Work

Inactivation of norovirus attached to brine-dispersed microplastics using ultraviolet-C LED irradiation based on a viability-indicating RT-qPCR assay

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Dongchimi is a representative type of water kimchi exposed to cross-contamination by microplastics (MPs) introduced from sea salt. The risk of pathogenic microbial cross-contamination from the microbial community on the surface of MPs (plastispheres) has gained particular attention. This study quantified the inactivation efficacy of UVC-LED irradiation on HuNoV attached to MPs. We conducted multivariate statistical analysis using response surface methodology based on the Box–Behnken design technique to model the correlations and optimized parameters of experimental variables, such as MP concentration, brine agitation, and UVC-LED dose. The optimal inactivation conditions were 300 RPM of agitation speed, MP concentration of 11.9%, and 30 mJ/cm 2 UVC-LED dose. Our model adequately fit the experimental data (R 2 =0.9782) and predicted a maximal inactivation value of 4.33 log 10 genomic copies under the optimized conditions. We found that the frequency and dose of UVC-LED exposure were key parameters that enhance its inactivation efficacy in brine treatment processes using sea salt. In conclusion, the UVC-LED disinfection approach proposed in this study offers valuable insights for designing optimal control strategies and technologies to prevent infectious diseases, particularly those associated with cross-contamination by HuNoV in MPs.

Source: LWT

DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2025.118434

Authors: Hyeyeon Song, Ji-Hyoung Ha

Institution: World Institute of Kimchi

Language: English

Topic: Microplastics and Plastic Pollution

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,240