The removal of viruses from wastewater or groundwater is a public health concern for land disposal of wastes. Hepatitis A virus (HM175), echovirus 1 (V239), poliovirus l (LSc) and coliphage MS-2 seeded into groundwater or primary effluent were dosed onto miniature soil columns (1 in. diameter x 4 in. deep) incubated at 5°C or 25°C 16 times over 8 weeks (1 in./dose). Few or no viruses were detected in Cecil clay column effluents for either suspending media or temperature (>99.98% reduction). Virus removal in Ponzer organic muck columns was not as efficient (30-98%). Virus removal was greater at 25°C than at 5°C and water quality did not influence removal. Hepatitis A virus and MS-2 were generally reduced less than the other viruses. Substantial amounts of all viruses were recovered from the soil columns after dosing ceased. Virus penetration into columns was greater in Ponzer than in Cecil soil. The substantial breakthrough of viruses in Ponzer column effluents indicates that soils rich in organic material may not be suitable for land application of wastewater in areas where the water table is shallow. The data also indicate MS-2 may be a good, conservative model for Hepatitis A virus and other enteroviruses.