ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to highlight and update available information and identify critical areas for further research pertaining to model systems for virus survival and transport in soils. Soil moisture also influences virus survival in soils, although there is somewhat conflicting information in the literature on the effects of the factor. Soil microbial activity and perhaps related chemical activity due to microbial enzymes and other chemicals appear to decrease virus survival in soils. The association of viruses with soil particles may either enhance or reduce their survival, depending on the chemical properties of the soil material. Soils vary considerably in their textural, chemical, and mineralogical properties, and hundreds of soil types have been classified and mapped in the US and elsewhere. The chapter shows that a variety of factors influence the survival and transport of viruses in soils. A major factor influencing virus survival is temperature, with generally increased survival at lower temperatures.
