Analytical models for virus adsorption and inactivation in unsaturated porous media

Analytical models for virus adsorption and inactivation in batch systems of homogeneous, isothermal, unsaturated porous media were developed. The mode ls account for virus sorption onto liquid-solid as well as air-liquid inter faces and inactivation of viruses in the liquid phase and at both interface s. Mathematical expressions appropriate for virus sorption onto liquid-soli d and air-liquid interfaces were developed as functions of the soil moistur e variation. The models were solved analytically by Laplace transform proce dures. The effects of soil moisture variation on virus sorption at the liqu id-solid as well as air-liquid interfaces were investigated. Available expe rimental data from virus adsorption-inactivation batch studies were success fully simulated by one of the models developed in this work. (C) 1999 Elsev ier Science B.V. All rights reserved.