A virus is a microscopic particle containing genetic material that, in order to replicate itself, locates and then penetrates compatible cells within higher organisms or microorganisms.
The particle can then increase contagion by repeating the same cycles.
The evolution of detection methods based on the viruses’ ability to spread has made it possible to detect their presence in certain waters.
However, this detection does not necessarily indicate a treatment or health problem.
The detection of a virus is generally based on the detection of its genetic material, which is the real identification code. A rarer method is to identify the molecular envelopes that house the genetic material, or even a combination of both.
Drinking water purification processes employ extensive disinfection measures that destroy virtually all types of viral structures. Sewage systems are not designed to decontaminate water as effectively.
Although it is not uncommon to detect pathogens in wastewater, the risk of harm to human health or the environment is not proven.
First of all, to contaminate a host, a virus must be in the right environment.
Whereas very fine aerosols are problematic, dissolved in a container or a stream, a virus has a lower capacity to contaminate.
Above all, the very organization of water systems makes contact between viruses and hosts much more difficult.
Wastewater and drinking water networks are very clearly separated in their construction and in their uses (this is one of the reasons why toilets are supplied with perfectly clean and drinkable tap water).
New challenges directly related to the Covid-19 health crisis are now integrated into the detection activities of Tame-Water. Targeted analyses of pathogens present in water prove to be a source of relevant information in understanding the dynamics of the emergence and progression of epidemics and their potential impacts on health and the environment.
The company Tame-Water, a specialist in water quality analysis using bioassays, offers you its time and talent via its network of experts in the field of water quality to answer your questions.