Effect of Coliphage Entrapment on its Interaction with the Host Bacterium

Coliphage isolate CPS1 was entrapped in different gel matrices to simulate the entrapment of enteric viruses in natural biofilms. K-Carrageenan beads at 2% concentration allowed the release of phage particles enough to cause more decrease in the growth rate of the host bacterium. Alginate beads allowed a slower rate of release of phages. Sequential release in successive recycles of the phage-seeded beads still decreased effectively the growth rate of E. coli (13706). Addition of phage seeded beads into sewage water significantly decreased the estimates of faecal coliforms in the water sample.