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Rajput V, Pramanik R, Nannaware K, Malik V, Matra S, Kumar S, Joshi S, Kadam P, Bhalerao U, Tupekar M, Deshpande D, Shah P, Sangewar P, Gogate N, Boargaonkar R, Patil D, Kale S, Bhalerao A, Jain N, Shashidhara LS, Kamble S, Dastager S, Karmodiya K, Dharne M. Wastewater surveillance in post-omicron silent phase uncovers silent waves and cryptic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 variants; a yearlong study in Western India. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 955:176833. [PMID: 39396788 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176833] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 09/22/2024] [Accepted: 10/07/2024] [Indexed: 10/15/2024]
Abstract
Due to reduced clinical testing and evolving monitoring challenges, tracking the emergence and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants has become increasingly complex. To address this gap, we investigated the utility of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) as a complementary tool for SARS-CoV-2 variant surveillance in sewage treatment plants (STPs) across Pune, India. We analyzed 1128 wastewater samples collected between May 2022 and May 2023, using Illumina and nanopore sequencing techniques for robust detection and variant characterization. The study revealed critical findings, including "silent waves" with elevated viral load despite minimal clinical cases, suggesting potential cryptic transmission. These silent waves aligned with the dominance of Omicron BA.2 in June-July 2022 and emergence of the recombinant XBB clade in December 2022. Importantly, sequencing detected XBB lineages 130-253 days before their initial clinical identification, demonstrating its significant advantage in early variant detection. Furthermore, wastewater analysis revealed a higher degree of lineage diversity compared to clinical data, indicating its ability to capture a broader spectrum of circulating variants. The BA.2.86.X was identified 103 days prior to its clinical detection in Pune, highlighting WBE's remarkable lead time. Surprisingly, BF.7.X and BQ.X fragments were also detected in wastewater but not yet reported clinically. These findings demonstrate the remarkable value of WBE as an early warning tool for SARS-CoV-2 variants ahead of time. By revealing silent waves, enabling early variant detection, and capturing a broader viral spectrum, WBE effort could empower public health officials to make informed decisions and implement effective strategies to mitigate future waves, especially in contexts with declining clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Rajput
- National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCIM), Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune 411008, Maharashtra, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rinka Pramanik
- National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCIM), Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune 411008, Maharashtra, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Kiran Nannaware
- National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCIM), Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune 411008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vinita Malik
- National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCIM), Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune 411008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sejal Matra
- National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCIM), Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune 411008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shubham Kumar
- National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCIM), Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune 411008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sai Joshi
- National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCIM), Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune 411008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Pradnya Kadam
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune 41108, Maharashtra, India
| | - Unnati Bhalerao
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune 41108, Maharashtra, India
| | - Manisha Tupekar
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune 41108, Maharashtra, India
| | - Dipti Deshpande
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune 41108, Maharashtra, India
| | - Priyanki Shah
- The Pune Knowledge Cluster (PKC), Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Poornima Sangewar
- The Pune Knowledge Cluster (PKC), Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Niharika Gogate
- The Pune Knowledge Cluster (PKC), Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | | | - Dhawal Patil
- Ecosan Services Foundation (ESF), Pune 411030, Maharashtra, India
| | - Saurabh Kale
- Ecosan Services Foundation (ESF), Pune 411030, Maharashtra, India
| | - Asim Bhalerao
- Fluid Robotics Private Limited (FRPL), Pune 411052, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nidhi Jain
- Fluid Robotics Private Limited (FRPL), Pune 411052, Maharashtra, India
| | - L S Shashidhara
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune 41108, Maharashtra, India; The Pune Knowledge Cluster (PKC), Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), Pune, Maharashtra, India; National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Bellary Road, Bangalore 560065, Karnataka, India
| | - Sanjay Kamble
- Chemical Engineering and Process Development (CEPD) Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune 411008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Syed Dastager
- National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCIM), Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune 411008, Maharashtra, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Krishanpal Karmodiya
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune 41108, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mahesh Dharne
- National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCIM), Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune 411008, Maharashtra, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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2
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Bastardo-Méndez M, Rangel HR, Pujol FH, Grillet ME, Jaspe RC, Malaver N, Rodríguez M, Zamora-Figueroa A. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater as an earlier predictor of COVID-19 epidemic peaks in Venezuela. Sci Rep 2024; 14:27294. [PMID: 39516586 PMCID: PMC11549330 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-78982-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 11/05/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiological surveillance has proven to be a useful and cost-effective tool for detecting COVID-19 outbreaks. Here, our objective was to evaluate its potential as an early warning system in Venezuela by detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater and its correlation with reported cases of COVID-19. Viral RNA was concentrated from wastewater collected at various sites in Caracas (northern Venezuela), from September 2021 to July 2023, using the polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation method. Viral quantification was performed by RT-qPCR targeting the N1 and ORF1ab genes. A significant association (p < 0.05) was found between viral load in wastewater and reported cases of COVID-19 up to six days after sampling. During the whole study, two populated areas of the city were persistent hotspots of viral infection. The L452R mutation, suggestive of the presence of the Delta variant, was identified in the only sample where a complete genomic sequence could be obtained. Significant differences (p < 0.05) between the physicochemical conditions of the wastewater samples positive and negative for the virus were found. Our results support proof of concept that wastewater surveillance can serve as an early warning system for SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks, complementing public health surveillance in those regions where COVID-19 is currently underreported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie Bastardo-Méndez
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Microorganismos, Centro de Ecología Aplicada, Instituto de Zoología y Ecología Tropical, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV), Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Héctor R Rangel
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Altos de Pipe, Miranda, Venezuela
| | - Flor H Pujol
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Altos de Pipe, Miranda, Venezuela
| | - María-Eugenia Grillet
- Centro de Ecología y Evolución, Instituto de Zoología y Ecología Tropical, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV), Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Rossana C Jaspe
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Altos de Pipe, Miranda, Venezuela
| | - Nora Malaver
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Microorganismos, Centro de Ecología Aplicada, Instituto de Zoología y Ecología Tropical, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV), Caracas, Venezuela
| | - María Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Microorganismos, Centro de Ecología Aplicada, Instituto de Zoología y Ecología Tropical, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV), Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Alejandra Zamora-Figueroa
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Microorganismos, Centro de Ecología Aplicada, Instituto de Zoología y Ecología Tropical, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV), Caracas, Venezuela.
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Altos de Pipe, Miranda, Venezuela.
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3
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Rajput V, Pramanik R, Malik V, Yadav R, Samson R, Kadam P, Bhalerao U, Tupekar M, Deshpande D, Shah P, Shashidhara LS, Boargaonkar R, Patil D, Kale S, Bhalerao A, Jain N, Kamble S, Dastager S, Karmodiya K, Dharne M. Genomic surveillance reveals early detection and transition of delta to omicron lineages of SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater treatment plants of Pune, India. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:118976-118988. [PMID: 37922087 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30709-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the urgency for rapid public health surveillance methods to detect and monitor the transmission of infectious diseases. The wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as a promising tool for proactive analysis and quantification of infectious pathogens within a population before clinical cases emerge. In the present study, we aimed to assess the trend and dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 variants using a longitudinal approach. Our objective included early detection and monitoring of these variants to enhance our understanding of their prevalence and potential impact. To achieve our goals, we conducted real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Illumina sequencing on 442 wastewater (WW) samples collected from 10 sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Pune city, India, spanning from November 2021 to April 2022. Our comprehensive analysis identified 426 distinct lineages representing 17 highly transmissible variants of SARS-CoV-2. Notably, fragments of Omicron variant were detected in WW samples prior to its first clinical detection in Botswana. Furthermore, we observed highly contagious sub-lineages of the Omicron variant, including BA.1 (~28%), BA.1.X (1.0-72%), BA.2 (1.0-18%), BA.2.X (1.0-97.4%) BA.2.12 (0.8-0.25%), BA.2.38 (0.8-1.0%), BA.2.75 (0.01-0.02%), BA.3 (0.09-6.3%), BA.4 (0.24-0.29%), and XBB (0.01-21.83%), with varying prevalence rates. Overall, the present study demonstrated the practicality of WBE in the early detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants, which could help track future outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2. Such approaches could be implicated in monitoring infectious agents before they appear in clinical cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Rajput
- National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCIM), Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Rinka Pramanik
- National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCIM), Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Vinita Malik
- National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCIM), Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
| | - Rakeshkumar Yadav
- National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCIM), Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Rachel Samson
- National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCIM), Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Pradnya Kadam
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 41108, India
| | - Unnati Bhalerao
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 41108, India
| | - Manisha Tupekar
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 41108, India
| | - Dipti Deshpande
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 41108, India
| | - Priyanki Shah
- The Pune Knowledge Cluster (PKC), Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - L S Shashidhara
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 41108, India
- The Pune Knowledge Cluster (PKC), Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | | | - Dhawal Patil
- Ecosan Services Foundation (ESF), Pune, Maharashtra, 411030, India
| | - Saurabh Kale
- Ecosan Services Foundation (ESF), Pune, Maharashtra, 411030, India
| | - Asim Bhalerao
- Fluid Robotics Private Limited (FRPL), Pune, Maharashtra, 411052, India
| | - Nidhi Jain
- Fluid Robotics Private Limited (FRPL), Pune, Maharashtra, 411052, India
| | - Sanjay Kamble
- Chemical Engineering and Process Development Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
| | - Syed Dastager
- National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCIM), Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Krishanpal Karmodiya
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 41108, India
| | - Mahesh Dharne
- National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCIM), Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India.
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4
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Wani H, Menon S, Desai D, D’Souza N, Bhathena Z, Desai N, Rose JB, Shrivastava S. Wastewater-Based Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2: Assessing Prevalence and Correlation with Clinical Cases. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2023; 15:131-143. [PMID: 37133676 PMCID: PMC10155169 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-023-09555-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology has been recognized as a tool to monitor the progress of COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. The study presented herein aimed at quantitating the SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the wastewaters, predicting the number of infected individuals in the catchment areas, and correlating it with the clinically reported COVID-19 cases. Wastewater samples (n = 162) from different treatment stages were collected from three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) from Mumbai city during the 2nd surge of COVID-19 (April 2021 to June 2021). SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19, was detected in 76.2% and 4.8% of raw and secondary treated (n = 63 each) wastewater samples respectively while all tertiary treated samples (n = 36) were negative. The quantity of SARS-CoV-2 RNA determined as gene copies/100 mL varied among all the three WWTPs under study. The gene copy numbers thus obtained were further used to estimate the number of infected individuals within the population served by these WWTPs using two published methods. A positive correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between the estimated number of infected individuals and clinically confirmed COVID-19 cases reported during the sampling period in two WWTPs. Predicted infected individuals calculated in this study were 100 times higher than the reported COVID-19 cases in all the WWTPs assessed. The study findings demonstrated that the present wastewater treatment technologies at the three WWTPs studied were adequate to remove the virus. However, SARS-CoV-2 genome surveillance with emphasis on monitoring its variants should be implemented as a routine practice to prepare for any future surge in infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hima Wani
- Bhavan’s Research Center, Bhavan’s College Campus, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400058 India
| | - Smita Menon
- Bhavan’s Research Center, Bhavan’s College Campus, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400058 India
- Department of Microbiology, Bhavan’s College, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400058 India
| | - Dipen Desai
- Bhavan’s Research Center, Bhavan’s College Campus, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400058 India
| | - Nishita D’Souza
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Zarine Bhathena
- Department of Microbiology, Bhavan’s College, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400058 India
| | - Nishith Desai
- Bhavan’s Research Center, Bhavan’s College Campus, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400058 India
| | - Joan B. Rose
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Sandhya Shrivastava
- Bhavan’s Research Center, Bhavan’s College Campus, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400058 India
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Mohapatra S, Bhatia S, Senaratna KYK, Jong MC, Lim CMB, Gangesh GR, Lee JX, Giek GS, Cheung C, Yutao L, Luhua Y, Yong NH, Peng LC, Wong JCC, Ching NL, Gin KYH. Wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and chemical markers in campus dormitories in an evolving COVID - 19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 446:130690. [PMID: 36603423 PMCID: PMC9795800 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we report the implementation of a comprehensive wastewater surveillance testing program at a university campus in Singapore to identify Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected individuals and the usage of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) as well as other emerging contaminants (ECs). This unique co-monitoring program simultaneously measured SARS-CoV-2 with chemical markers/contaminants as the COVID-19 situation evolved from pandemic to endemic stages, following a nationwide mass vaccination drive. SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in wastewater from campus dormitories were measured using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and corroborated with the number of symptomatic COVID-19 cases confirmed with the antigen rapid test (ART). Consistent results were observed where the concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected in wastewater increased proportionately with the number of COVID-19 infected individuals residing on campus. Similarly, a wide range of ECs, including disinfectants and antibiotics, were detected through sensitive liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) techniques to establish PPCPs consumption patterns during various stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore. Statistical correlation of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was observed with few ECs belonging to disinfectants, PCPs and antibiotics. A high concentration of disinfectants and subsequent positive correlation with the number of reported cases on the university campus indicates that disinfectants could serve as a chemical marker during such unprecedented times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeeb Mohapatra
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, T-Lab Building, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore; Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), 1 CREATE Way, Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Sumedha Bhatia
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, T-Lab Building, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore
| | | | - Mui-Choo Jong
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, T-Lab Building, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore
| | - Chun Min Benjamin Lim
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, T-Lab Building, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore
| | - G Reuben Gangesh
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, T-Lab Building, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore
| | - Jia Xiong Lee
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, T-Lab Building, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore
| | - Goh Shin Giek
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, T-Lab Building, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore
| | - Callie Cheung
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, T-Lab Building, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore; Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Engineering Drive 2, 117576, Singapore
| | - Lin Yutao
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, T-Lab Building, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore
| | - You Luhua
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, T-Lab Building, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore; Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), 1 CREATE Way, Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Ng How Yong
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Engineering Drive 2, 117576, Singapore
| | - Lim Cheh Peng
- Office of Risk Management and Compliance, National University of Singapore, 119077, Singapore
| | - Judith Chui Ching Wong
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, 11 Biopolis Way, #06-05/08, 138667, Singapore
| | - Ng Lee Ching
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, 11 Biopolis Way, #06-05/08, 138667, Singapore; School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
| | - Karina Yew-Hoong Gin
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, T-Lab Building, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore; Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), 1 CREATE Way, Singapore 138602, Singapore; Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Engineering Drive 2, 117576, Singapore.
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6
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Lancaster E, Byrd K, Ai Y, Lee J. Socioeconomic status correlations with confirmed COVID-19 cases and SARS-CoV-2 wastewater concentrations in small-medium sized communities. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 215:114290. [PMID: 36096171 PMCID: PMC9458761 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Over two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, it is apparent that some populations across the world are more susceptible than others to SARS-CoV-2 infection and spread. Understanding how populations with varying demographic patterns are impacted by COVID-19 may highlight which factors are most important in targeting to combat global suffering. The first objective of this study was to investigate the association of various socioeconomic status (SES) parameters and confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state of Ohio, USA. This study examines the largest and capital city of Ohio (Columbus) and various small-medium-sized communities. The second objective was to determine the relationship between SES parameters and community-level SARS-CoV-2 concentrations using municipal wastewater samples from each city's respective wastewater treatment plants from August 2020 to January 2021. SES parameters include population size, median income, poverty, race/ethnicity, education, health care access, types of COVID-19 testing sites, and social vulnerability index. Statistical analysis results show that confirmed (normalized and/or non-normalized) COVID-19 cases were negatively associated with White percentage and registered hospitals, and positively associated with registered physicians and various COVID-19 testing sites. Wastewater viral concentrations were negatively associated with poverty, and positively associated with median income, community health centers, and onsite rapid testing locations. Additional analyses conclude that population is a significant factor in determining COVID-19 cases and SARS-CoV-2 wastewater concentrations. Results indicate that community healthcare parameters relate to a negative health outcome (COVID-19) and that demographic parameters can be associated with community-level SARS-CoV-2 wastewater concentrations. As the first study that examines the association between socioeconomic parameters and SARS-CoV-2 wastewater concentrations as well as confirmed COVID-19 cases, it is apparent that social determinants have an impact in determining the health burden of small-medium sized Ohioan cities. This study design and innovative approach are scalable and applicable for endemic and pandemic surveillance across the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Lancaster
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Environmental Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kendall Byrd
- Environmental Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yuehan Ai
- Department of Food Science & Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jiyoung Lee
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Environmental Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Food Science & Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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7
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Huang J, Lian X, Zhao Y, Wang D, Chen S, Zhang L, Liu X, Gao J, Liu C. Water Transmission Increases the Intensity of COVID-19 Outbreaks. Front Public Health 2022; 10:808523. [PMID: 35692324 PMCID: PMC9174688 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.808523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
India suffered from a devastating 2021 spring outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), surpassing any other outbreaks before. However, the reason for the acceleration of the outbreak in India is still unknown. We describe the statistical characteristics of infected patients from the first case in India to June 2021, and trace the causes of the two outbreaks in a complete way, combined with data on natural disasters, environmental pollution and population movements etc. We found that water-to-human transmission accelerates COVID-19 spreading. The transmission rate is 382% higher than the human-to-human transmission rate during the 2020 summer outbreak in India. When syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters the human body directly through the water-oral transmission pathway, virus particles and nitrogen salt in the water accelerate viral infection and mutation rates in the gastrointestinal tract. Based on the results of the attribution analysis, without the current effective interventions, India could have experienced a third outbreak during the monsoon season this year, which would have increased the severity of the disaster and led to a South Asian economic crisis.
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Kumar M, Srivastava V, Mazumder P, Deka JP, Gupta S, Goswami R, Mutiyar PK, Dave S, Mahanta C, Ramanathan AL, Joshi M. Spectre of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the ambient urban waters of Ahmedabad and Guwahati: A tale of two Indian cities. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112067. [PMID: 34543636 PMCID: PMC8445884 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 positive patients can egest live SARS-CoV-2 virus and viral genome fragments through faecal matter and urine, raising concerns about viral transmission through the faecal-oral route and/or contaminated aerosolized water. These concerns are amplified in many low- and middle-income countries, where raw sewage is often discharged into surface waterways and open defecation is common. Nonetheless, there has been no evidence of COVID-19 transmission via ambient urban water, and the virus viability in such aquatic matrices is believed to be minimal and not a matter of concern. In this manuscript, we attempt to discern the presence of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material (ORF-1ab, N and S genes) in the urban water (lakes, rivers, and drains) of the two Indian cities viz., Ahmedabad (AMD), in western India with 9 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and Guwahati (GHY), in the north-east of the country with no such treatment facilities. The present study was carried out to establish the applicability of environmental water surveillance (E-wat-Surveillance) of COVID-19 as a potential tool for public health monitoring at the community level. 25.8% and 20% of the urban water samples had detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA load in AMD and GHY, respectively. N-gene > S-gene > ORF-1ab-gene were readily detected in the urban surface water of AMD, whereas no such observable trend was noticed in the case of GHY. The high concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 genes (e.g., ORF-1ab; 800 copies/L for Sabarmati River, AMD and S-gene; 565 copies/L for Bharalu urban river, GHY) found in urban waters suggest that WWTPs do not always completely remove the virus genetic material and that E-wat-Surveillance of COVID-19 in cities/rural areas with poor sanitation is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttrakhand, 248007, India.
| | - Vaibhav Srivastava
- Discipline of Earth Science, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382 355, India
| | - Payal Mazumder
- Centre for the Environment, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Jyoti Prakash Deka
- Discipline of Environmental Sciences, Gauhati Commerce College, Guwahati, Assam, 781021, India
| | - Shilangi Gupta
- Discipline of Earth Science, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382 355, India
| | - Ritusmita Goswami
- Centre for Ecology, Environment and Sustainable Development, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Guwahati, Assam, 781013, India
| | - Pravin K Mutiyar
- National Mission for Clean Ganga, Department of Water Resources, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Govt. of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Shyamnarayan Dave
- UNICEF Gujarat State Office, Sector- 20, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382021, India
| | - Chandan Mahanta
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - A L Ramanathan
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Madhvi Joshi
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), Sector- 11, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382 011, India
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