130 VOLUME 9 0 , IS S UE 9 JOURNAL AWWA C Rejection of MS-2 virus by RO membranes If reverse osmosis is to be used for pathogen removal, quality control measures are necessary. Samer S. Adham, R. Shane Trussell, Paul F. Gagliardo, and R. Rhodes Trussell WATERBORNE PATHOGENS ontrol of microorganisms in drinking water treatment and water reuse contin- ues to be a major concern for public health and water treatment professionals. Strict water quality regula- tions imposed on drinking water treatment and water repurification for indirect potable reuse require the provision of multiple bar- riers to remove microor- ganisms. In light of these regulations, membrane processes are receiving A bench-scale study was conducted to evaluate MS-2 virus rejection by reverse osmosis membranes. Viruses were recovered in permeate passing through some of the membrane structures. Thus, if reverse osmosis is to be used for pathogen removal, quality control measures on reverse osmosis membrane manufacturing are necessary to ensure that the required level of removals are achieved consistently. For executive summary, see page 206. Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association