In a study conducted in New York State, how far were viruses found to travel in sandy soils?

The choice indicating that viruses have been found to travel 200 feet in sandy soils is based on research findings that highlight the capability of viruses to migrate through soil due to their size and the soil's texture. Sandy soils, characterized by larger particle sizes and more significant pore spaces than clay or loamy soils, can allow pathogens such as viruses to move more freely and over longer distances.

This distance is critical for health and environmental considerations, especially in areas relying on septic systems, as it shows how far a viral contamination could potentially impact groundwater sources or contribute to surface water contamination if not properly managed. Understanding the extent of such travel helps in developing guidelines and regulations to protect public health and ensure safe septic system installation practices.

The distances of 100 feet, 150 feet, and 250 feet may not correlate with the findings present in the mentioned study, thus reinforcing the selected distance of 200 feet as a significant benchmark for understanding viral migration in sandy soil environments.