Ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and peroxymonosulfate disinfection of MS2 coliphage in water

Abstract

The control of viruses in water is critical to preventing the spread of infectious viral diseases. Many oxidants can inactivate viruses, and this study aims to systematically compare the disinfection effects of ozone (O₃), peroxymonosulfate (PMS), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) on MS2 coliphage. The effects of oxidant dose and contact time on disinfection were explored, as were the disinfection effects of three oxidizing agents in secondary effluent. The 4-log inactivation of MS2 coliphage required 0.05 mM O₃, 0.5 mM PMS, or 25 mM H₂O₂ with a contact time of 30 min. All three oxidants achieved at least 4-log disinfection within 30 min, and O₃ required only 0.5 min. In secondary effluent, all three oxidants also achieved 4-log inactivation of MS2 coliphage. Excitation–emission matrix (EEM) results indicate that all three oxidants removed dissolved organic matter synchronously and O₃ oxidized dissolved organic matter more thoroughly while maintaining disinfection efficacy. Considering the criteria of oxidant dose, contact time, and disinfection efficacy in secondary effluent, O₃ is the best choice for MS2 coliphage disinfection among the three oxidants.