PATHOGEN REMOVAL FROM WASTEWATER DURING GROUNDWATER RECHARGE.

Many factors control the removal of pathogenic bacteria and viruses during the percolation of sewage through the soil. Although the presence of viruses in groundwater has been demonstrated, it would appear that with proper site selection and management the presence of viruses could be minimized or eliminated. The key is to define the processes involved in the survival and transport of pathogens in groundwater. With proper design, land treatment could be used as an effective method for reducing the number of pathogens in wastewater. With the proper soil type, viruses and bacteria can be reduced to levels as effectively as by chlorination as currently practiced, after the travel of wastewater through only a few centimeters of soil.