Analysis of somatic coliphages
Phytocontrol develops a standardised method for the analysis of somatic coliphages in freshwater and wastewater.
Somatic coliphages are non-pathogenic viruses of bacteria, also known as bacteriophages, capable of infecting certain host strains of Escherichia coli (and related strains). These microorganisms are smaller and more resistant than bacteria, and can be composed of single- or double-stranded DNA.
The presence of coliphages in water is an indicator of faecal contamination.
Regulations on somatic coliphages
Directive (EU) 2020/2184 introduced monitoring of somatic coliphages in raw water to verify the effectiveness of treatment processes against microbiological risks.
This parameter is measured if the risk assessment indicates that it should be. If found in raw water at concentrations above 50 PFU/100 ml, it should be analysed after certain treatment stages to determine the log reduction achieved by the barriers in place and to assess whether the risk of pathogenic virus survival is sufficiently controlled.
Regulation (EU) 2020/741 on minimum requirements for water reuse also sets performance targets for the treatment chain for reclaimed water intended for agricultural irrigation, with a threshold ≥ 6.0 (log10 reduction) for coliphages.
The Phytocontrol solution
Phytocontrol is able to enumerate somatic coliphages according to the protocol of standard NF EN ISO 10705-2 in freshwater and wastewater. This method covers the enumeration of plaques, with or without concentration, in the sample and meets the various regulatory criteria.
The limits of quantification are 1 PFU/mL for wastewater and 1 PFU/100 mL for freshwater (including sewage).
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