Disinfection techniques of human norovirus in municipal wastewater: Challenges and future perspectives

Abstract

Human noroviruses (NoVs) are one kind of highly infectious enteric viruses, and they are the leading cause of epidemic and pandemic viral gastroenteritis worldwide. NoVs could be excreted into municipal wastewater in relatively high concentrations by infected individuals, and the contaminated water is the predominant cause of NoV infection. Consequently, the disinfection of NoV in municipal wastewater is of utmost significance for public health. In this mini-review, conventional disinfection techniques adopted in wastewater treatment plants including chemical disinfection and UV irradiation are introduced briefly. After summarizing current advances in the development of novel disinfection methods based on the up-to-date literature, the challenges and outlook of future perspectives are critically proposed. This research will help to facilitate the further development of novel disinfection methods for NoV in municipal wastewater.