Distribution of enteroviruses in sediments contiguous with a deep marine sewage outfall

The distribution of enteroviruses, coliforms, fecal coliforms and fecal streptococcus discharged from a raw sewage outfall pipe 3.6 km from shore at a depth of 44 m was studied. Enteroviruses and indicator bacteria were only isolated from water in an area within 200 m of the outfall. However, viruses were isolated from sediments as far as 3.6 km from the outfall at recreational bathing beaches. The concentration of enteroviruses in the sediment at the outfall boil ranged from 112 to 78 PFU l⁻¹ and 0 to 30 PFU l⁻¹ at the bathing beach. Indicator bacteria were not detected in the water or sediment at the bathing beach. Analysis of sediments for viruses may give a better idea of the long term distribution of sewage discharged from the outfall pipe.