Comparative analysis of column experiments highlights the suitability and challenges of using common plant-based viruses as surrogates for human adenovirus in saturated porous media.

Understanding virus transport in porous media is crucial for assessing the risks associated with viral contamination in subsurface environments. Plant and human viruses may enter water systems through agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, or other pathways, necessitating a detailed investigation of their mobility and persistence. This study investigates the transport behavior of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV), Pepper Mild Mottle Virus (PMMoV), and human adenovirus (HAdV) in porous media using controlled laboratory column experiments packed with uniform size glass beads. Breakthrough curves generated were analyzed using an advection-dispersion-reaction equation to model each virus's transport dynamics. The two plant-based viruses, ToBRFV and PMMoV, exhibited similar transport profiles with sharp breakthrough onsets and pronounced tailing, whereas HAdV showed a more gradual breakthrough, indicating distinct transport dynamics. The differences in transport were largely attributed to the morphological differences between plant viruses and human adenovirus. Additionally, variations in influent water chemistry, particularly pH, appear to significantly influence virus transport by modifying the DLVO interaction energy between viral particles and glass bead surfaces. While no direct one-to-one correlation was observed between the transport of HAdV and the plant viruses, statistical analysis revealed ToBRFV as a more reliable surrogate compared to PMMoV. By elucidating key factors influencing viral transport, this study provides insights that could inform risk assessments and mitigation strategies for waterborne viral contamination. These findings highlight the potential role of viral morphology and water chemistry in identifying reliable viral surrogates for subsurface transport assessments.