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Flow virometry for water-quality assessment: Protocol optimization for a model virus and automation of data analysis

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Jan 04, 2023 version files 1.12 GB

Abstract

Flow virometry (FVM) can support advanced water treatment and reuse by delivering near real-time information about viral water quality. But maximizing the potential of FVM in water treatment and reuse applications requires protocols to facilitate data validation and interlaboratory comparison—as well as approaches to protocol design to extend the suite of viruses that FVM can feasibly and efficiently monitor. In the npj Clean Water article “Flow virometry for water-quality assessment: Protocol optimization for a model virus and automation of data analysis,” we address these needs by first optimizing a sample-preparation protocol for a model virus (T4 bacteriophage) using a fractional factorial experimental design. We then compare manual and algorithmic methods of analyzing complex FCM data collected by applying the optimized protocol to (i) a clean solution spiked with a variety of biological and non-biological viral surrogates [mixed-target experiment], and (ii) tertiary treated wastewater effluent spiked with T4 bacteriophage and two sizes of fluorescent polystyrene beads [environmental spike experiment]. This repository contains the FCM data used to develop the optimized protocol and to test the two analytical methods.