With regards to microbial contaminants, xylem filters could provide >3-log removal of E. coli and MS-2 phage and >4-log of removal of rotavirus (based on tests conducted with filters made from ginkgo having 4 cm diameter and ~1 cm thickness operated under a 1.2 meter gravity head with General Test Water containing World Health Organization (WHO) prescribed concentrations of E. coli (>106 CFU/mL) and MS-2 phage (>105 PFU/mL) and National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)-prescribed concentrations of rotavirus (>104 PFU/mL)).
These filters can also handle physical contaminants like dust. The efficacy of these filters against chemical contaminants has not been evaluated yet.