occasion up to 19.5 km down stream. Faecal coliform numbers were high in all samples. Enterovirus and faecal coliform numbers were at least ten times greater in sediments than in the overlying water. Viruses recovered were Poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3 and two isolates which could not be identified using the Lim Benyesh‐Mel‐nick pooled antisera. The effect of temperature on enterovirus survival in fresh water is discussed.