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Chai X, Liu S, Liu C, Bai J, Meng J, Tian H, Han X, Han G, Xu X, Li Q. Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater by quantitative PCR and digital PCR: a case study in Shijiazhuang city, Hebei province, China. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2324502. [PMID: 38465692 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2324502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we reported the first long-term monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater in Mainland China from November 2021 to October 2023. The city of Shijiazhuang was employed for this case study. We developed a triple reverse transcription droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR) method using triple primer-probes for simultaneous detection of the N1 gene, E gene, and Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) to achieve accurate quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater. Both the RT-ddPCR method and the commercial multiplex reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method were implemented for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater in Shijiazhuang City over a 24-month period. Results showed that SARS-CoV-2 was detected for the first time in the wastewater of Shijiazhuang City on 10 November 2022. The peak of COVID-19 cases occurred in the middle of December 2022, when the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 in the wastewater was highest. The trend of virus concentration increases and decreases forming a "long-tailed" shape in the COVID-19 outbreak and recession cycle. The results indicated that both multiplex RT-ddPCR and RT-qPCR are effective in detecting SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, but RT-ddPCR is capable of detecting low concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater which is more efficient. The SARS-CoV-2 abundance in wastewater is correlated to clinical data, outlining the public health utility of this work.HighlightsFirst long-term monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater in Mainland ChinaCOVID-19 outbreak was tracked in Shijiazhuang City from outbreak to containmentWastewater was monitored simultaneously using RT-ddPCR and RT-qPCR methodsTriple primer-probe RT-ddPCR detects N1 and E genes of SARS-CoV-2 and PMMoV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoru Chai
- School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiyou Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Hebei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Liu
- Shijiazhuang Qiaodong Sewage Treatment Plant, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaxuan Bai
- School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Juntao Meng
- School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Tian
- School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Han
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Hebei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangyue Han
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Hebei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangdong Xu
- School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Hebei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
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Geissler M, Mayer R, Helm B, Dumke R. Food and Environmental Virology: Use of Passive Sampling to Characterize the Presence of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Viruses in Wastewater. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2024; 16:25-37. [PMID: 38117471 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-023-09572-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Fecal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 leads to a renaissance of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) as additional tool to follow epidemiological trends in the catchment of treatment plants. As alternative to the most commonly used composite samples in surveillance programs, passive sampling is increasingly studied. However, the many sorbent materials in different reports hamper the comparison of results and a standardization of the approach is necessary. Here, we compared different cost-effective sorption materials (cheesecloths, gauze swabs, electronegative filters, glass wool, and tampons) in torpedo-style housings with composite samples. Despite a remarkable variability of the concentration of SARS-CoV-2-specific gene copies, analysis of parallel-deposited passive samplers in the sewer demonstrated highest rate of positive samples and highest number of copies by using cheesecloths. Using this sorption material, monitoring of wastewater of three small catchments in the City of Dresden resulted in a rate of positive samples of 50% in comparison with composite samples (98%). During the investigation period, incidence of reported cases of SARS-CoV-2 in the catchments ranged between 16 and 170 per 100,000 persons and showed no correlation with the measured concentrations of E gene in wastewater. In contrast, constantly higher numbers of gene copies in passive vs. composite samples were found for human adenovirus and crAssphage indicating strong differences of efficacy of methods concerning the species investigated. Influenza virus A and B were sporadically detected allowing no comparison of results. The study contributes to the further understanding of possibilities and limits of passive sampling approaches in WBE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Geissler
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Robin Mayer
- Institute of Urban and Industrial Water Management, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Björn Helm
- Institute of Urban and Industrial Water Management, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Roger Dumke
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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Farkas K, Kevill JL, Adwan L, Garcia-Delgado A, Dzay R, Grimsley JMS, Lambert-Slosarska K, Wade MJ, Williams RC, Martin J, Drakesmith M, Song J, McClure V, Jones DL. Near-source passive sampling for monitoring viral outbreaks within a university residential setting. Epidemiol Infect 2024; 152:e31. [PMID: 38329110 PMCID: PMC10894896 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268824000190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has proven to be a powerful tool for the population-level monitoring of pathogens, particularly severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). For assessment, several wastewater sampling regimes and methods of viral concentration have been investigated, mainly targeting SARS-CoV-2. However, the use of passive samplers in near-source environments for a range of viruses in wastewater is still under-investigated. To address this, near-source passive samples were taken at four locations targeting student hall of residence. These were chosen as an exemplar due to their high population density and perceived risk of disease transmission. Viruses investigated were SARS-CoV-2 and its variants of concern (VOCs), influenza viruses, and enteroviruses. Sampling was conducted either in the morning, where passive samplers were in place overnight (17 h) and during the day, with exposure of 7 h. We demonstrated the usefulness of near-source passive sampling for the detection of VOCs using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Furthermore, several outbreaks of influenza A and sporadic outbreaks of enteroviruses (some associated with enterovirus D68 and coxsackieviruses) were identified among the resident student population, providing evidence of the usefulness of near-source, in-sewer sampling for monitoring the health of high population density communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kata Farkas
- School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Jessica L. Kevill
- School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Latifah Adwan
- School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | | | - Rande Dzay
- School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Jasmine M. S. Grimsley
- Data Analytics & Surveillance Group, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
- The London Data Company, London, UK
| | | | - Matthew J. Wade
- Data Analytics & Surveillance Group, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Rachel C. Williams
- School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Javier Martin
- Division of Vaccines, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Mark Drakesmith
- Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jiao Song
- Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Victoria McClure
- Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Davey L. Jones
- School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
- Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
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Farkas K, Pântea I, Woodhall N, Williams D, Lambert-Slosarska K, Williams RC, Grimsley JMS, Singer AC, Jones DL. Diurnal changes in pathogenic and indicator virus concentrations in wastewater. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:123785-123795. [PMID: 37989946 PMCID: PMC10746776 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30381-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has been commonly used for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks. As sampling times and methods (i.e. grab vs composite) may vary, diurnal changes of viral concentrations in sewage should be better understood. In this study, we collected untreated wastewater samples hourly for 4 days at two wastewater treatment plants in Wales to establish diurnal patterns in virus concentrations and the physico-chemical properties of the water. Simultaneously, we also trialled three absorbent materials as passive samples as a simple and cost-efficient alternative for the collection of composite samples. Ninety-six percent of all liquid samples (n = 74) and 88% of the passive samplers (n = 59) were positive for SARS-CoV-2, whereas 87% and 97% of the liquid and passive samples were positive for the faecal indicator virus crAssphage, respectively. We found no significant daily variations in the concentration of the target viruses, ammonium and orthophosphate, and the pH and electrical conductivity levels were also stable. Weak positive correlations were found between some physico-chemical properties and viral concentrations. More variation was observed in samples taken from the influent stream as opposed to those taken from the influent tank. Of the absorbent materials trialled as passive samples, we found that tampons provided higher viral recoveries than electronegative filter paper and cotton gauze swabs. For all materials tested, viral recovery was dependent on the virus type. Our results indicate that grab samples may provide representative alternatives to 24-h composite samples if taken from the influent tank, hence reducing the costs of sampling for WBE programmes. Tampons are also viable alternatives for cost-efficient sampling; however, viral recovery should be optimised prior to use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kata Farkas
- School of Environmental Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, Gwynedd, UK.
| | - Igor Pântea
- School of Environmental Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, Gwynedd, UK
| | - Nick Woodhall
- School of Environmental Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, Gwynedd, UK
| | - Denis Williams
- School of Environmental Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, Gwynedd, UK
| | | | - Rachel C Williams
- School of Environmental Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, Gwynedd, UK
| | - Jasmine M S Grimsley
- Data Analytics & Surveillance Division, UK Health Security Agency, 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4PU, UK
- The London Data Company, London, EC2N 2AT, UK
| | - Andrew C Singer
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Davey L Jones
- School of Environmental Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, Gwynedd, UK
- Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
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Do Nascimento J, Bichet M, Challant J, Loutreul J, Petinay S, Perrotte D, Roman V, Cauvin E, Robin M, Ladeiro MP, La Carbona S, Blin JL, Gantzer C, Geffard A, Bertrand I, Boudaud N. Toward better monitoring of human noroviruses and F-specific RNA bacteriophages in aquatic environments using bivalve mollusks and passive samplers: A case study. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 243:120357. [PMID: 37549447 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring pathogenic enteric viruses in continental and marine water bodies is essential to control the viral contamination of human populations. Human Noroviruses (NoV) are the main enteric viruses present in surface waters and foodstuff. In a context of global change, it is currently a challenge to improve the management of viral pollutions in aquatic environments and thereby limit the contamination of vulnerable water bodies or foodstuffs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of specific accumulation systems for improving the detection of NoV in water bodies, compared to direct water analyses. Passive samplers (Zetapor filters) and three species of bivalve molluscan shellfish (BMS) (Dreissena polymorpha, Mytilus edulis and Crassostreas gigas) were used as accumulation systems to determine their performance in monitoring continental and marine waters for viruses. F-specific RNA bacteriophages (FRNAPH) were also analyzed since they are described as indicators of NoV hazard in many studies. During a one-year study in a specific area frequently affected by fecal pollution, twelve campaigns of exposure of passive samplers and BMS in continental and coastal waters were conducted. Using suitable methods, NoV (genome) and FRNAPH (infectious and genome) were detected in these accumulation systems and in water at the same time points to determine the frequency of detection but also to gain a better understanding of viral pollution in this area. The reliability of FRNAPH as a NoV indicator was also investigated. Our results clearly showed that BMS were significantly better than passive samplers and direct water analyses for monitoring NoV and FRNAPH contamination in water bodies. A dilution of viral pollution between the continental and the coastal area was observed and can be explained by the distance from the source of the pollution. Viral pollution is clearly greater during the winter period, and stakeholders should take this into consideration in their attempts to limit the contamination of food and water. A significant correlation was once again shown between NoV and FRNAPH genomes in BMS, confirming the reliability of FRNAPH as a NoV indicator. Moreover, a strong correlation was observed between NoV genomes and infectious FRNAPH, suggesting recent viral pollution since infectious particles had not been inactivated at sufficient levels in the environment. More generally, this study shows the value of using BMS as an active method for improving knowledge on the behavior of viral contamination in water bodies, the ranking of the contamination sources, and the vulnerability of downstream water bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Do Nascimento
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, UMR-I 02 SEBIO, F-51687 Reims, France
| | - Marion Bichet
- Actalia, Food Safety Department, F-50000 Saint-Lô, France; LCPME, UMR 7564, CNRS, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Julie Challant
- LCPME, UMR 7564, CNRS, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Julie Loutreul
- Actalia, Food Safety Department, F-50000 Saint-Lô, France
| | | | | | - Véronica Roman
- LCPME, UMR 7564, CNRS, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Elodie Cauvin
- LABEO Manche, Virology Department, F-50000 Saint-Lô, France
| | - Maëlle Robin
- Actalia, Food Safety Department, F-50000 Saint-Lô, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Alain Geffard
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, UMR-I 02 SEBIO, F-51687 Reims, France
| | - Isabelle Bertrand
- LCPME, UMR 7564, CNRS, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France
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Redden DJ, Stanhope T, Anderson LE, Campbell J, Krkošek WH, Gagnon GA. An innovative passive sampling approach for the detection of cyanobacterial gene targets in freshwater sources. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 892:164593. [PMID: 37268123 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Cyanotoxins pose significant human health risks, but traditional monitoring approaches can be expensive, time consuming, and require analytical equipment or expertise that may not be readily available. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is becoming an increasingly common monitoring strategy as detection of the genes responsible for cyanotoxin synthesis can be used as an early warning signal. Here we tested passive sampling of cyanobacterial DNA as an alternative to grab sampling in a freshwater drinking supply lake with a known history of microcystin-LR. DNA extracted from grab and passive samples was analyzed via a multiplex qPCR assay that included gene targets for four common cyanotoxins. Passive samples captured similar trends in total cyanobacteria and the mcyE/ndaF gene responsible for microcystin production when compared to traditional grab samples. Passive samples also detected genes associated with the production of cylindrospermopsin and saxitoxin that were not detected in grab samples. This sampling approach proved a viable alternative to grab sampling when used as an early warning monitoring tool. In addition to the logistical benefits of passive sampling, the detection of gene targets not detected by grab samples indicates that passive sampling may allow for a more complete profile of potential cyanotoxin risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Redden
- Centre for Water Resources Studies, Faculty of Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | - Toni Stanhope
- Centre for Water Resources Studies, Faculty of Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Lindsay E Anderson
- Centre for Water Resources Studies, Faculty of Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Jessica Campbell
- Halifax Water, 450 Cowie Hill Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3P 2V3
| | - Wendy H Krkošek
- Halifax Water, 450 Cowie Hill Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3P 2V3
| | - Graham A Gagnon
- Centre for Water Resources Studies, Faculty of Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Pico-Tomàs A, Mejías-Molina C, Zammit I, Rusiñol M, Bofill-Mas S, Borrego CM, Corominas L. Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in sewage from buildings housing residents with different vulnerability levels. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 872:162116. [PMID: 36773920 PMCID: PMC9911146 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
During the last three years, various restrictions have been set up to limit the transmission of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). While these rules apply at a large scale (e.g., country-wide level) human-to-human transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), occurs at a small scale. Different preventive policies and testing protocols were implemented in buildings where COVID-19 poses a threat (e.g., elderly residences) or constitutes a disruptive force (e.g., schools). In this study, we sampled sewage from different buildings (a school, a university campus, a university residence, and an elderly residence) that host residents of different levels of vulnerability. Our main goal was to assess the agreement between the SARS-CoV-2 concentration in wastewater and the policies applied in these buildings. All buildings were sampled using passive samplers while 24 h composite samples were also collected from the elderly residence. Results showed that passive samplers performed comparably well to composite samples while being cost-effective to keep track of COVID-19 prevalence. In the elderly residence, the comparison of sampling protocols (passive vs. active) combined with the strict clinical testing allowed us to compare the sensitivities of the two methods. Active sampling was more sensitive than passive sampling, as the former was able to detect a COVID-19 prevalence of 0.4 %, compared to a prevalence of 2.2 % for passive sampling. The number of COVID-19-positive individuals was tracked clinically in all the monitored buildings. More frequent detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater was observed in residential buildings than in non-residential buildings using passive samplers. In all buildings, sewage surveillance can be used to complement COVID-19 clinical testing regimes, as the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater remained positive even when no COVID-19-positive individuals were reported. Passive sampling is useful for building managers to adapt their COVID-19 mitigation policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pico-Tomàs
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain; University of Girona, Plaça de Sant Domènec 3, 17004 Girona, Spain
| | - Cristina Mejías-Molina
- Laboratory of Viruses Contaminants of Water and Food, Genetics, Microbiology & Statistics Dept., Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; The Water Research Institute (IdRA), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ian Zammit
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain; University of Girona, Plaça de Sant Domènec 3, 17004 Girona, Spain
| | - Marta Rusiñol
- Laboratory of Viruses Contaminants of Water and Food, Genetics, Microbiology & Statistics Dept., Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; The Water Research Institute (IdRA), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sílvia Bofill-Mas
- Laboratory of Viruses Contaminants of Water and Food, Genetics, Microbiology & Statistics Dept., Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; The Water Research Institute (IdRA), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Carles M Borrego
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain; Group of Molecular Microbial Ecology, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, Girona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Lluís Corominas
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain; University of Girona, Plaça de Sant Domènec 3, 17004 Girona, Spain.
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Hayes EK, Stoddart AK, Gagnon GA. Adsorption of SARS-CoV-2 onto granular activated carbon (GAC) in wastewater: Implications for improvements in passive sampling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 847:157548. [PMID: 35882338 PMCID: PMC9308143 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Based on recent studies, passive sampling is a promising method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater surveillance (WWS) applications. Passive sampling has many advantages over conventional sampling approaches. However, the potential benefits of passive sampling are also coupled with apparent limitations. We established a passive sampling technique for detecting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in wastewater using electronegative filters. Though, it was evident that the adsorption capacity of the filters constrained their use. This work intends to demonstrate an optimized passive sampling technique for SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater using granular activated carbon (GAC). Through bench-scale batch-adsorption studies and sewershed deployments, we established the adsorption characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and two human feacal viruses (PMMoV and CrAssphage) onto GAC. A pseudo-second-order model best-described adsorption kinetics for SARS-CoV-2 in either deionized (DI) water and SARS-CoV-2, CrAssphage, and PMMoV in wastewater. In both laboratory batch-adsorption experiments and in-situ sewershed deployments, the maximum amount of SARS-CoV-2 adsorbed by GAC occurred at ~60 h in wastewater. In wastewater, the maximum adsorption of PMMoV and CrAssphage by GAC occurred at ~60 h. In contrast, the adsorption capacity was reached in DI water seeded with SARS-CoV-2 after ~35 h. The equilibrium assay modeled the maximum adsorption quantity (qmax) in wastewater with spiked SARS-CoV-2 concentrations using a Hybrid Langmuir-Freundlich equation, a qmax of 2.5 × 109 GU/g was calculated. In paired sewershed deployments, it was found that GAC adsorbs SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater more effectively than electronegative filters. Based on the anticipated viral loading in wastewater, bi-weekly sampling intervals with deployments up to ~96 h are highly feasible without reaching adsorption capacity with GAC. GAC offers improved sensitivity and reproducibility to capture SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater, promoting a scalable and convenient alternative for capturing viral pathogens in wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emalie K Hayes
- Centre for Water Resources Studies, Department of Civil & Resource Engineering, Dalhousie University, 1360 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Amina K Stoddart
- Centre for Water Resources Studies, Department of Civil & Resource Engineering, Dalhousie University, 1360 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Graham A Gagnon
- Centre for Water Resources Studies, Department of Civil & Resource Engineering, Dalhousie University, 1360 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada.
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