Counting Aquatic Viruses with New Membranes
Author Information
Author(s): Budinoff Charles R, Loar Star N, LeCleir Gary R, Wilhelm Steven W, Buchan Alison
Primary Institution: Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
Hypothesis
Can 13 mm Anodisc membranes be effectively used for enumerating virus-like particles in aquatic samples?
Conclusion
The 13 mm Anodisc membranes are cost-effective and suitable for large-scale studies of virus-like particles in environmental samples.
Supporting Evidence
- The 13 mm Anodisc membranes provided comparable estimates of virus-like particle abundance to the 25 mm membranes.
- Using Nuclepore membranes typically resulted in lower virus-like particle counts.
- The modified protocol allows for high throughput filtration and is cost-effective.
Takeaway
This study shows that smaller filters can be used to count viruses in water, which saves money and uses less water.
Methodology
The study developed a protocol using 13 mm Anodisc membranes for counting virus-like particles, comparing results with 25 mm Anodisc and Nuclepore membranes.
Limitations
The lack of a support ring on the 13 mm membranes can complicate handling.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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