1
|
Balakrishnan A, Jacob MM, Senthil Kumar P, Kapoor A, Ponnuchamy M, Sivaraman P, Sillanpää M. Strategies for safe management of hospital wastewater during the COVID-19 pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : IJEST 2023; 20:1-16. [PMID: 36817164 PMCID: PMC9925218 DOI: 10.1007/s13762-023-04803-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Management of hospital wastewater is a challenging task, particularly during the situations like coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The hospital effluent streams are likely to contain many known and unknown contaminants including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) along with a variety of pollutants arising from pharmaceuticals, life-style chemicals, drugs, radioactive species, and human excreta from the patients. The effluents are a mixed bag of contaminants with some of them capable of infecting through contact. Hence, it is essential to identify appropriate treatment strategies for hospital waste streams. In this work, various pollutants emerging in the context of COVID-19 are examined. A methodical review is conducted on the occurrence and disinfection methods of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. An emphasis is given to the necessity of addressing the challenges of handling hospital effluents dynamically involved during the pandemic scenario to ensure human and environmental safety. A comparative evaluation of disinfection strategies makes it evident that the non-contact methods like ultraviolet irradiation, hydrogen peroxide vapor, and preventive approaches such as the usage of antimicrobial surface coating offer promise in reducing the chance of disease transmission. These methods are also highly efficient in comparison with other strategies. Chemical disinfection strategies such as chlorination may lead to further disinfection byproducts, complicating the treatment processes. An overall analysis of various disinfection methods is presented here, including developing methods such as membrane technologies, highlighting the merits and demerits of each of these processes. Finally, the wastewater surveillance adopted during the COVID-19 outbreak is discussed. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13762-023-04803-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. Balakrishnan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, Odisha 769008 India
| | - M. M. Jacob
- Department of Chemical Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203 India
| | - P. Senthil Kumar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Chennai 603203 India
- Centre of Excellence in Water Research (CEWAR), Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Chennai 603203 India
- School of Engineering, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413 India
| | - A. Kapoor
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208002 India
| | - M. Ponnuchamy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203 India
| | - P. Sivaraman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203 India
| | - M. Sillanpää
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451 Saudi Arabia
- School of Resources and Environment, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), NO. 2006, Xiyuan Ave., West High-Tech Zone, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731 People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alahdal HM, Ameen F, AlYahya S, Sonbol H, Khan A, Alsofayan Y, Alahmari A. Municipal wastewater viral pollution in Saudi Arabia: effect of hot climate on COVID-19 disease spreading. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:25050-25057. [PMID: 34138435 PMCID: PMC8210523 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14809-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The viral RNA of SARS-Coronavirus-2 is known to be contaminating municipal wastewater. We aimed to assess if COVID-19 disease is spreading through wastewater. We studied the amount of viral RNA in raw sewage and the efficiency of the sewage treatment to remove the virus. Sewage water was collected before and after the activated sludge process three times during summer 2020 from three different sewage treatment plants. The sewage treatment was efficient in removing SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA. Each sewage treatment plant gathered wastewater from one hospital, of which COVID-19 admissions were used to describe the level of disease occurrence in the area. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA-specific target genes (N1, N2, and E) was confirmed using RT-qPCR analysis. However, hospital admission did not correlate significantly with viral RNA. Moreover, viral RNA loads were relatively low, suggesting that sewage might preserve viral RNA in a hot climate only for a short time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hadil M Alahdal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fuad Ameen
- Department of Botany & Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sami AlYahya
- National Center for Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hana Sonbol
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anas Khan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Global Center for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 11461, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yousef Alsofayan
- Global Center for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 11461, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Alahmari
- Global Center for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 11461, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Qamsari EM, Mohammadi P. Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 RNA Presence in Treated and Untreated Hospital Sewage. WATER, AIR, AND SOIL POLLUTION 2023; 234:273. [PMID: 37073306 PMCID: PMC10090750 DOI: 10.1007/s11270-023-06273-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a potential approach for determining the viral prevalence in a community. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have begun to pay close attention to the presence of SARS-COV-2 RNA in various wastewaters. The potential for detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in hospital sewage could make it an invaluable resource for epidemiological studies. In this regard, two specialized hospitals dedicated to COVID-19 patients were chosen for this investigation. Both hospitals utilize the same wastewater treatment systems. The influent and effluents of the two hospitals were sampled in May and June of 2021, and the samples were evaluated for their chemical properties. According to the findings of this study, the wastewater qualities of the two studied hospitals were within the standard ranges. The sewage samples were concentrated using ultrafiltration and PEG precipitation techniques. The E and S genes were studied with RT-qPCR commercial kits. We found E gene of SARS-CoV-2 in 83.3% (5/6) and 66.6% (4/6) of wastewater samples from hospital 1 and hospital 2, respectively, using ultrafiltration concentration method. Wastewater samples taken after chlorine treatment accounted for 16.6% of all positive results. In addition, due to the small sample size, there was no significant correlation (p > 0.05) between the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and the number of COVID-19 cases. Hospitals may be a source of SARS-CoV-2 pollution, thus it is important to monitor and enhance wastewater treatment systems to prevent the spread of the virus and safeguard the surrounding environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elahe Mobarak Qamsari
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parisa Mohammadi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hegazy N, Cowan A, D'Aoust PM, Mercier É, Towhid ST, Jia JJ, Wan S, Zhang Z, Kabir MP, Fang W, Graber TE, MacKenzie AE, Guilherme S, Delatolla R. Understanding the dynamic relation between wastewater SARS-CoV-2 signal and clinical metrics throughout the pandemic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 853:158458. [PMID: 36075428 PMCID: PMC9444583 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater surveillance (WWS) of SARS-CoV-2 was proven to be a reliable and complementary tool for population-wide monitoring of COVID-19 disease incidence but was not as rigorously explored as an indicator for disease burden throughout the pandemic. Prior to global mass immunization campaigns and during the spread of the wildtype COVID-19 and the Alpha variant of concern (VOC), viral measurement of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater was a leading indicator for both COVID-19 incidence and disease burden in communities. As the two-dose vaccination rates escalated during the spread of the Delta VOC in Jul. 2021 through Dec. 2021, relations weakened between wastewater signal and community COVID-19 disease incidence and maintained a strong relationship with clinical metrics indicative of disease burden (new hospital admissions, ICU admissions, and deaths). Further, with the onset of the vaccine-resistant Omicron BA.1 VOC in Dec. 2021 through Mar. 2022, wastewater again became a strong indicator of both disease incidence and burden during a period of limited natural immunization (no recent infection), vaccine escape, and waned vaccine effectiveness. Lastly, with the populations regaining enhanced natural and vaccination immunization shortly prior to the onset of the Omicron BA.2 VOC in mid-Mar 2022, wastewater is shown to be a strong indicator for both disease incidence and burden. Hospitalization-to-wastewater ratio is further shown to be a good indicator of VOC virulence when widespread clinical testing is limited. In the future, WWS is expected to show moderate indication of incidence and strong indication of disease burden in the community during future potential seasonal vaccination campaigns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nada Hegazy
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aaron Cowan
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick M D'Aoust
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Élisabeth Mercier
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Jian-Jun Jia
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shen Wan
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zhihao Zhang
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Md Pervez Kabir
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wanting Fang
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tyson E Graber
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alex E MacKenzie
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Guilherme
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert Delatolla
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Castro GB, Bernegossi AC, Sousa BJDO, De Lima E Silva MR, Silva FRD, Freitas BLS, Ogura AP, Corbi JJ. Global occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in environmental aquatic matrices and its implications for sanitation and vulnerabilities in Brazil and developing countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:2160-2199. [PMID: 34310248 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2021.1949437] [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: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This paper includes a systematic review of the SARS-CoV-2 occurrence in environmental aquatic matrices and a critical sanitation analysis. We discussed the interconnection of sanitation services (wastewater, water supply, solid waste, and stormwater drainage) functioning as an important network for controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in waters. We collected 98 studies containing data of the SARS-CoV-2 occurrence in aquatic matrices around the world, of which 40% were from developing countries. Alongside a significant number of people infected by the virus, developing countries face socioeconomic deficiencies and insufficient public investment in infrastructure. Therefore, our study focused on highlighting solutions to provide sanitation in developing countries, considering the virus control in waters by disinfection techniques and sanitary measures, including alternatives for the vulnerable communities. The need for multilateral efforts to improve the universal coverage of sanitation services demands urgent attention in a pandemic scenario.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gleyson B Castro
- Department of Hydraulic and Sanitation, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Aline C Bernegossi
- Department of Hydraulic and Sanitation, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruno José de O Sousa
- Department of Hydraulic and Sanitation, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Fernando R Da Silva
- Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Luíza S Freitas
- Department of Hydraulic and Sanitation, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Allan P Ogura
- Department of Hydraulic and Sanitation, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
- PPG-SEA and CRHEA/SHS, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliano J Corbi
- Department of Hydraulic and Sanitation, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Amahmid O, El Guamri Y, Rakibi Y, Ouizat S, Yazidi M, Razoki B, Kaid Rassou K, Asmama S, Bouhoum K, Belghyti D. Occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in excreta, sewage, and environment: epidemiological significance and potential risks. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:1686-1706. [PMID: 33752527 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2021.1901865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in patients' excreta raises the issue of its occurrence and fate in sewage. This review has focused on the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 in human excreta, wastewater, sewage sludge, and river waters. It explored the potential use of the wastewater-based epidemiology approach to report on the situation of current and eventual future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks. The main concern of the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in the environment is the public health risks at sites of sewage products disposal and reuse, especially in low-income countries with inadequate sanitation, where direct discharge and reuse of raw sewage are common practices. The review also addressed the role sewage-irrigated agriculture can have in SARS-CoV-2 spread in the environmental compartments reached through sewage products application. An overview was made on the interest of sewage management, water safety, and hygienic practices for controlling the environmental dissemination of SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omar Amahmid
- Department of Life and Earth Sciences, (Biology/geology Research Units), Regional Centre for Careers of Education and Training CRMEF Marrakech-Safi, Marrakesh, Morocco
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climatic Change, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad Univesity, Marrakesh, Morocco
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, University Ibn Tofail, Kenitra, Morocco
| | - Youssef El Guamri
- Department of Life and Earth Sciences, (Biology/geology Research Units), Regional Centre for Careers of Education and Training CRMEF Marrakech-Safi, Marrakesh, Morocco
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, University Ibn Tofail, Kenitra, Morocco
| | - Youness Rakibi
- Department of Life and Earth Sciences, (Biology/geology Research Units), Regional Centre for Careers of Education and Training CRMEF Marrakech-Safi, Marrakesh, Morocco
- Engineering Laboratory of Organometallic, Molecular Materials and Environment (LIMOME), Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco
| | - Saadia Ouizat
- Chemistry and Didactics Unit, Regional Centre for Careers of Education and Training CRMEF Marrakech-Safi, Marrakesh, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Yazidi
- Department of Life and Earth Sciences, (Biology/geology Research Units), Regional Centre for Careers of Education and Training CRMEF Marrakech-Safi, Marrakesh, Morocco
| | - Bouchra Razoki
- Department of Life and Earth Sciences, (Biology/geology Research Units), Regional Centre for Careers of Education and Training CRMEF Marrakech-Safi, Marrakesh, Morocco
| | - Khadija Kaid Rassou
- Department of Life and Earth Sciences, (Biology/geology Research Units), Regional Centre for Careers of Education and Training CRMEF Marrakech-Safi, Marrakesh, Morocco
| | - Souad Asmama
- Laboratory of Biomedical Analysis, University Hospital Centre Mohammad VI, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Khadija Bouhoum
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climatic Change, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad Univesity, Marrakesh, Morocco
| | - Driss Belghyti
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, University Ibn Tofail, Kenitra, Morocco
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Otero MCB, Murao LAE, Limen MAG, Caalim DRA, Gaite PLA, Bacus MG, Acaso JT, Miguel RM, Corazo K, Knot IE, Sajonia H, de los Reyes FL, Jaraula CMB, Baja ES, Del Mundo DMN. Multifaceted Assessment of Wastewater-Based Epidemiology for SARS-CoV-2 in Selected Urban Communities in Davao City, Philippines: A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:8789. [PMID: 35886640 PMCID: PMC9324557 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Over 60 countries have integrated wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) in their COVID-19 surveillance programs, focusing on wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). In this paper, we piloted the assessment of SARS-CoV-2 WBE as a complementary public health surveillance method in susceptible communities in a highly urbanized city without WWTP in the Philippines by exploring the extraction and detection methods, evaluating the contribution of physico-chemical-anthropogenic factors, and attempting whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Weekly wastewater samples were collected from sewer pipes or creeks in six communities with moderate-to-high risk of COVID-19 transmission, as categorized by the City Government of Davao from November to December 2020. Physico-chemical properties of the wastewater and anthropogenic conditions of the sites were noted. Samples were concentrated using a PEG-NaCl precipitation method and analyzed by RT-PCR to detect the SARS-CoV-2 N, RdRP, and E genes. A subset of nine samples were subjected to WGS using the Minion sequencing platform. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in twenty-two samples (91.7%) regardless of the presence of new cases. Cycle threshold values correlated with RNA concentration and attack rate. The lack of a sewershed map in the sampled areas highlights the need to integrate this in the WBE planning. A combined analysis of wastewater physico-chemical parameters such as flow rate, surface water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and total dissolved solids provided insights on the ideal sampling location, time, and method for WBE, and their impact on RNA recovery. The contribution of fecal matter in the wastewater may also be assessed through the coliform count and in the context of anthropogenic conditions in the area. Finally, our attempt on WGS detected single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in wastewater which included clinically reported and newly identified mutations in the Philippines. This exploratory report provides a contextualized framework for applying WBE surveillance in low-sanitation areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Catherine B. Otero
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Ermita, Manila 1000, Philippines; (M.C.B.O.); (E.S.B.)
- College of Medicine Research Center, Davao Medical School Foundation, Inc., Bajada, Davao City 8000, Philippines
| | - Lyre Anni E. Murao
- Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Mintal, Davao City 8000, Philippines; (L.A.E.M.); (D.R.A.C.); (J.T.A.); (R.M.M.)
- Philippine Genome Center Mindanao, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Mintal, Davao City 8000, Philippines; (P.L.A.G.); (M.G.B.)
| | - Mary Antoinette G. Limen
- Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines; (M.A.G.L.); (C.M.B.J.)
| | - Daniel Rev A. Caalim
- Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Mintal, Davao City 8000, Philippines; (L.A.E.M.); (D.R.A.C.); (J.T.A.); (R.M.M.)
| | - Paul Lorenzo A. Gaite
- Philippine Genome Center Mindanao, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Mintal, Davao City 8000, Philippines; (P.L.A.G.); (M.G.B.)
| | - Michael G. Bacus
- Philippine Genome Center Mindanao, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Mintal, Davao City 8000, Philippines; (P.L.A.G.); (M.G.B.)
| | - Joan T. Acaso
- Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Mintal, Davao City 8000, Philippines; (L.A.E.M.); (D.R.A.C.); (J.T.A.); (R.M.M.)
- Philippine Genome Center Mindanao, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Mintal, Davao City 8000, Philippines; (P.L.A.G.); (M.G.B.)
| | - Refeim M. Miguel
- Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Mintal, Davao City 8000, Philippines; (L.A.E.M.); (D.R.A.C.); (J.T.A.); (R.M.M.)
| | - Kahlil Corazo
- Project Accessible Genomics; (K.C.); (I.E.K.); (H.S.II)
- Biology Department, Ateneo de Davao University, Roxas Avenue, Davao City 8000, Philippines
| | - Ineke E. Knot
- Project Accessible Genomics; (K.C.); (I.E.K.); (H.S.II)
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Homer Sajonia
- Project Accessible Genomics; (K.C.); (I.E.K.); (H.S.II)
| | - Francis L. de los Reyes
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27207, USA;
| | - Caroline Marie B. Jaraula
- Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines; (M.A.G.L.); (C.M.B.J.)
| | - Emmanuel S. Baja
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Ermita, Manila 1000, Philippines; (M.C.B.O.); (E.S.B.)
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Ermita, Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Dann Marie N. Del Mundo
- Department of Food Science and Chemistry, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Mintal, Davao City 8000, Philippines
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Islam G, Gedge A, Lara-Jacobo L, Kirkwood A, Simmons D, Desaulniers JP. Pasteurization, storage conditions and viral concentration methods influence RT-qPCR detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 821:153228. [PMID: 35090920 PMCID: PMC8788100 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic presents many public health challenges including the tracking of infected individuals from local to regional scales. Wastewater surveillance of viral RNA has emerged as a complementary approach to track and monitor the presence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus in a variety of communities of different land use and population size. In the present study, we investigate how five different parameters (pasteurization, storage temperature, storage time, polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentration, and pellet mass) affect the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 N gene and fecal abundance indicator pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) gene. Pre-treatment of 24-h composite wastewater samples (n = 14) by pasteurization at 60 °C resulted in a significant reduction of total RNA concentration and copies of the SARS-CoV-2 N gene copies/L (paired Student's t-test, P < 0.05). Comparing the wastewater samples collected from 6 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) for a storage period of 7 and 14 days at 4 °C, -20 °C and -80 °C, demonstrated a decrease in SARS-CoV-2 N gene copies/L when samples were stored for 14 days at -20 °C. Polyethylene glycol-NaCl for purification and concentration of viral particles from the wastewater samples demonstrated that a short PEG incubation of 2 h during centrifugation at 4 °C was sufficient for the consistent detection of the SARS-CoV-2 N gene from a 30 mL sample volume. Combined, this paper presents method recommendations for developing a reliable, accurate, sensitive, and reproducible estimation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in diverse domestic wastewater samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Golam Islam
- Faculty of Science, Ontario Tech University, 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5, Canada.
| | - Ashley Gedge
- Faculty of Science, Ontario Tech University, 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5, Canada
| | - Linda Lara-Jacobo
- Faculty of Science, Ontario Tech University, 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5, Canada
| | - Andrea Kirkwood
- Faculty of Science, Ontario Tech University, 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5, Canada
| | - Denina Simmons
- Faculty of Science, Ontario Tech University, 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5, Canada
| | - Jean-Paul Desaulniers
- Faculty of Science, Ontario Tech University, 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Toledo DM, Robbins AA, Gallagher TL, Hershberger KC, Barney RE, Salmela SM, Pilcher D, Cervinski MA, Nerenz RD, Szczepiorkowski ZM, Tsongalis GJ, Lefferts JA, Martin IW, Hubbard JA. Wastewater-Based SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance in Northern New England. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0220721. [PMID: 35412387 PMCID: PMC9045146 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02207-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA is shed in the stool of 55-70% of infected individuals and can be detected in community wastewater up to 7 days before people present with COVID-19 symptoms. The detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater may serve as a lead indicator of increased community transmission. Here, we monitored viral concentrations in samples collected from nine municipal wastewater facilities in New Hampshire (NH) and Vermont (VT).Twenty-four-h composite primary influent wastewater samples were collected from nine municipal wastewater treatment facilities twice per week for 5 months (late September 2020 to early February 2021). Wastewater was centrifuged for 30 min at 4600 × g, then the supernatant was frozen until further analysis. Once thawed, samples were concentrated, extracted, and tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA using reverse transcriptase-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and reverse transcriptase-droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR) detection methods. Active case counts for each municipality were tracked from the NH and VT state COVID-19 dashboards. We received a total of 283 wastewater samples from all sites during the study period. Viral RNA was detected in 175/283 (61.8%) samples using RT-qPCR and in 195/283 (68.9%) samples using RT-ddPCR. All nine sites showed positivity in the wastewater, with 8/9 (88.8%) sites having over 50% of their samples test positive over the course of the study. Larger municipalities, such as Nashua, Concord, and Lebanon, NH, showed that SARS-CoV-2 positivity in the wastewater can precede spikes in active COVID-19 case counts by as much as 7 days. Smaller municipalities, such as Woodsville, NH and Hartford, VT, showed sporadic SARS-COV-2 detection and did not always precede a rise in active case counts. We detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in samples from all 9 municipalities tested, including cities and small towns within this region, and showed wastewater positivity as an early indicator of active case count increases in some regions. Some of the smaller rural municipalities with low case counts may require more frequent sampling to detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater before a case surge. With timely collection and analysis of wastewater samples, a community could potentially respond to results by increasing public health initiatives, such as tightening mask mandates and banning large indoor gatherings, to mitigate community transmission of SARS-CoV-2. IMPORTANCE Despite vaccination efforts, the delta and omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 have caused global surges of COVID-19. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is important to find new ways of tracking early signs of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks. The manuscript outlines how to collect wastewater from treatment facilities, concentrate the virus in a dilute wastewater sample, and detect it using two sensitive PCR-based methods. It also describes important trends in SARS-CoV-2 concentration in wastewater of a rural region of the United States from Fall 2020 - Winter 2021 and demonstrates the utility of wastewater monitoring as a leading indicator of active SARS-CoV-2 cases. Monitoring changes in concentration of SARS-CoV-2 virus in wastewater may offer an early indicator of increased case counts and enable appropriate public health actions to be taken.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana M. Toledo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
- The Broad Institute at MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ashlee A. Robbins
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Torrey L. Gallagher
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Kenneth Chase Hershberger
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Rachael E. Barney
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Sabrina M. Salmela
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Davey Pilcher
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Mark A. Cervinski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Robert D. Nerenz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Zbigniew M. Szczepiorkowski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Gregory J. Tsongalis
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Joel A. Lefferts
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Isabella W. Martin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Jacqueline A. Hubbard
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Xiao A, Wu F, Bushman M, Zhang J, Imakaev M, Chai PR, Duvallet C, Endo N, Erickson TB, Armas F, Arnold B, Chen H, Chandra F, Ghaeli N, Gu X, Hanage WP, Lee WL, Matus M, McElroy KA, Moniz K, Rhode SF, Thompson J, Alm EJ. Metrics to relate COVID-19 wastewater data to clinical testing dynamics. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 212:118070. [PMID: 35101695 PMCID: PMC8758950 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater surveillance has emerged as a useful tool in the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While wastewater surveillance has been applied at various scales to monitor population-level COVID-19 dynamics, there is a need for quantitative metrics to interpret wastewater data in the context of public health trends. 24-hour composite wastewater samples were collected from March 2020 through May 2021 from a Massachusetts wastewater treatment plant and SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations were measured using RT-qPCR. The relationship between wastewater copy numbers of SARS-CoV-2 gene fragments and COVID-19 clinical cases and deaths varies over time. We demonstrate the utility of three new metrics to monitor changes in COVID-19 epidemiology: (1) the ratio between wastewater copy numbers of SARS-CoV-2 gene fragments and clinical cases (WC ratio), (2) the time lag between wastewater and clinical reporting, and (3) a transfer function between the wastewater and clinical case curves. The WC ratio increases after key events, providing insight into the balance between disease spread and public health response. Time lag and transfer function analysis showed that wastewater data preceded clinically reported cases in the first wave of the pandemic but did not serve as a leading indicator in the second wave, likely due to increased testing capacity, which allows for more timely case detection and reporting. These three metrics could help further integrate wastewater surveillance into the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic and future pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Xiao
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology USA; Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology USA
| | - Fuqing Wu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology USA; Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology USA
| | - Mary Bushman
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University USA
| | - Jianbo Zhang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology USA; Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology USA
| | | | - Peter R Chai
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School USA; The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA USA; The Koch Institute for Integrated Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology USA; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute USA
| | | | | | - Timothy B Erickson
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School USA; Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Harvard University USA
| | - Federica Armas
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore; Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
| | - Brian Arnold
- Department of Computer Science, Princeton University USA; Center for Statistics and Machine Learning, Princeton University USA
| | - Hongjie Chen
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore; Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
| | - Franciscus Chandra
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore; Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
| | | | - Xiaoqiong Gu
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore; Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
| | - William P Hanage
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University USA
| | - Wei Lin Lee
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore; Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
| | | | | | - Katya Moniz
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology USA; Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology USA
| | | | - Janelle Thompson
- Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore; Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Eric J Alm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology USA; Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology USA; Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore; Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gwenzi W. Wastewater, waste, and water-based epidemiology (WWW-BE): A novel hypothesis and decision-support tool to unravel COVID-19 in low-income settings? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150680. [PMID: 34599955 PMCID: PMC8481624 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Traditional wastewater-based epidemiology (W-BE) relying on SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in wastewater is attractive for understanding COVID-19. Yet traditional W-BE based on centralized wastewaters excludes putative SARS-CoV-2 reservoirs such as: (i) wastewaters from shared on-site sanitation facilities, (ii) solid waste including faecal sludge from non-flushing on-site sanitation systems, and COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE), (iii) raw/untreated water, and (iv) drinking water supply systems in low-income countries (LICs). A novel hypothesis and decision-support tool based on Wastewater (on-site sanitation, municipal sewer systems), solid Waste, and raw/untreated and drinking Water-based epidemiology (WWW-BE) is proposed for understanding COVID-19 in LICs. The WWW-BE conceptual framework, including components and principles is presented. Evidence on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and its proxies in wastewaters, solid materials/waste (papers, metals, fabric, plastics), and raw/untreated surface water, groundwater and drinking water is discussed. Taken together, wastewaters from municipal sewer and on-site sanitation systems, solid waste such as faecal sludge and COVID-19 PPE, raw/untreated surface water and groundwater, and drinking water systems in LICs act as potential reservoirs that receive and harbour SARS-CoV-2, and then transmit it to humans. Hence, WWW-BE could serve a dual function in estimating the prevalence and potential transmission of COVID-19. Several applications of WWW-BE as a hypothesis and decision support tool in LICs are discussed. WWW-BE aggregates data from various infected persons in a spatial unit, hence, putatively requires less resources (analytical kits, personnel) than individual diagnostic testing, making it an ideal decision-support tool for LICs. The novelty, and a critique of WWW-BE versus traditional W-BE are presented. Potential challenges of WWW-BE include: (i) biohazards and biosafety risks, (ii) lack of expertise, analytical equipment, and accredited laboratories, and (iii) high uncertainties in estimates of COVID-19 cases. Future perspectives and research directions including key knowledge gaps and the application of novel and emerging technologies in WWW-BE are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Willis Gwenzi
- Biosystems and Environmental Engineering Research Group, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Environment and Food Systems, University of Zimbabwe, P. O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zahedi A, Monis P, Deere D, Ryan U. Wastewater-based epidemiology-surveillance and early detection of waterborne pathogens with a focus on SARS-CoV-2, Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:4167-4188. [PMID: 33409629 PMCID: PMC7787619 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-07023-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Waterborne diseases are a major global problem, resulting in high morbidity and mortality, and massive economic costs. The ability to rapidly and reliably detect and monitor the spread of waterborne diseases is vital for early intervention and preventing more widespread disease outbreaks. Pathogens are, however, difficult to detect in water and are not practicably detectable at acceptable concentrations that need to be achieved in treated drinking water (which are of the order one per million litre). Furthermore, current clinical-based surveillance methods have many limitations such as the invasive nature of the testing and the challenges in testing large numbers of people. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE), which is based on the analysis of wastewater to monitor the emergence and spread of infectious disease at a population level, has received renewed attention in light of the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The present review will focus on the application of WBE for the detection and surveillance of pathogens with a focus on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the waterborne protozoan parasites Cryptosporidium and Giardia. The review highlights the benefits and challenges of WBE and the future of this tool for community-wide infectious disease surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Zahedi
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Paul Monis
- South Australian Water Corporation, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Daniel Deere
- Water Futures and Water Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yaniv K, Ozer E, Lewis Y, Kushmaro A. RT-qPCR assays for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in wastewater reveals compromised vaccination-induced immunity. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 207:117808. [PMID: 34753092 PMCID: PMC8551083 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, demonstrating higher infection rate and lower vaccine effectiveness as compared with the original virus, are important factors propelling the ongoing COVID-19 global outbreak. Therefore, prompt identification of these variants in the environment is essential for pandemic assessment and containment efforts. One well established tool for such viral monitoring is the use of wastewater systems. Here, we describe continuous monitoring of traces of SARS-CoV-2 viruses in the municipal wastewater of a large city in Israel. By observing morbidity fluctuations (during three main COVID-19 surges) occurring in parallel with Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine vaccination rate, compromised immunity was revealed in the current morbidity peak. RT-qPCR assays for the Original (D614G), Alpha and Beta variants had been previously developed and are being employed for wastewater surveillance. In the present study we developed a sensitive RT-qPCR assay designed for the rapid, direct detection of Gamma and Delta variants of concern. Sensitive quantification and detection of the various variants showed the prevalence of the original variant during the first morbidity peak. The dominance of the Alpha variant over the original variant correlated with the second morbidity peak. These variants decreased concurrently with an increase in vaccinations (Feb-March 2021) and the observed decrease in morbidity. The appearance and subsequent rise of the Delta variant became evident and corresponded to the third morbidity peak (June-August 2021). These results suggest a high vaccine neutralization efficiency towards the Alpha variant compared to its neutralization efficiency towards the Delta variant. Moreover, the third vaccination dose (booster) seems to regain neutralization efficiency towards the Delta variant. The developed assays and wastewater-based epidemiology are important tools aiding in morbidity surveillance and disclosing vaccination efforts and immunity dynamics in the community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karin Yaniv
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben- Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Eden Ozer
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | | | - Ariel Kushmaro
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben- Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; The Ilse Katz Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; School of Sustainability and Climate Change, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sangkham S. A review on detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater in light of the current knowledge of treatment process for removal of viral fragments. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 299:113563. [PMID: 34488114 PMCID: PMC8373619 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The entire globe is affected by the novel disease of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19 or 2019-nCoV), which is formally recognised as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced this disease as a global pandemic. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in unprocessed wastewater has become a cause of worry due to these emerging pathogens in the process of wastewater treatment, as reported in the present study. This analysis intends to interpret the fate, environmental factors and route of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, along with its eradication by treating the wastewater for controlling and preventing its further spread. Different recovery estimations of the virus have been depicted by the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater through the viral concentration techniques. Most frequently used viral concentration techniques include polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation, ultrafiltration, electronegative membrane, and ultracentrifugation, after which the detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA are done in wastewater samples through quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) holds the key responsibility of eliminating pathogens prior to the discharge of wastewater into surface water bodies. The removal of SARS-CoV-2 RNA at the treatment stage is dependent on the operations of wastewater treatment systems during the outbreak of the virus; particularly, in the urban and extensively populated regions. Efficient primary, secondary and tertiary methods of wastewater treatment and disinfection can reduce or inactivate SARS-CoV-2 RNA before being drained out. Nonetheless, further studies regarding COVID-19-related disinfectants, environment conditions and viral concentrations in each treatment procedure, implications on the environment and regular monitoring of transmission need to be done urgently. Hence, monitoring the SARS-CoV-2 RNA in samples of wastewater under the procedure of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) supplement the real-time data pertaining to the investigation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the community, regional and national levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarawut Sangkham
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Muang District, Phayao, 56000, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Liu Z, Skowron K, Grudlewska-Buda K, Wiktorczyk-Kapischke N. The existence, spread, and strategies for environmental monitoring and control of SARS-CoV-2 in environmental media. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 795:148949. [PMID: 34252782 PMCID: PMC8262394 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the most influential infectious disease to emerge in the early 21st century. The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused a great many deaths and has had a negative impact on the world's economic development. The etiological agent of COVID-19 is severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2, which is highly infectious and variable, can be transmitted through different environmental media (gaseous, liquid, and solid). There are many unanswered questions surrounding this virus. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the latest global COVID-19 epidemic situation, SARS-CoV-2 variants, the progress in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine use, and the existence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 in gaseous, liquid, and solid media, with particular emphasis on the prevention and control of further spread of the disease. This review aims to help people worldwide to become more familiar with the transmission characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 in environmental media, so as targeted measures to fight the epidemic, reduce deaths, and restore the economy can be implemented under the pressure of global SARS-CoV-2 vaccine shortages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongchuang Liu
- Green Intelligence Environmental School, Yangtze Normal University, 16 Juxian Rd. Lidu, Fuling District of Chongqing, China; Chongqing Multiple-source Technology Engineering Research Center for Ecological Environment Monitoring, Yangtze Normal University, 16 Juxian Rd. Lidu, Fuling District of Chongqing, China.
| | - Krzysztof Skowron
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum of L. Rydygier in Bydgoszcz, 9 M. Skłodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Grudlewska-Buda
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum of L. Rydygier in Bydgoszcz, 9 M. Skłodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Natalia Wiktorczyk-Kapischke
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum of L. Rydygier in Bydgoszcz, 9 M. Skłodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Yaniv K, Shagan M, Lewis YE, Kramarsky-Winter E, Weil M, Indenbaum V, Elul M, Erster O, Brown AS, Mendelson E, Mannasse B, Shirazi R, Lakkakula S, Miron O, Rinott E, Baibich RG, Bigler I, Malul M, Rishti R, Brenner A, Friedler E, Gilboa Y, Sabach S, Alfiya Y, Cheruti U, Moran-Gilad J, Berchenko Y, Bar-Or I, Kushmaro A. City-level SARS-CoV-2 sewage surveillance. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 283:131194. [PMID: 34467943 PMCID: PMC8217074 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic created a global crisis impacting not only healthcare systems, but also economics and society. Therefore, it is important to find novel methods for monitoring disease activity. Recent data have indicated that fecal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 is common, and that viral RNA can be detected in wastewater. This suggests that wastewater monitoring is a potentially efficient tool for both epidemiological surveillance, and early warning for SARS-CoV-2 circulation at the population level. In this study we sampled an urban wastewater infrastructure in the city of Ashkelon (̴ 150,000 population), Israel, during the end of the first COVID-19 wave in May 2020 when the number of infections seemed to be waning. We were able to show varying presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater from several locations in the city during two sampling periods, before the resurgence was clinically apparent. This was expressed with a new index, Normalized Viral Load (NVL) which can be used in different area scales to define levels of virus activity such as red (high) or green (no), and to follow morbidity in the population at the tested area. The rise in viral load between the two sampling periods (one week apart) indicated an increase in morbidity that was evident two weeks to a month later in the population. Thus, this methodology may provide an early indication for SARS-CoV-2 infection outbreak in a population before an outbreak is clinically apparent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karin Yaniv
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, PO Box 653, BeerSheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Marilou Shagan
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, PO Box 653, BeerSheva 8410501, Israel
| | | | - Esti Kramarsky-Winter
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, PO Box 653, BeerSheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Merav Weil
- Central Virology Lab, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Israel
| | | | - Michal Elul
- Central Virology Lab, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Israel
| | - Oran Erster
- Central Virology Lab, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Israel
| | - Alin Sela Brown
- Central Virology Lab, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Israel
| | - Ella Mendelson
- Central Virology Lab, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Israel; School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Batya Mannasse
- Central Virology Lab, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Israel
| | - Rachel Shirazi
- Central Virology Lab, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Israel
| | - Satish Lakkakula
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, PO Box 653, BeerSheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Oren Miron
- Department of Health Systems Management, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ehud Rinott
- Department of Health Systems Management, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | | | - Iris Bigler
- KANDO, Environment Services Ltd, Tsor St 8, Kokhav Ya'ir Tzur Yigal, Israel
| | - Matan Malul
- KANDO, Environment Services Ltd, Tsor St 8, Kokhav Ya'ir Tzur Yigal, Israel
| | - Rotem Rishti
- KANDO, Environment Services Ltd, Tsor St 8, Kokhav Ya'ir Tzur Yigal, Israel
| | - Asher Brenner
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Eran Friedler
- Faculty of Civ. and Env. Eng., Technion-Israel Inst. of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel
| | - Yael Gilboa
- Faculty of Civ. and Env. Eng., Technion-Israel Inst. of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel
| | - Sara Sabach
- Faculty of Civ. and Env. Eng., Technion-Israel Inst. of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel
| | - Yuval Alfiya
- Faculty of Civ. and Env. Eng., Technion-Israel Inst. of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel
| | - Uta Cheruti
- Faculty of Civ. and Env. Eng., Technion-Israel Inst. of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel
| | - Jacob Moran-Gilad
- Department of Health Systems Management, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Yakir Berchenko
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Itay Bar-Or
- Central Virology Lab, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Israel
| | - Ariel Kushmaro
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, PO Box 653, BeerSheva 8410501, Israel; The Ilse Katz Center for Meso and Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, 8410501, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wastewater-Based Epidemiology for Cost-Effective Mass Surveillance of COVID-19 in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Challenges and Opportunities. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13202897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is an approach that can be used to estimate COVID-19 prevalence in the population by detecting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in wastewater. As the WBE approach uses pooled samples from the study population, it is an inexpensive and non-invasive mass surveillance method compared to individual testing. Thus, it offers a good complement in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) facing high costs of testing or social stigmatization, and it has a huge potential to monitor SARS-CoV-2 and its variants to curb the global COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this review is to systematize the current evidence about the application of the WBE approach in mass surveillance of COVID-19 infection in LMICs, as well as its future potential. Among other parameters, population size contributing the fecal input to wastewater is an important parameter for COVID-19 prevalence estimation. It is easier to back-calculate COVID-19 prevalence in the community with centralized wastewater systems, because there can be more accurate estimates about the size of contributing population in the catchment. However, centralized wastewater management systems are often of low quality (or even non-existent) in LMICs, which raises a major concern about the ability to implement the WBE approach. However, it is possible to mobilize the WBE approach, if large areas are divided into sub-areas, corresponding to the existing wastewater management systems. In addition, a strong coordination between stakeholders is required for estimating population size respective to wastewater management systems. Nevertheless, further international efforts should be leveraged to strengthen the sanitation infrastructures in LMICs, using the lessons gathered from the current COVID-19 pandemic to be prepared for future pandemics.
Collapse
|
18
|
Preparing for COVID-2x: Urban Planning Needs to Regard Urological Wastewater as an Invaluable Communal Public Health Asset and Not as a Burden. URBAN SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/urbansci5040075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the analysis of urological wastewater had been a matter of academic curiosity and community-wide big-picture studies looking at drug use or the presence of select viruses such as Hepatitis. The COVID-19 pandemic saw systematic testing of urological wastewater emerge as a significant early detection tool for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in a community. Even though the pandemic still rages in all continents, it is time to consider the post-pandemic world. This paper posits that urban planners should treat urological wastewater as a communal public health asset and that future sewer design should allow for stratified multi-order sampling.
Collapse
|
19
|
Girón-Navarro R, Linares-Hernández I, Castillo-Suárez LA. The impact of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in water: potential risks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:52651-52674. [PMID: 34453253 PMCID: PMC8397333 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16024-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This review summarizes research data on SARS-CoV-2 in water environments. A literature survey was conducted using the electronic databases Science Direct, Scopus, and Springer. This complete research included and discussed relevant studies that involve the (1) introduction, (2) definition and features of coronavirus, (2.1) structure and classification, (3) effects on public health, (4) transmission, (5) detection methods, (6) impact of COVID-19 on the water sector (drinking water, cycle water, surface water, wastewater), (6.5) wastewater treatment, and (7) future trends. The results show contamination of clean water sources, and community drinking water is vulnerable. Additionally, there is evidence that sputum, feces, and urine contain SARS-CoV-2, which can maintain its viability in sewage and the urban-rural water cycle to move towards seawater or freshwater; thus, the risk associated with contracting COVID-19 from contact with untreated water or inadequately treated wastewater is high. Moreover, viral loads have been detected in surface water, although the risk is lower for countries that efficiently treat their wastewater. Further investigation is immediately required to determine the persistence and mobility of SARS-CoV-2 in polluted water and sewage as well as the possible potential of disease transmission via drinking water. Conventional wastewater treatment systems have been shown to be effective in removing the virus, which plays an important role in pandemic control. Monitoring of this virus in water is extremely important as it can provide information on the prevalence and distribution of the COVID-19 pandemic in different communities as well as possible infection dynamics to prevent future outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Girón-Navarro
- Instituto Interamericano de Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua (IITCA), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Km 14.5 carretera Toluca-Atlacomulco, C.P, 50200, Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Ivonne Linares-Hernández
- Instituto Interamericano de Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua (IITCA), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Km 14.5 carretera Toluca-Atlacomulco, C.P, 50200, Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico.
| | - Luis Antonio Castillo-Suárez
- Instituto Interamericano de Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua (IITCA), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Km 14.5 carretera Toluca-Atlacomulco, C.P, 50200, Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico.
- Consejo Mexiquense de Ciencia y Tecnología - COMECYT, Diagonal Alfredo del Mazo 198 y 103, Guadalupe y Club Jardín, C.P. 50010, Toluca de Lerdo, Estado de México, México.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Butor Škulcová A, Tamášová K, Vojs Staňová A, Bírošová L, Krahulcová M, Gál M, Konečná B, Janíková M, Celec P, Grabicová K, Grabic R, Filip J, Belišová N, Ryba J, Kerekeš K, Špalková V, Híveš J, Mackuľak T. Effervescent ferrate(VI)-based tablets as an effective means for removal SARS-CoV-2 RNA, pharmaceuticals and resistant bacteria from wastewater. JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING 2021; 43:102223. [PMID: 35592837 PMCID: PMC8290487 DOI: 10.1016/j.jwpe.2021.102223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Waterborne pathogens including viruses, bacteria and micropollutants secreted from population can spread through the sewerage system. In this study, the efficiency of unique effervescent ferrate-based tablets was evaluated for total RNA and DNA removal, disinfection and degradation of micropollutants in hospital wastewater. For the purpose of testing, proposed tablets (based on citric acid or sodium dihydrogen phosphate) were used for various types of hospital wastewater with specific biological and chemical contamination. Total RNA destruction efficiency using tablets was 70-100% depending on the type of acidic component. DNA destruction efficiency was lower on the level 51-94% depending on the type of acidic component. In addition, our study confirms that effervescent ferrate-based tablets are able to efficiently remove of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from wastewater. Degradation of often detected micropollutants (antiepileptic, antidepressant, antihistamine, hypertensive and their metabolites) was dependent on the type of detected pharmaceuticals and on the acidic component used. Sodium dihydrogen phosphate based tablet appeared to be more effective than citric acid based tablet and removed some pharmaceuticals with efficiency higher than 97%. Last but not least, the disinfection ability was also verified. Tableted ferrates were confirmed to be an effective disinfectant and no resistant microorganisms were observed after treatment. Total and antibiotic resistant bacteria (coliforms and enterococci) were determined by cultivation on diagnostic selective agar growth media.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Butor Škulcová
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Radlinského 9, SK-812 37 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Katarína Tamášová
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Radlinského 9, SK-812 37 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Andrea Vojs Staňová
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Mlynská dolina, Ilkovičova 6, SK-842 15 Bratislava 4, Slovak Republic
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Zátiší 728/II, CZ-389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Lucia Bírošová
- Department Nutrition and Food Quality Assessment, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Radlinského 9, SK-812 37 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Monika Krahulcová
- Department Nutrition and Food Quality Assessment, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Radlinského 9, SK-812 37 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Miroslav Gál
- Department of Inorganic Technology, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Technology and Materials, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Radlinského 9, SK-812 37 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Barbora Konečná
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, SK-811 08 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Monika Janíková
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, SK-811 08 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Peter Celec
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, SK-811 08 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Kateřina Grabicová
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Zátiší 728/II, CZ-389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Grabic
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Zátiší 728/II, CZ-389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Filip
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Palacký University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, CZ-783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Noemi Belišová
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Radlinského 9, SK-812 37 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Jozef Ryba
- Department of Polymer Processing, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Krškanská 21, SK-949 01 Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - Kamil Kerekeš
- Department of Inorganic Technology, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Technology and Materials, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Radlinského 9, SK-812 37 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Viera Špalková
- Department of Inorganic Technology, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Technology and Materials, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Radlinského 9, SK-812 37 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcka 129, 165 00, Praha 6, Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Ján Híveš
- Department of Inorganic Technology, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Technology and Materials, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Radlinského 9, SK-812 37 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Tomáš Mackuľak
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Radlinského 9, SK-812 37 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kabdaşlı I, Tünay O. Concentration techniques tailored for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in domestic wastewater and treatment plant sludge: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2021; 9:106296. [PMID: 34485054 PMCID: PMC8405238 DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2021.106296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Upon the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in domestic wastewater have led to an increase in the efforts to define and implement the wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). This application provides valuable information to define local contamination monitoring, emergence of COVID-19 and its variants and many other aspects to cope with and control the pandemic. WBE surveillance, however, requires several consecutive steps such as sampling, pretreatment and concentration of samples, and detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in wastewater. In this review paper, the literature regarding to all these applications reviewed considering their advantages, disadvantages as well as their applicability. A specific emphasis was placed on the last step, detection and quantification since it covers the most critical procedure for concentrating the virus before measurement. Evaluation of the existing data indicating ultrafiltration, polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation and electronegative membrane filtration (ENMF) were the most promising techniques for concentration. The ongoing studies are proposed to be continued within the context of standard methods. Future research needs are delineated and suggestions are made for details.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Işık Kabdaşlı
- İstanbul Technical University, Civil Engineering Faculty, Environmental Engineering Department, Ayazağa Campus, Sarıyer, İstanbul 34469, Republic of Turkey
| | - Olcay Tünay
- İstanbul Technical University, Civil Engineering Faculty, Environmental Engineering Department, Ayazağa Campus, Sarıyer, İstanbul 34469, Republic of Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yaniv K, Ozer E, Shagan M, Lakkakula S, Plotkin N, Bhandarkar NS, Kushmaro A. Direct RT-qPCR assay for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (Alpha, B.1.1.7 and Beta, B.1.351) detection and quantification in wastewater. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 201:111653. [PMID: 34245731 PMCID: PMC8262398 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Less than a year following the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak, variants of concern have emerged in the form of variant Alpha (B.1.1.7, the British variant) and Beta (B.1.351, the South Africa variant). Due to their high infectivity and morbidity, it has become clear that it is crucial to quickly and effectively detect these and other variants. Here, we report improved primers-probe sets for reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for SARS-CoV-2 detection including a rapid, cost-effective, and direct RT-qPCR method for detection of the two variants of concern (Alpha, B.1.1.7 and Beta, B.1.351). All the developed primers-probe sets were fully characterized, demonstrating sensitive and specific detection. These primer-probe sets were also successfully employed on wastewater samples aimed at detecting and even quantifying new variants in a geographical area, even prior to the reports by the medical testing. The novel primers-probe sets presented here will enable proper responses for pandemic containment, particularly considering the emergence of variants of concern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karin Yaniv
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren, Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben- Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Eden Ozer
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Marilou Shagan
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren, Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben- Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Satish Lakkakula
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren, Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben- Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Noam Plotkin
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren, Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben- Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Nikhil Suresh Bhandarkar
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren, Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben- Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ariel Kushmaro
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren, Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben- Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel; The Ilse Katz Center for Meso and Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 8410501, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Haji Ali B, Shahin MS, Masoumi Sangani MM, Faghihinezhad M, Baghdadi M. Wastewater aerosols produced during flushing toilets, WWTPs, and irrigation with reclaimed municipal wastewater as indirect exposure to SARS-CoV-2. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2021; 9:106201. [PMID: 34405082 PMCID: PMC8361049 DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2021.106201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in raw and treated wastewater can open up a fresh perspective to waterborne and aerosolized wastewater as a new transmission route of SARS-CoV-2 RNA during the current pandemic. The aim of this paper is to discuss the potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from wastewater aerosols formed during toilet flushing, plumbing failure, wastewater treatment plants, and municipal wastewater reuse for irrigation. Moreover, how these aerosols might increase the risk of exposure to this novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 RNA). This article supplies a review of the literature on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in untreated wastewater, as well as the fate and stability of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater. We also reviewed the existing literatures on generation and transmission of aerosolized wastewater through flush a toilet, house's plumbing networks, WWTPs, wastewater reuse for irrigation of agricultural areas. Finally, the article briefly studies the potential risk of infection with exposure to the fecal bioaerosols of SARS-CoV-2 RNA for the people who might be exposed through flushing toilets or faulty building plumbing systems, operators/workers in wastewater treatment plants, and workers of fields irrigated with treated wastewater - based on current knowledge. Although this review highlights the indirect transmission of SARS-CoV-2 RNA through wastewater aerosols, no research has yet clearly demonstrated the role of aerosolized wastewater in disease transmission regarding the continuation of this pandemic. Therefore, there is a need for additional studies on wastewater aerosols in transmission of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Banafsheh Haji Ali
- School of Environment, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Mohsen Faghihinezhad
- School of Environment, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Baghdadi
- School of Environment, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Yaniv K, Ozer E, Shagan M, Lakkakula S, Plotkin N, Bhandarkar NS, Kushmaro A. Direct RT-qPCR assay for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (Alpha, B.1.1.7 and Beta, B.1.351) detection and quantification in wastewater. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021. [PMID: 34245731 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021a.111653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Less than a year following the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak, variants of concern have emerged in the form of variant Alpha (B.1.1.7, the British variant) and Beta (B.1.351, the South Africa variant). Due to their high infectivity and morbidity, it has become clear that it is crucial to quickly and effectively detect these and other variants. Here, we report improved primers-probe sets for reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for SARS-CoV-2 detection including a rapid, cost-effective, and direct RT-qPCR method for detection of the two variants of concern (Alpha, B.1.1.7 and Beta, B.1.351). All the developed primers-probe sets were fully characterized, demonstrating sensitive and specific detection. These primer-probe sets were also successfully employed on wastewater samples aimed at detecting and even quantifying new variants in a geographical area, even prior to the reports by the medical testing. The novel primers-probe sets presented here will enable proper responses for pandemic containment, particularly considering the emergence of variants of concern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karin Yaniv
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren, Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben- Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Eden Ozer
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Marilou Shagan
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren, Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben- Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Satish Lakkakula
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren, Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben- Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Noam Plotkin
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren, Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben- Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Nikhil Suresh Bhandarkar
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren, Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben- Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ariel Kushmaro
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren, Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben- Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel; The Ilse Katz Center for Meso and Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 8410501, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Flood MT, D'Souza N, Rose JB, Aw TG. Methods Evaluation for Rapid Concentration and Quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in Raw Wastewater Using Droplet Digital and Quantitative RT-PCR. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2021; 13:303-315. [PMID: 34296387 PMCID: PMC8297606 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-021-09488-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging public health tool to understand the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in communities. The performance of different virus concentration methods and PCR methods needs to be evaluated to ascertain their suitability for use in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. We evaluated ultrafiltration and polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation methods to concentrate SARS-CoV-2 from sewage in wastewater treatment plants and upstream in the wastewater network (e.g., manholes, lift stations). Recovery of viruses by different concentration methods was determined using Phi6 bacteriophage as a surrogate for enveloped viruses. Additionally, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in all wastewater samples was determined using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and reverse transcription droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR), targeting three genetic markers (N1, N2 and E). Using spiked samples, the Phi6 recoveries were estimated at 2.6-11.6% using ultrafiltration-based methods and 22.2-51.5% using PEG precipitation. There was no significant difference in recovery efficiencies (p < 0.05) between the PEG procedure with and without a 16 h overnight incubation, demonstrating the feasibility of obtaining same day results. The SARS-CoV-2 genetic markers were more often detected by RT-ddPCR than RT-qPCR with higher sensitivity and precision. While all three SARS-CoV-2 genetic markers were detected using RT-ddPCR, the levels of E gene were almost below the limit of detection using RT-qPCR. Collectively, our study suggested PEG precipitation is an effective low-cost procedure which allows a large number of samples to be processed simultaneously in a routine wastewater monitoring for SARS-CoV-2. RT-ddPCR can be implemented for the absolute quantification of SARS-CoV-2 genetic markers in different wastewater matrices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T Flood
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Nishita D'Souza
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Joan B Rose
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Tiong Gim Aw
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2100, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Wurtz N, Revol O, Jardot P, Giraud-Gatineau A, Houhamdi L, Soumagnac C, Annessi A, Lacoste A, Colson P, Aherfi S, Scola BL. Monitoring the Circulation of SARS-CoV-2 Variants by Genomic Analysis of Wastewater in Marseille, South-East France. Pathogens 2021. [PMID: 34451505 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10081042.pmid:34451505;pmcid:pmc8401729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in sewage has been proposed as a simple and unbiased means of assessing epidemic evolution and the efficiency of the COVID-19 control measures. The past year has been marked by the emergence of variants that have led to a succession of epidemic waves. It thus appears that monitoring the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater alone is insufficient, and it may be important in the future to also monitor the evolution of these variants. We used a real-time RT-PCR screening test for variants in the wastewater of our city to assess the effectiveness of direct SARS-CoV-2 sequencing from the same wastewater. We compared the genome sequencing results obtained over the large RS network and the smaller B7 network with the different distributions of the variants observed by RT-PCR screening. The prevalence of the "UK variant" in the RS and B7 networks was estimated to be 70% and 8% using RT-PCR screening compared to 95% and 64% using genome sequencing, respectively. The latter values were close to the epidemiology observed in patients of the corresponding area, which were 91% and 58%, respectively. Genome sequencing in sewage identified SARS-CoV-2 of lineage B.1.525 in B7 at 27% (37% in patients), whereas it was completely missed by RT-PCR. We thus determined that direct sequencing makes it possible to observe, in wastewater, a distribution of the variants comparable to that revealed by genomic monitoring in patients and that this method is more accurate than RT-PCR. It also shows that, rather than a single large sample, it would be preferable to analyse several targeted samples if we want to more appropriately assess the geographical distribution of the different variants. In conclusion, this work supports the wider surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater by genome sequencing and targeting small areas on the condition of having a sequencing capacity and, when this is not the case, to developing more precise screening tests based on the multiplexed detection of the mutations of interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Wurtz
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Océane Revol
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Priscilla Jardot
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Audrey Giraud-Gatineau
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Linda Houhamdi
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | - Philippe Colson
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Sarah Aherfi
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Bernard La Scola
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wurtz N, Revol O, Jardot P, Giraud-Gatineau A, Houhamdi L, Soumagnac C, Annessi A, Lacoste A, Colson P, Aherfi S, Scola BL. Monitoring the Circulation of SARS-CoV-2 Variants by Genomic Analysis of Wastewater in Marseille, South-East France. Pathogens 2021; 10:1042. [PMID: 34451505 PMCID: PMC8401729 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10081042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in sewage has been proposed as a simple and unbiased means of assessing epidemic evolution and the efficiency of the COVID-19 control measures. The past year has been marked by the emergence of variants that have led to a succession of epidemic waves. It thus appears that monitoring the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater alone is insufficient, and it may be important in the future to also monitor the evolution of these variants. We used a real-time RT-PCR screening test for variants in the wastewater of our city to assess the effectiveness of direct SARS-CoV-2 sequencing from the same wastewater. We compared the genome sequencing results obtained over the large RS network and the smaller B7 network with the different distributions of the variants observed by RT-PCR screening. The prevalence of the "UK variant" in the RS and B7 networks was estimated to be 70% and 8% using RT-PCR screening compared to 95% and 64% using genome sequencing, respectively. The latter values were close to the epidemiology observed in patients of the corresponding area, which were 91% and 58%, respectively. Genome sequencing in sewage identified SARS-CoV-2 of lineage B.1.525 in B7 at 27% (37% in patients), whereas it was completely missed by RT-PCR. We thus determined that direct sequencing makes it possible to observe, in wastewater, a distribution of the variants comparable to that revealed by genomic monitoring in patients and that this method is more accurate than RT-PCR. It also shows that, rather than a single large sample, it would be preferable to analyse several targeted samples if we want to more appropriately assess the geographical distribution of the different variants. In conclusion, this work supports the wider surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater by genome sequencing and targeting small areas on the condition of having a sequencing capacity and, when this is not the case, to developing more precise screening tests based on the multiplexed detection of the mutations of interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Wurtz
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France; (N.W.); (O.R.); (A.G.-G.); (P.C.)
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Océane Revol
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France; (N.W.); (O.R.); (A.G.-G.); (P.C.)
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Priscilla Jardot
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France; (P.J.); (L.H.)
| | - Audrey Giraud-Gatineau
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France; (N.W.); (O.R.); (A.G.-G.); (P.C.)
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Linda Houhamdi
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France; (P.J.); (L.H.)
| | - Christophe Soumagnac
- Bataillon de Marins-Pompiers de Marseille, 13003 Marseille, France; (C.S.); (A.A.); (A.L.)
| | - Alexandre Annessi
- Bataillon de Marins-Pompiers de Marseille, 13003 Marseille, France; (C.S.); (A.A.); (A.L.)
| | - Alexandre Lacoste
- Bataillon de Marins-Pompiers de Marseille, 13003 Marseille, France; (C.S.); (A.A.); (A.L.)
| | - Philippe Colson
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France; (N.W.); (O.R.); (A.G.-G.); (P.C.)
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France; (P.J.); (L.H.)
| | - Sarah Aherfi
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France; (N.W.); (O.R.); (A.G.-G.); (P.C.)
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France; (P.J.); (L.H.)
| | - Bernard La Scola
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France; (N.W.); (O.R.); (A.G.-G.); (P.C.)
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France; (P.J.); (L.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Mousazadeh M, Ashoori R, Paital B, Kabdaşlı I, Frontistis Z, Hashemi M, Sandoval MA, Sherchan S, Das K, Emamjomeh MM. Wastewater Based Epidemiology Perspective as a Faster Protocol for Detecting Coronavirus RNA in Human Populations: A Review with Specific Reference to SARS-CoV-2 Virus. Pathogens 2021; 10:1008. [PMID: 34451472 PMCID: PMC8401392 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10081008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has a long history of identifying a variety of viruses from poliovirus to coronaviruses, including novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The presence and detection of SARS-CoV-2 in human feces and its passage into the water bodies are significant public health challenges. Hence, the hot issue of WBE of SARS-CoV-2 in the coronavirus respiratory disease (COVID-19) pandemic is a matter of utmost importance (e.g., SARS-CoV-1). The present review discusses the background, state of the art, actual status, and prospects of WBE, as well as the detection and quantification protocols of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. The SARS-CoV-2 detection studies have been performed in different water matrixes such as influent and effluent of wastewater treatment plants, suburban pumping stations, hospital wastewater, and sewer networks around the globe except for Antarctica. The findings revealed that all WBE studies were in accordance with clinical and epidemiological data, which correlates the presence of SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid (RNA) with the number of new daily positive cases officially reported. This last was confirmed via Reverse Transcriptase-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) testing which unfortunately is not suitable for real-time surveillance. In addition, WBE concept may act as a faster protocol to alert the public health authorities to take administrative orders (possible re-emerging infections) due to the impracticality of testing all citizens in a short time with limited diagnostic facilities. A comprehensive and integrated review covering all steps starting from sampling to molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater has been made to guide for the development well-defined and reliable protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milad Mousazadeh
- Student Research Committee, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran;
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Razieh Ashoori
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran;
| | - Biswaranjan Paital
- Redox Regulation Laboratory, College of Basic Science and Humanities, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar 751003, India;
| | - Işık Kabdaşlı
- Environmental Engineering Department, Civil Engineering Faculty, Ayazağa Campus, İstanbul Technical University, İstanbul 34469, Turkey;
| | - Zacharias Frontistis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, 50132 Kozani, Greece;
| | - Marjan Hashemi
- Environmental and Occupational Hazards Control Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran;
| | - Miguel A. Sandoval
- Laboratorio de Electroquímica Medio Ambiental LEQMA, Departamento de Química de los Materiales, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile USACH, Casilla 40, Correo 33, Santiago 9170022, Chile;
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
| | - Samendra Sherchan
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 7011, USA;
| | - Kabita Das
- Department of Philosophy, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar 751004, India;
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Emamjomeh
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Buonerba A, Corpuz MVA, Ballesteros F, Choo KH, Hasan SW, Korshin GV, Belgiorno V, Barceló D, Naddeo V. Coronavirus in water media: Analysis, fate, disinfection and epidemiological applications. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 415:125580. [PMID: 33735767 PMCID: PMC7932854 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Considerable attention has been recently given to possible transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via water media. This review addresses this issue and examines the fate of coronaviruses (CoVs) in water systems, with particular attention to the recently available information on the novel SARS-CoV-2. The methods for the determination of viable virus particles and quantification of CoVs and, in particular, of SARS-CoV-2 in water and wastewater are discussed with particular regard to the methods of concentration and to the emerging methods of detection. The analysis of the environmental stability of CoVs, with particular regard of SARS-CoV-2, and the efficacy of the disinfection methods are extensively reviewed as well. This information provides a broad view of the state-of-the-art for researchers involved in the investigation of CoVs in aquatic systems, and poses the basis for further analyses and discussions on the risk associated to the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in water media. The examined data indicates that detection of the virus in wastewater and natural water bodies provides a potentially powerful tool for quantitative microbiological risk assessment (QMRA) and for wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for the evaluation of the level of circulation of the virus in a population. Assays of the viable virions in water media provide information on the integrity, capability of replication (in suitable host species) and on the potential infectivity. Challenges and critical issues relevant to the detection of coronaviruses in different water matrixes with both direct and surrogate methods as well as in the implementation of epidemiological tools are presented and critically discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Buonerba
- Sanitary Environmental Engineering Division (SEED), Department of Civil Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, Fisciano, SA, Italy; Inter-University Centre for Prediction and Prevention of Relevant Hazards (Centro Universitario per la Previsione e Prevenzione Grandi Rischi, C.U.G.RI.), Via Giovanni Paolo II, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Mary Vermi Aizza Corpuz
- Environmental Engineering Program, National Graduate School of Engineering, University of the Philippines, 1101 Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Florencio Ballesteros
- Environmental Engineering Program, National Graduate School of Engineering, University of the Philippines, 1101 Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Kwang-Ho Choo
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University (KNU), 80 Daehak-ro, Bukgu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Shadi W Hasan
- Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology (CMAT), Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Gregory V Korshin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, Box 352700, Seattle, WA 98105-2700, United States
| | - Vincenzo Belgiorno
- Sanitary Environmental Engineering Division (SEED), Department of Civil Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Damià Barceló
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICR-CERCA), H2O Building, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Vincenzo Naddeo
- Sanitary Environmental Engineering Division (SEED), Department of Civil Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, Fisciano, SA, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Prospects and challenges of using electrochemical immunosensors as an alternative detection method for SARS-CoV-2 wastewater-based epidemiology. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 777:146239. [PMCID: PMC7934662 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Given its potential applications in confronting the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has attracted tremendous attention. Developing a fast, cost-effective, and practical method for SARS-CoV-2 detection in wastewater is of great significance to facilitate future WBE development. By now, the PCR-based approach serves as the reference method and “gold standard” to detect the virus in wastewater. However, we found a trend that the PCR-based method becomes almost an unshakable choice as more and more studies were published regarding SARS-CoV-2 WBE. Of note, the importance of exploring new, alternative approaches for SARS-CoV-2 detection in wastewater should not be underestimated. In this context, the prospect of using electrochemical immunosensors as the alternative detection method was investigated in this survey. Based on the previous efforts towards different virus immunoassay studies and newly published PCR-based COVD-19 WBE works, this survey provides new insights into the electrochemical immunoassay that have been widely adopted in body fluids virus detection, along with an extensive discussion of the detection mechanism, detection performance, past performances, current efforts, and potential challenges with wastewater detection. In the end, this survey concludes that using electrochemical immunosensors to analyze SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples quantitatively may have better feasibility and practicability than using the conventional PCR-based approach, especially when considering its fast detection, ease of miniaturization, and potential on-site measurement.
Collapse
|
31
|
Xiao A, Wu F, Bushman M, Zhang J, Imakaev M, Chai PR, Duvallet C, Endo N, Erickson TB, Armas F, Arnold B, Chen H, Chandra F, Ghaeli N, Gu X, Hanage WP, Lee WL, Matus M, McElroy KA, Moniz K, Rhode SF, Thompson J, Alm EJ. Metrics to relate COVID-19 wastewater data to clinical testing dynamics. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2021:2021.06.10.21258580. [PMID: 34159339 PMCID: PMC8219106 DOI: 10.1101/2021.06.10.21258580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Wastewater surveillance has emerged as a useful tool in the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While wastewater surveillance has been applied at various scales to monitor population-level COVID-19 dynamics, there is a need for quantitative metrics to interpret wastewater data in the context of public health trends. We collected 24-hour composite wastewater samples from March 2020 through May 2021 from a Massachusetts wastewater treatment plant and measured SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations using RT-qPCR. We show that the relationship between wastewater viral titers and COVID-19 clinical cases and deaths varies over time. We demonstrate the utility of three new metrics to monitor changes in COVID-19 epidemiology: (1) the ratio between wastewater viral titers and clinical cases (WC ratio), (2) the time lag between wastewater and clinical reporting, and (3) a transfer function between the wastewater and clinical case curves. We find that the WC ratio increases after key events, providing insight into the balance between disease spread and public health response. We also find that wastewater data preceded clinically reported cases in the first wave of the pandemic but did not serve as a leading indicator in the second wave, likely due to increased testing capacity. These three metrics could complement a framework for integrating wastewater surveillance into the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic and future pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Xiao
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
| | - Fuqing Wu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
| | - Mary Bushman
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University
| | - Jianbo Zhang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
| | | | - Peter R Chai
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA
- The Koch Institute for Integrated Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute
| | | | | | - Timothy B Erickson
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School
- Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Harvard University
| | - Federica Armas
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore
- Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
| | - Brian Arnold
- Department of Computer Science, Princeton University
- Center for Statistics and Machine Learning, Princeton University
| | - Hongjie Chen
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore
- Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
| | - Franciscus Chandra
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore
- Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
| | | | - Xiaoqiong Gu
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore
- Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
| | | | - Wei Lin Lee
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore
- Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
| | | | | | - Katya Moniz
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
| | | | - Janelle Thompson
- Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Eric J Alm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore
- Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Fuschi C, Pu H, Negri M, Colwell R, Chen J. Wastewater-Based Epidemiology for Managing the COVID-19 Pandemic. ACS ES&T WATER 2021; 1:1352-1362. [PMID: 37566353 PMCID: PMC8130627 DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.1c00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is shed by COVID-19 patients and can be detected in wastewater. Thus, testing wastewater for the virus provides a depiction of disease prevalence in a community. Virus concentration data can be utilized to monitor infection trends, identify hot spots, and inform decision makers regarding reopening efforts and directing resources. This perspective aims to shed light on the current situation relating to SARS-CoV-2 in the wastewater system and the opportunity to utilize wastewater to collect useful epidemiological data. First, the survivability of SARS-CoV-2 in different water matrices is examined through the lens of surrogate viruses. Second, the effect of wastewater treatment processes on SARS-CoV-2 is investigated. Current standards for sufficient reduction of the virus and the risk of exposure that arises at each stage in the wastewater treatment process are discussed. Third, the immense potential of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for managing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is analyzed. Studies that have tested wastewater or sludge for SARS-CoV-2 are discussed, and results are tabulated. Lastly, the current limitations of WBE and opportunities of future research are explored. Using the wealth of knowledge that the scientific community now has about WBE, wastewater testing should be considered by regional governments and private institutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Fuschi
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering,
The University of Chicago, 5640 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago,
Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Haihui Pu
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering,
The University of Chicago, 5640 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago,
Illinois 60637, United States
- Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Physical
Sciences and Engineering Directorate, Argonne National
Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Lemont, Illinois 60439,
United States
| | - Maria Negri
- The Environmental Science Division, Computing,
Environment, and Life Sciences Directorate, Argonne National
Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Lemont, Illinois 60439,
United States
| | - Rita Colwell
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health,
University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742,
United States
| | - Junhong Chen
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering,
The University of Chicago, 5640 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago,
Illinois 60637, United States
- Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Physical
Sciences and Engineering Directorate, Argonne National
Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Lemont, Illinois 60439,
United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Anand U, Cabreros C, Mal J, Ballesteros F, Sillanpää M, Tripathi V, Bontempi E. Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: From transmission to control with an interdisciplinary vision. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 197:111126. [PMID: 33831411 PMCID: PMC8020611 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
There a lot of review papers addressing specific COVID-19 research sectors, then devoted to specialists. This review provides an in-depth summary of the available information about SARS-CoV-2 and the corresponding disease (also known as COVID-19), with a multi-disciplinary approach. After the paper introduction, the first section treats the virological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2, the medical implications of the infection, and the human susceptivity. Great attention is devoted to the factor affecting the infection routes, distinguishing among the possible human-to-human, environmental-to-human, and pollution-to-human transmission mechanisms. The second section is devoted to reporting the impact of SARS-CoV-2 not only on the healthcare systems but also on the economy and society. The third section is devoted to non-pharmaceutical behaviours against COVID-19. In this context, this review section presents an analysis of the European second wave allowing not only to focalize the importance of some restrictions, but also the relevance of social acceptance of some measures. The data reassumed in this work are very useful for interdisciplinary researchers that work in a team to find the basic available information about all the aspects connected with this pandemic (from virus diffusion mechanism to health information, from economic and social impacts to measures to reduce the pandemic spread), with great attention to social acceptance of restriction measures and of vaccines (that currently results to be insufficient to achieve community immunity). Then, this review paper highlights the fundamental role of the trans-multi-disciplinary research that is devoted not only to understand the basics of the pandemic to propose solutions but has also the commitment to find strategies to increase population resilience. For this aim, the authors strongly suggest the establishment of an international health-care trans-multi-disciplinary workforce devoted to investigate, mitigate, and control also future viral events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uttpal Anand
- Department of Life Sciences, National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion, University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Carlo Cabreros
- Environmental Engineering Program, National Graduate School of Engineering, University of the Philippines, 1101, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Joyabrata Mal
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, 211004, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Florencio Ballesteros
- Environmental Engineering Program, National Graduate School of Engineering, University of the Philippines, 1101, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines; Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of the Philippines, 1101, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Mika Sillanpää
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Viet Nam; Faculty of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Viet Nam; School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Vijay Tripathi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Engineering, Jacob Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, 211007, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Elza Bontempi
- INSTM and Chemistry for Technologies, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Anand U, Cabreros C, Mal J, Ballesteros F, Sillanpää M, Tripathi V, Bontempi E. Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: From transmission to control with an interdisciplinary vision. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 197:111126. [PMID: 33831411 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021a.111126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
There a lot of review papers addressing specific COVID-19 research sectors, then devoted to specialists. This review provides an in-depth summary of the available information about SARS-CoV-2 and the corresponding disease (also known as COVID-19), with a multi-disciplinary approach. After the paper introduction, the first section treats the virological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2, the medical implications of the infection, and the human susceptivity. Great attention is devoted to the factor affecting the infection routes, distinguishing among the possible human-to-human, environmental-to-human, and pollution-to-human transmission mechanisms. The second section is devoted to reporting the impact of SARS-CoV-2 not only on the healthcare systems but also on the economy and society. The third section is devoted to non-pharmaceutical behaviours against COVID-19. In this context, this review section presents an analysis of the European second wave allowing not only to focalize the importance of some restrictions, but also the relevance of social acceptance of some measures. The data reassumed in this work are very useful for interdisciplinary researchers that work in a team to find the basic available information about all the aspects connected with this pandemic (from virus diffusion mechanism to health information, from economic and social impacts to measures to reduce the pandemic spread), with great attention to social acceptance of restriction measures and of vaccines (that currently results to be insufficient to achieve community immunity). Then, this review paper highlights the fundamental role of the trans-multi-disciplinary research that is devoted not only to understand the basics of the pandemic to propose solutions but has also the commitment to find strategies to increase population resilience. For this aim, the authors strongly suggest the establishment of an international health-care trans-multi-disciplinary workforce devoted to investigate, mitigate, and control also future viral events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uttpal Anand
- Department of Life Sciences, National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion, University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Carlo Cabreros
- Environmental Engineering Program, National Graduate School of Engineering, University of the Philippines, 1101, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Joyabrata Mal
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, 211004, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Florencio Ballesteros
- Environmental Engineering Program, National Graduate School of Engineering, University of the Philippines, 1101, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines; Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of the Philippines, 1101, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Mika Sillanpää
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Viet Nam; Faculty of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Viet Nam; School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Vijay Tripathi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Engineering, Jacob Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, 211007, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Elza Bontempi
- INSTM and Chemistry for Technologies, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Riley S, Ainslie KEC, Eales O, Walters CE, Wang H, Atchison C, Fronterre C, Diggle PJ, Ashby D, Donnelly CA, Cooke G, Barclay W, Ward H, Darzi A, Elliott P. Resurgence of SARS-CoV-2: Detection by community viral surveillance. Science 2021; 372:990-995. [PMID: 33893241 PMCID: PMC8158959 DOI: 10.1126/science.abf0874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Surveillance of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has mainly relied on case reporting, which is biased by health service performance, test availability, and test-seeking behaviors. We report a community-wide national representative surveillance program in England based on self-administered swab results from ~594,000 individuals tested for SARS-CoV-2, regardless of symptoms, between May and the beginning of September 2020. The epidemic declined between May and July 2020 but then increased gradually from mid-August, accelerating into early September 2020 at the start of the second wave. When compared with cases detected through routine surveillance, we report here a longer period of decline and a younger age distribution. Representative community sampling for SARS-CoV-2 can substantially improve situational awareness and feed into the public health response even at low prevalence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Riley
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and Abdul Latif Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kylie E C Ainslie
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and Abdul Latif Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Oliver Eales
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and Abdul Latif Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Caroline E Walters
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and Abdul Latif Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Haowei Wang
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and Abdul Latif Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Claudio Fronterre
- Centre for Health Informatics, Computing, and Statistics (CHICAS), Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
- Health Data Research UK, London, UK
| | - Peter J Diggle
- Centre for Health Informatics, Computing, and Statistics (CHICAS), Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
- Health Data Research UK, London, UK
| | - Deborah Ashby
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Christl A Donnelly
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and Abdul Latif Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Graham Cooke
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Wendy Barclay
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Helen Ward
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Ara Darzi
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Elliott
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Mackuľak T, Gál M, Špalková V, Fehér M, Briestenská K, Mikušová M, Tomčíková K, Tamáš M, Butor Škulcová A. Wastewater-Based Epidemiology as an Early Warning System for the Spreading of SARS-CoV-2 and Its Mutations in the Population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:5629. [PMID: 34070320 PMCID: PMC8197469 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
New methodologies based on the principle of "sewage epidemiology" have been successfully applied before in the detection of illegal drugs. The study describes the idea of early detection of a virus, e.g., SARS-CoV-2, in wastewater in order to focus on the area of virus occurrence and supplement the results obtained from clinical examination. By monitoring temporal variation in viral loads in wastewater in combination with other analysis, a virus outbreak can be detected and its spread can be suppressed early. The use of biosensors for virus detection also seems to be an interesting application. Biosensors are highly sensitive, selective, and portable and offer a way for fast analysis. This manuscript provides an overview of the current situation in the area of wastewater analysis, including genetic sequencing regarding viral detection and the technological solution of an early warning system for wastewater monitoring based on biosensors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Mackuľak
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Institute of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology, Radlinského 9, 812 37 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.F.); (M.T.); (A.B.Š.)
| | - Miroslav Gál
- Department of Inorganic Technology, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology, Radlinského 9, 812 37 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.G.); (V.Š.)
| | - Viera Špalková
- Department of Inorganic Technology, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology, Radlinského 9, 812 37 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.G.); (V.Š.)
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Fehér
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Institute of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology, Radlinského 9, 812 37 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.F.); (M.T.); (A.B.Š.)
- Department of Inorganic Technology, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology, Radlinského 9, 812 37 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.G.); (V.Š.)
| | - Katarína Briestenská
- Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Virology, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.B.); (M.M.); (K.T.)
| | - Miriam Mikušová
- Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Virology, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.B.); (M.M.); (K.T.)
| | - Karolína Tomčíková
- Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Virology, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.B.); (M.M.); (K.T.)
| | - Michal Tamáš
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Institute of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology, Radlinského 9, 812 37 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.F.); (M.T.); (A.B.Š.)
| | - Andrea Butor Škulcová
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Institute of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology, Radlinského 9, 812 37 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.F.); (M.T.); (A.B.Š.)
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wiktorczyk-Kapischke N, Grudlewska-Buda K, Wałecka-Zacharska E, Kwiecińska-Piróg J, Radtke L, Gospodarek-Komkowska E, Skowron K. SARS-CoV-2 in the environment-Non-droplet spreading routes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 770:145260. [PMID: 33513500 PMCID: PMC7825822 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, first identified in Wuhan (China) in December 2019, represents the same family as the Serve Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-1 (SARS-CoV-1). These viruses spread mainly via the droplet route. However, during the pandemic of COVID-19 other reservoirs, i.e., water (surface and ground), sewage, garbage, or soil, should be considered. As the infectious SARS-CoV-2 particles are also present in human excretions, such a non-droplet transmission is also possible. A significant problem is the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the hospital environment, including patients' rooms, medical equipment, everyday objects and the air. Relevant is selecting the type of equipment in the COVID-19 hospital wards on which the virus particles persist the shortest or do not remain infectious. Elimination of plastic objects/equipment from the environment of the infected person seems to be of great importance. It is particularly relevant in water reservoirs contaminated with raw discharges. Wastewater may contain coronaviruses and therefore there is a need for expanding Water-Based Epidemiology (WBE) studies to use obtained values as tool in determination of the actual percentage of the SARS-CoV-2 infected population in an area. It is of great importance to evaluate the available disinfection methods to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the environment. Exposure of SARS-CoV-2 to 65-70% ethanol, 0.5% hydrogen peroxide, or 0.1% sodium hypochlorite has effectively eliminated the virus from the surfaces. Since there are many unanswered questions about the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the research on this topic is still ongoing. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the SARS-CoV-2 transmission and elucidate the viral survival in the environment, with particular emphasis on the possibility of non-droplet transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Wiktorczyk-Kapischke
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum of L. Rydygier in Bydgoszcz, 9 M. Skłodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Grudlewska-Buda
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum of L. Rydygier in Bydgoszcz, 9 M. Skłodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Ewa Wałecka-Zacharska
- Department of Food Hygiene and Consumer Health, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 31 C.K. Norwida St., 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Joanna Kwiecińska-Piróg
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum of L. Rydygier in Bydgoszcz, 9 M. Skłodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Laura Radtke
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, UTP University of Science and Technology in Bydgoszcz, Al. prof. S. Kaliskiego 7, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Eugenia Gospodarek-Komkowska
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum of L. Rydygier in Bydgoszcz, 9 M. Skłodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Skowron
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum of L. Rydygier in Bydgoszcz, 9 M. Skłodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Wurtz N, Lacoste A, Jardot P, Delache A, Fontaine X, Verlande M, Annessi A, Giraud-Gatineau A, Chaudet H, Fournier PE, Augier P, La Scola B. Viral RNA in City Wastewater as a Key Indicator of COVID-19 Recrudescence and Containment Measures Effectiveness. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:664477. [PMID: 34079532 PMCID: PMC8165276 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.664477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, and more specifically at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, wastewater surveillance has been proposed as a tool to monitor the epidemiology of human viral infections. In the present work, from July to December 2020, the number of copies of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Marseille's wastewater was correlated with the number of new positive cases diagnosed in our Institute of Infectious Disease, which tested about 20% of the city's population. Number of positive cases and number of copies of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater were significantly correlated (p = 0.013). During the great epidemic peak, from October to December 2020, the curves of virus in the sewers and the curves of positive diagnoses were perfectly superposed. During the summer period, the superposition of curves was less evident as subject to many confounding factors that were discussed. We also tried to correlate the effect of viral circulation in wastewater with containment measures, probably the most unbiased correlation on their potential inflection effect of epidemic curves. Not only is this correlation not obvious, but it also clearly appears that the drop in cases as well as the drop in the viral load in the sewers occur before the containment measures. In fact, this suggests that there are factors that initiate the end of the epidemic peak independently of the containment measure. These factors will therefore need to be explored more deeply in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Wurtz
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée-Infection, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | - Xavier Fontaine
- Bataillon de Marins-Pompiers de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Maxime Verlande
- Bataillon de Marins-Pompiers de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | | | - Audrey Giraud-Gatineau
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée-Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Hervé Chaudet
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée-Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre-Edouard Fournier
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée-Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Patrick Augier
- Bataillon de Marins-Pompiers de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard La Scola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée-Infection, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abu Ali H, Yaniv K, Bar-Zeev E, Chaudhury S, Shagan M, Lakkakula S, Ronen Z, Kushmaro A, Nir O. Tracking SARS-CoV-2 RNA through the Wastewater Treatment Process. ACS ES&T WATER 2021; 1:1161-1167. [PMID: 37566373 PMCID: PMC8043203 DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.0c00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Municipal sewage carries degraded and intact viral particles and RNA (ribonucleic acid) of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2), shed by COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) patients, to sewage and eventually to wastewater treatment plants. Proper wastewater treatment can prevent uncontrolled discharges of the virus into the environment. However, the role of different wastewater treatment stages in reducing viral RNA concentrations is, thus far, unknown. Here, we quantified SARS-CoV-2 RNA in raw sewage and during the main stages of the activated sludge process from two wastewater treatment plants in Israel, on three different days during the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak. To reduce the detection limit, samples were concentrated prior to quantification by real-time polymerase chain reaction by a factor of 2-43 using ultrafiltration. On average, ∼1 log RNA removal was attained by each of the primary and secondary treatment steps; however, >100 copies of SARS-CoV-2 RNA/mL remained in the secondary effluents. Following chlorination, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected only once, likely due to an insufficient chlorine dose. Our results emphasize the capabilities and limitations of the conventional wastewater treatment process in reducing the SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration and present preliminary evidence for the importance of tertiary treatment and chlorination in reducing dissemination of the virus to the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hala Abu Ali
- Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Zuckerberg
Institute for Water Research, Ben-Gurion University of the
Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, Beer Sheva 8499000,
Israel
| | - Karin Yaniv
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of
Biotechnology Engineering and The Ilse Katz Center for Meso and Nanoscale Science and
Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva
84105, Israel
| | - Edo Bar-Zeev
- Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Zuckerberg
Institute for Water Research, Ben-Gurion University of the
Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, Beer Sheva 8499000,
Israel
| | - Sanhita Chaudhury
- Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Zuckerberg
Institute for Water Research, Ben-Gurion University of the
Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, Beer Sheva 8499000,
Israel
| | - Marilou Shagan
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of
Biotechnology Engineering and The Ilse Katz Center for Meso and Nanoscale Science and
Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva
84105, Israel
| | - Satish Lakkakula
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of
Biotechnology Engineering and The Ilse Katz Center for Meso and Nanoscale Science and
Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva
84105, Israel
| | - Zeev Ronen
- Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Zuckerberg
Institute for Water Research, Ben-Gurion University of the
Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, Beer Sheva 8499000,
Israel
| | - Ariel Kushmaro
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of
Biotechnology Engineering and The Ilse Katz Center for Meso and Nanoscale Science and
Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva
84105, Israel
| | - Oded Nir
- Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Zuckerberg
Institute for Water Research, Ben-Gurion University of the
Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, Beer Sheva 8499000,
Israel
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Hemalatha M, Kiran U, Kuncha SK, Kopperi H, Gokulan CG, Mohan SV, Mishra RK. Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 spread using wastewater-based epidemiology: Comprehensive study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 768:144704. [PMID: 33736319 PMCID: PMC7787060 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is having a devastating effect on human lives. Recent reports have shown that majority of the individuals recovered from COVID-19 have serious health complications, which is going to be a huge economic burden globally. Given the wide-spread transmission of SARS-CoV-2 it is almost impossible to test every individual in densely populated countries. Recent reports have shown that sewage-based surveillance can be used as holistic approach to understand the spread of the pandemic within a population or area. Here we have estimated the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the city of Hyderabad, India, which is a home for nearly 10 million people. The sewage samples were collected from all the major sewage treatment plants (STPs) and were processed for detecting the viral genome using the standard Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) method. Interestingly, inlet samples of STPs were positive for SARS-CoV-2, while the outlets were negative, which indicates that the standard sewage treatment methods are efficient in eliminating the SARS-CoV-2 viral particles. Based on the detected viral gene copies per litre and viral particle shedding per individual, the total number of individuals exposed to SARS-CoV-2 was estimated. Through this study we suggest that sewage-based surveillance is an effective approach to study the infection dynamics, which helps in efficient management of the SARS-CoV-2 spread.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manupati Hemalatha
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering (DEEE), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Uday Kiran
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Kuncha
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Harishankar Kopperi
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering (DEEE), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - C G Gokulan
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, India
| | - S Venkata Mohan
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering (DEEE), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| | - Rakesh K Mishra
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, India.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Hemalatha M, Kiran U, Kuncha SK, Kopperi H, Gokulan CG, Mohan SV, Mishra RK. Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 spread using wastewater-based epidemiology: Comprehensive study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 768:144704. [PMID: 33736319 DOI: 10.1101/2020.08.18.20177428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is having a devastating effect on human lives. Recent reports have shown that majority of the individuals recovered from COVID-19 have serious health complications, which is going to be a huge economic burden globally. Given the wide-spread transmission of SARS-CoV-2 it is almost impossible to test every individual in densely populated countries. Recent reports have shown that sewage-based surveillance can be used as holistic approach to understand the spread of the pandemic within a population or area. Here we have estimated the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the city of Hyderabad, India, which is a home for nearly 10 million people. The sewage samples were collected from all the major sewage treatment plants (STPs) and were processed for detecting the viral genome using the standard Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) method. Interestingly, inlet samples of STPs were positive for SARS-CoV-2, while the outlets were negative, which indicates that the standard sewage treatment methods are efficient in eliminating the SARS-CoV-2 viral particles. Based on the detected viral gene copies per litre and viral particle shedding per individual, the total number of individuals exposed to SARS-CoV-2 was estimated. Through this study we suggest that sewage-based surveillance is an effective approach to study the infection dynamics, which helps in efficient management of the SARS-CoV-2 spread.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manupati Hemalatha
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering (DEEE), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Uday Kiran
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Kuncha
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Harishankar Kopperi
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering (DEEE), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - C G Gokulan
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, India
| | - S Venkata Mohan
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering (DEEE), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| | - Rakesh K Mishra
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, India.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Wilder ML, Middleton F, Larsen DA, Du Q, Fenty A, Zeng T, Insaf T, Kilaru P, Collins M, Kmush B, Green HC. Co-quantification of crAssphage increases confidence in wastewater-based epidemiology for SARS-CoV-2 in low prevalence areas. WATER RESEARCH X 2021; 11:100100. [PMID: 33842875 PMCID: PMC8021452 DOI: 10.1016/j.wroa.2021.100100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 RNA is increasingly being incorporated into public health efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to obtain the maximum benefit from these efforts, approaches to wastewater monitoring need to be rapid, sensitive, and relatable to relevant epidemiological parameters. In this study, we present an ultracentrifugation-based method for the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 wastewater RNA and use crAssphage, a bacteriophage specific to the human gut, to help account for RNA loss during transit in the wastewater system and sample processing. With these methods, we were able to detect, and sometimes quantify, SARS-CoV-2 RNA from 20 mL wastewater samples within as little as 4.5 hours. Using known concentrations of bovine coronavirus RNA and deactivated SARS-CoV-2, we estimate recovery rates of approximately 7-12% of viral RNA using our method. Results from 24 sewersheds across Upstate New York during the spring and summer of 2020 suggested that stronger signals of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from wastewater may be indicative of greater COVID-19 incidence in the represented service area approximately one week in advance. SARS-CoV-2 wastewater RNA was quantifiable in some service areas with daily positives tests of less than 1 per 10,000 people or when weekly positive test rates within a sewershed were as low as 1.7%. crAssphage DNA concentrations were significantly lower during periods of high flow in almost all areas studied. After accounting for flow rate and population served, crAssphage levels per capita were estimated to be about 1.35 × 1011 and 2.42 × 108 genome copies per day for DNA and RNA, respectively. A negative relationship between per capita crAssphage RNA and service area size was also observed likely reflecting degradation of RNA over long transit times. Our results reinforce the potential for wastewater surveillance to be used as a tool to supplement understanding of infectious disease transmission obtained by traditional testing and highlight the potential for crAssphage co-detection to improve interpretations of wastewater surveillance data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell L. Wilder
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, SUNY-ESF, Syracuse, NY 13210
| | - Frank Middleton
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210
| | - David A. Larsen
- Department of Public Health, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244
| | - Qian Du
- Quadrant Biosciences, Syracuse, NY 13210
| | - Ariana Fenty
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, SUNY-ESF, Syracuse, NY 13210
| | - Teng Zeng
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244
| | - Tabassum Insaf
- Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12337
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12144
| | - Pruthvi Kilaru
- Department of Public Health, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244
| | - Mary Collins
- Department of Environmental Studies, SUNY-ESF, Syracuse, NY 13210
| | - Brittany Kmush
- Department of Public Health, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244
| | - Hyatt C. Green
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, SUNY-ESF, Syracuse, NY 13210
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Panchal D, Prakash O, Bobde P, Pal S. SARS-CoV-2: sewage surveillance as an early warning system and challenges in developing countries. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:22221-22240. [PMID: 33733417 PMCID: PMC7968922 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13170-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Transmission of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in humans happens either through airway exposure to respiratory droplets from an infected patient or by touching the virus contaminated surface or objects (fomites). Presence of SARS-CoV-2 in human feces and its passage to sewage system is an emerging concern for public health. Pieces of evidence of the occurrence of viral RNA in feces and municipal wastewater (sewage) systems have not only warned reinforcing the treatment facilities but also suggest that these systems can be monitored to get epidemiological data for checking trend of COVID-19 infection in the community. This review summarizes the occurrence and persistence of novel coronavirus in sewage with an emphasis on the possible water environment contamination. Monitoring of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) via sewage-based epidemiology could deliver promising information regarding rate of infection providing a valid and complementary tool for tracking and diagnosing COVID-19 across communities. Tracking the sewage systems could act as an early warning tool for alerting the public health authorities for necessary actions. Given the impracticality of testing every citizen with limited diagnostic resources, it is imperative that sewage-based epidemiology can be tested as an early warning system. The need for the development of robust sampling strategies and subsequent detection methodologies and challenges for developing countries are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Panchal
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
- Wastewater Technology Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, 440020, India
| | - Om Prakash
- Wastewater Technology Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, 440020, India
| | - Prakash Bobde
- Wastewater Technology Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, 440020, India
- Department of Research & Development, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India
| | - Sukdeb Pal
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
- Wastewater Technology Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, 440020, India.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Anand U, Adelodun B, Pivato A, Suresh S, Indari O, Jakhmola S, Jha HC, Jha PK, Tripathi V, Di Maria F. A review of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater and airborne particulates and its use for virus spreading surveillance. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 196:110929. [PMID: 33640498 PMCID: PMC7906514 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
According to the WHO, on October 16, 2020, the spreading of the SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, reached 235 countries and territories, and resulting in more than 39 million confirmed cases and 1.09 million deaths globally. Monitoring of the virus outbreak is one of the main activities pursued to limiting the number of infected people and decreasing the number of deaths that have caused high pressure on the health care, social, and economic systems of different countries. Wastewater based epidemiology (WBE), already adopted for the surveillance of life style and health conditions of communities, shows interesting features for the monitoring of the COVID-19 diffusion. Together with wastewater, the analysis of airborne particles has been recently suggested as another useful tool for detecting the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in given areas. The present review reports the status of research currently performed concerning the monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 spreading by WBE and airborne particles. The former have been more investigated, whereas the latter is still at a very early stage, with a limited number of very recent studies. Nevertheless, the main results highlights in both cases necessitate more research activity for better understating and defining the biomarkers and the related sampling and analysis procedures to be used for this important aim.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uttpal Anand
- Department of Life Sciences, National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Bashir Adelodun
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Civil Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Alberto Pivato
- DICEA - Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - S Suresh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, 462 003, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Omkar Indari
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, 453552, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Shweta Jakhmola
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, 453552, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Hem Chandra Jha
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, 453552, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Pawan Kumar Jha
- Centre for Environmental Studies, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, 211002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vijay Tripathi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Engineering, Jacob Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, 211007, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Francesco Di Maria
- LAR(5) Laboratory - Dipartimento di Ingegneria - University of Perugia, via G. Duranti 93, 06125, Perugia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Patel M, Chaubey AK, Pittman CU, Mlsna T, Mohan D. Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in the environment: Occurrence, persistence, analysis in aquatic systems and possible management. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 765:142698. [PMID: 33097261 PMCID: PMC7531938 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
The year 2020 brought the news of the emergence of a new respiratory disease (COVID-19) from Wuhan, China. The disease is now a global pandemic and is caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2 by international bodies. Important viral transmission sources include human contact, respiratory droplets and aerosols, and through contact with contaminated objects. However, viral shedding in feces and urine by COVID-19-afflicted patients raises concerns about SARS-CoV-2 entering aquatic systems. Recently, targeted SARS-CoV-2 genome fragments have been successfully detected in wastewater, sewage sludge and river waters around the world. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) studies can provide early detection and assessment of COVID-19 transmission and the growth of active cases within given wastewater catchment areas. WBE surveillance's ability to detect the growth of cases was demonstrated. Was this science applied throughout the world as this pandemic spread throughout the globe? Wastewater treatment efficacy for SARS-CoV-2 removal and risk assessments associated with treated water are reported. Disinfection strategies using chemical disinfectants, heat and radiation for deactivating and destroying SARS-CoV-2 are explained. Analytical methods of SARS-CoV-2 detection are covered. This review provides a more complete overview of the present status of SARS-CoV-2 and its consequences in aquatic systems. So far, WBE programs have not yet served to provide the early alerts to authorities that they have the potential to achieve. This would be desirable in order to activate broad public health measures at earlier stages of local and regional stages of transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manvendra Patel
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | | | - Charles U Pittman
- Department of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - Todd Mlsna
- Department of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - Dinesh Mohan
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Mohapatra S, Menon NG, Mohapatra G, Pisharody L, Pattnaik A, Menon NG, Bhukya PL, Srivastava M, Singh M, Barman MK, Gin KYH, Mukherji S. The novel SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: Possible environmental transmission, detection, persistence and fate during wastewater and water treatment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 765:142746. [PMID: 33092831 PMCID: PMC7536135 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
The contagious SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for COVID-19 disease, has infected over 27 million people across the globe within a few months. While literature on SARS-CoV-2 indicates that its transmission may occur predominantly via aerosolization of virus-laden droplets, the possibility of alternate routes of transmission and/or reinfection via the environment requires considerable scientific attention. This review aims to collate information on possible transmission routes of this virus, to ascertain its fate in the environment. Concomitant with the presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in faeces and saliva of infected patients, studies also indicated its occurrence in raw wastewater, primary sludge and river water. Therefore sewerage system could be a possible route of virus outbreak, a possible tool to assess viral community spread and future surveillance technique. Hence, this review looked into detection, occurrence and fate of SARS-CoV-2 during primary, secondary, and tertiary wastewater and water treatment processes based on published literature on SARS-CoV and other enveloped viruses. The review also highlights the need for focused research on occurrence and fate of SARS-CoV-2 in various environmental matrices. Utilization of this information in environmental transmission models developed for other enveloped and enteric viruses can facilitate risk assessment studies. Preliminary research efforts with SARS-CoV-2 and established scientific reports on other coronaviruses indicate that the threat of virus transmission from the aquatic environment may be currently non-existent. However, the presence of viral RNA in wastewater provides an early warning that highlights the need for effective sewage treatment to prevent a future outbreak of SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeeb Mohapatra
- Environmental Science and Engineering Department (ESED), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, India; NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore
| | - N Gayathri Menon
- Centre for Research in Nanotechnology and Science (CRNTS), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, India; nEcoTox GmbH, An der Neümuhle 2, Annweiler am Trifels, Germany
| | | | - Lakshmi Pisharody
- Environmental Science and Engineering Department (ESED), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, India
| | - Aryamav Pattnaik
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), USA
| | - N Gowri Menon
- Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Wayanad, Kerala, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Karina Yew-Hoong Gin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore.
| | - Suparna Mukherji
- Environmental Science and Engineering Department (ESED), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, India; Centre for Research in Nanotechnology and Science (CRNTS), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, India.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Tiwari SB, Gahlot P, Tyagi VK, Zhang L, Zhou Y, Kazmi AA, Kumar M. Surveillance of Wastewater for Early Epidemic Prediction (SWEEP): Environmental and health security perspectives in the post COVID-19 Anthropocene. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 195:110831. [PMID: 33587948 PMCID: PMC7879813 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The present work summarizes the major research findings related to wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) study of COVID-19 and puts forward a conceptual framework, termed as "Surveillance of Wastewater for Early Epidemic Prediction (SWEEP)" for implementation of WBE. SWEEP framework is likely to tackle few practical issues related to WBE and simultaneously proposes refinements to the approach for better outcome and efficiency to save precious lives around the globe. It is observed that the present pandemic offers an opportunity for SWEEP to get included in routine urban water management to put the humankind at front to stop such pandemic in future or at least be prepared to fight against it. With global collaboration, SWEEP can be fine-tuned to meet diverse needs, making the present and future generations resilient to future viral outbreaks. Recent WBE studies conducted to check for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater revealed that raw sewage samples tested positive to PCR-based assays while the treated samples showed absence of viral titers. Moreover, the lockdown had a positive impact on decreasing the viral loading in sewage. The proposed SWEEP protocol has an advantage over testifying individuals for predicting the stage of pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satya Brat Tiwari
- Environmental Biotechnology Group (EBiTG), Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, India
| | - Pallavi Gahlot
- Environmental Biotechnology Group (EBiTG), Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, India
| | - Vinay Kumar Tyagi
- Environmental Biotechnology Group (EBiTG), Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, India.
| | - Liang Zhang
- Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Yan Zhou
- Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - A A Kazmi
- Environmental Biotechnology Group (EBiTG), Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Discipline of Earth Science, Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382-355, India
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Hamouda M, Mustafa F, Maraqa M, Rizvi T, Aly Hassan A. Wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2: Lessons learnt from recent studies to define future applications. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 759:143493. [PMID: 33190883 PMCID: PMC7648500 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is successful in the detection of the spread of SARS-CoV-2. This review examines the methods used and results of recent studies on the quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. WBE becomes essential, especially with virus transmission path uncertainty, limitations on the number of clinical tests that could be conducted, and a relatively long period for infected people to show symptoms. Wastewater surveillance was used to show the effect of lockdown on the virus spread. A WBE framework tailored for SARS-CoV-2 that incorporates lessons learnt from the reviewed studies was developed. Results of the review helped outline challenges facing the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples. A comparison between the various studies with regards to sample concentration and virus quantification was conducted. Five different primers sets were used for qPCR quantification; however, due to limited data availability, there is no consensus on the most sensitive primer. Correlating the slope of the relationship between the number of gene copies vs. the cumulative number of infections normalized to the total population served with the average new cases, suggests that qPCR results could help estimating the number of new infections. The correlation is improved when a lag period was introduced to account for asymptomatic infections. Based on lessons learnt from recent studies, it is recommended that future applications should consider the following: 1) ensuring occupational safety in managing sewage collection and processing, 2) evaluating the effectiveness of greywater disinfection, 3) measuring viral RNA decay due to biological and chemical activities during collection and treatment, 4) assessing the effectiveness of digital PCR, and 5) conducting large scale international studies that follow standardized protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Hamouda
- Civil and Environmental Engineering and the National Water Center, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Farah Mustafa
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Munjed Maraqa
- Civil and Environmental Engineering and the National Water Center, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Tahir Rizvi
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Ashraf Aly Hassan
- Civil and Environmental Engineering and the National Water Center, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nebraska Lincoln, 900 N 16th St., Lincoln, NE 68588-0531, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Singh S, Kumar V, Kapoor D, Dhanjal DS, Bhatia D, Jan S, Singh N, Romero R, Ramamurthy PC, Singh J. Detection and disinfection of COVID-19 virus in wastewater. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2021; 19:1917-1933. [PMID: 33642964 PMCID: PMC7898499 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-021-01202-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2, appears as a major pandemic having adverse impact on public health and economic activities. Since viral replication in human enterocytes results in its faecal shedding, wastewater surveillance is an ideal, non-invasive, cost-effective and an early warning epidemiological approach to detect the genetic material of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we review techniques for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in municipal wastewater, and disinfectants used to control viral spread. For detection, concentration of ribonucleic acid involves ultrafiltration, ultracentrifugation and polyethylene glycol precipitation. Identification is done by reverse transcriptase amplification, nucleic acid sequence-based amplification, helicase dependent amplification, loop-mediated isothermal amplification, recombinase polymerase amplification, high throughput screening and biosensor assays. Disinfectants include ultraviolet radiations, ozone, chlorine dioxide, hypochlorites and hydrogen peroxide. Wastewater surveillance data indicates viral presence within longer detection window, and provides transmission dynamics earlier than classical methods. This is particularly relevant for pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simranjeet Singh
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Water Research (ICWaR), Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore, 560012 India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Drug Development, Gwalior, MP 474009 India
| | - Dhriti Kapoor
- Department of Botany, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411 India
| | - Daljeet Singh Dhanjal
- Department of Biotechnology, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411 India
| | - Deepika Bhatia
- Department of Microbiology, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411 India
| | - Sadaf Jan
- Department of Botany, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411 India
| | - Nasib Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Akal College of Basic Sciences, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh 173101 India
| | - Romina Romero
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Medioambientales de Zonas Áridas (LIMZA), Depto. Ingeniería Mecánica, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Tarapacá, Iquique, Chile
| | - Praveen C. Ramamurthy
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Water Research (ICWaR), Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore, 560012 India
| | - Joginder Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411 India
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Suthar S, Das S, Nagpure A, Madhurantakam C, Tiwari SB, Gahlot P, Tyagi VK. Epidemiology and diagnosis, environmental resources quality and socio-economic perspectives for COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 280:111700. [PMID: 33261988 PMCID: PMC7687413 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has emerged as a global issue of concern for public health, environment and socio-economic setup. This review addresses several aspects of epidemiology, and pathogenesis, environmental resource quality (air quality, hazardous waste management, and wastewater surveillance issues), and socio-economic issues worldwide. The accelerated research activity in the development of diagnostic kits for SARS-CoV-2 is in progress for the rapid sequencing of various strains of SARS-CoV-2. A notable reduction in air pollutants (NO2 and PM2.5) has been observed worldwide, but high air polluted cities showed intense mortalities in COVID-19 affected areas. The use of health safety equipment halted transportation, and work-from-home policy drastically impacted the quantity of solid and hazardous wastes management services. Wastewater appeared as another mode of enteric transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Thus, wastewater-based surveillance could act as a mode of the data source to track the virus's community spread. The pandemic also had a substantial socio-economic impact (health budget, industrial manufacturing, job loss, and unemployment) and further aggravated the countries' economic burden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Surindra Suthar
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Doon University, Dehradun, 248 001, India
| | - Sukanya Das
- Department of Policy Studies, TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi, 110070, India
| | | | - Chaithanya Madhurantakam
- Structural and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi, 110070, India
| | - Satya Brat Tiwari
- Environmental Biotechnology Group, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, India
| | - Pallavi Gahlot
- Environmental Biotechnology Group, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, India
| | - Vinay Kumar Tyagi
- Environmental Biotechnology Group, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, India.
| |
Collapse
|