Project Type: NDP EPA STRIVE Programme 2007-2013
Funding Year: 2008
Project Type: Medium Scale Study
Total Grant-aid: €330,000
Lead Partner: Marine Institute
Project Summary:
Norovirus (NoV) is the leading cause of gastroenteritis in the general population. NoV contamination of shellfisheries presents a significant public health risk. This study will compare NoV survival during sewage treatment and in seawater alongside indicator organisms. The impact of sewage discharges on NoV contamination in shellfisheries will be assessed. In-situ studies will investigate NoV levels in influent and effluent from a waste water treatment plant (WWTP). The relative impact of storm overflows and continuous treated sewage discharges will be investigated. Laboratory studies will investigate the survival of NoV in seawater. Finally, laboratory-based studies will investigate the use of UV treatment of secondary effluents to reduce NoV levels.
For further information on the EPA STRIVE Programme, see www.epa.ie