Surveillance of Norovirus in Nationwide Groundwater Sources in South Korea: A Comprehensive Five-Year Study
Groundwater is an essential drinking water source for humans. However, improper groundwater management leads to fecal contamination and waterborne diseases caused by viral pathogens. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate norovirus (NoV) contamination by conducting nationwide monitoring over fiv...
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MDPI AG
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Viruses |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/16/12/1814 |
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| author | Jung Eun Lee Jihye Kim Jihyun Kang Kyung Seon Bae Eung-Roh Park Jeong-Ki Yoon |
| author_facet | Jung Eun Lee Jihye Kim Jihyun Kang Kyung Seon Bae Eung-Roh Park Jeong-Ki Yoon |
| author_sort | Jung Eun Lee |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Groundwater is an essential drinking water source for humans. However, improper groundwater management leads to fecal contamination and waterborne diseases caused by viral pathogens. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate norovirus (NoV) contamination by conducting nationwide monitoring over five years (2019–2023). Groundwater samples were analyzed for water quality parameters, indicator microorganisms, NoV prevalence, and viral genotypes. Water quality was assessed for temperature, turbidity, and residual chlorine, whereas microorganisms were analyzed for total coliforms, <i>Escherichia coli</i>, and NoV genotypes. Of the 600 sites, 11 (1.8%) were NoV-positive, irrespective of season or location. Low residual chlorine levels (0.02–0.75 mg/L) were observed, possibly limiting viral inactivation. Total coliforms were detected in only three NoV-positive samples, and <i>E. coli</i> was absent. NoV genotypes were identified as GI.1 and GII.4, with GII.4 being the most frequently detected genotype. The present study demonstrated that periodic monitoring and expanded nationwide efforts are required for effective groundwater management and public health protection. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-43e46601cc3e48849f0b07337ea0bd8b |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1999-4915 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-11-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Viruses |
| spelling | doaj-art-43e46601cc3e48849f0b07337ea0bd8b2025-08-20T02:01:19ZengMDPI AGViruses1999-49152024-11-011612181410.3390/v16121814Surveillance of Norovirus in Nationwide Groundwater Sources in South Korea: A Comprehensive Five-Year StudyJung Eun Lee0Jihye Kim1Jihyun Kang2Kyung Seon Bae3Eung-Roh Park4Jeong-Ki Yoon5Division of Water Supply and Sewerage Research, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon 22689, Republic of KoreaDivision of Water Supply and Sewerage Research, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon 22689, Republic of KoreaDivision of Water Supply and Sewerage Research, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon 22689, Republic of KoreaDivision of Water Supply and Sewerage Research, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon 22689, Republic of KoreaDivision of Water Supply and Sewerage Research, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon 22689, Republic of KoreaDivision of Water Supply and Sewerage Research, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon 22689, Republic of KoreaGroundwater is an essential drinking water source for humans. However, improper groundwater management leads to fecal contamination and waterborne diseases caused by viral pathogens. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate norovirus (NoV) contamination by conducting nationwide monitoring over five years (2019–2023). Groundwater samples were analyzed for water quality parameters, indicator microorganisms, NoV prevalence, and viral genotypes. Water quality was assessed for temperature, turbidity, and residual chlorine, whereas microorganisms were analyzed for total coliforms, <i>Escherichia coli</i>, and NoV genotypes. Of the 600 sites, 11 (1.8%) were NoV-positive, irrespective of season or location. Low residual chlorine levels (0.02–0.75 mg/L) were observed, possibly limiting viral inactivation. Total coliforms were detected in only three NoV-positive samples, and <i>E. coli</i> was absent. NoV genotypes were identified as GI.1 and GII.4, with GII.4 being the most frequently detected genotype. The present study demonstrated that periodic monitoring and expanded nationwide efforts are required for effective groundwater management and public health protection.https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/16/12/1814norovirusgroundwaternorovirus genotypewater quality |
| spellingShingle | Jung Eun Lee Jihye Kim Jihyun Kang Kyung Seon Bae Eung-Roh Park Jeong-Ki Yoon Surveillance of Norovirus in Nationwide Groundwater Sources in South Korea: A Comprehensive Five-Year Study Viruses norovirus groundwater norovirus genotype water quality |
| title | Surveillance of Norovirus in Nationwide Groundwater Sources in South Korea: A Comprehensive Five-Year Study |
| title_full | Surveillance of Norovirus in Nationwide Groundwater Sources in South Korea: A Comprehensive Five-Year Study |
| title_fullStr | Surveillance of Norovirus in Nationwide Groundwater Sources in South Korea: A Comprehensive Five-Year Study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Surveillance of Norovirus in Nationwide Groundwater Sources in South Korea: A Comprehensive Five-Year Study |
| title_short | Surveillance of Norovirus in Nationwide Groundwater Sources in South Korea: A Comprehensive Five-Year Study |
| title_sort | surveillance of norovirus in nationwide groundwater sources in south korea a comprehensive five year study |
| topic | norovirus groundwater norovirus genotype water quality |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/16/12/1814 |
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