1
|
Lehto KM, Länsivaara A, Hyder R, Luomala O, Lipponen A, Hokajärvi AM, Heikinheimo A, Pitkänen T, Oikarinen S. Wastewater-based surveillance is an efficient monitoring tool for tracking influenza A in the community. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 257:121650. [PMID: 38692254 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Around the world, influenza A virus has caused severe pandemics, and the risk of future pandemics remains high. Currently, influenza A virus surveillance is based on the clinical diagnosis and reporting of disease cases. In this study, we apply wastewater-based surveillance to monitor the amount of the influenza A virus RNA at the population level. We report the influenza A virus RNA levels in 10 wastewater treatment plant catchment areas covering 40 % of the Finnish population. Altogether, 251 monthly composite influent wastewater samples (collected between February 2021 and February 2023) were analysed from supernatant fraction using influenza A virus specific RT-qPCR method. During the study period, an influenza A virus epidemic occurred in three waves in Finland. This study shows that the influenza A virus RNA can be detected from the supernatant fraction of 24 h composite influent wastewater samples. The influenza A virus RNA gene copy number in wastewater correlated with the number of confirmed disease cases in the Finnish National Infectious Diseases Register. The median Kendall's τ correlation strength was 0.636 (min= 0.486 and max=0.804) and it was statistically significant in all 10 WTTPs. Wastewater-based surveillance of the influenza A virus RNA is an independent from individual testing method and cost-efficiently reflects the circulation of the virus in the entire population. Thus, wastewater monitoring complements the available, but often too sparse, information from individual testing and improves health care and public health preparedness for influenza A virus pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsi-Maarit Lehto
- Tampere University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Annika Länsivaara
- Tampere University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Rafiqul Hyder
- Tampere University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Oskari Luomala
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, THL, Department of Health Security, Neulaniementie 4, Kuopio 70210, Finland
| | - Anssi Lipponen
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, THL, Department of Health Security, Neulaniementie 4, Kuopio 70210, Finland
| | - Anna-Maria Hokajärvi
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, THL, Department of Health Security, Neulaniementie 4, Kuopio 70210, Finland
| | - Annamari Heikinheimo
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Agnes Sjöbergin katu 2, FI00014, Finland; Finnish Food Authority, Ruokavirasto, Alvar Aallon katu 5, Seinäjoki 60100, Finland
| | - Tarja Pitkänen
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, THL, Department of Health Security, Neulaniementie 4, Kuopio 70210, Finland; Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Agnes Sjöbergin katu 2, FI00014, Finland
| | - Sami Oikarinen
- Tampere University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, Tampere 33520, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Endo N, Nihei Y, Fujita T, Yasojima M, Daigo F, Takemori H, Nakamura M, Matsuda R, Sovannrlaksmy S, Ihara M. Explaining the impact of mutations on quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12482. [PMID: 38816525 PMCID: PMC11139995 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62659-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Wastewater surveillance is an effective tool for monitoring community spread of COVID-19 and other diseases. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis for wastewater surveillance is more susceptible to mutations in target genome regions than binary PCR analysis for clinical surveillance. The SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in wastewater estimated by N1 and N2 qPCR assays started to diverge around July 2022 in data from different sampling sites, analytical methods, and analytical laboratories in Japan. On the basis of clinical genomic surveillance data and experimental data, we demonstrate that the divergence is due to two mutations in the N1 probe region, which can cause underestimation of viral concentrations. We further show that this inaccuracy can be alleviated if the qPCR data are analyzed with the second derivative method or the Cy0 method instead of the crossing point method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Endo
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, 1-2 Yumihama, Otsu, Shiga, 520-0811, Japan.
| | - Yoshiaki Nihei
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, 1-2 Yumihama, Otsu, Shiga, 520-0811, Japan
- Water Agency, Inc., 3-25 Higashi-Goken-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-0813, Japan
| | - Tomonori Fujita
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, 1-2 Yumihama, Otsu, Shiga, 520-0811, Japan
| | - Makoto Yasojima
- Shimadzu Techno-Research, Inc., 1 Nishinokyo Shimoai-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 604-8436, Japan
| | - Fumi Daigo
- Shimadzu Techno-Research, Inc., 1 Nishinokyo Shimoai-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 604-8436, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Takemori
- Shimadzu Techno-Research, Inc., 1 Nishinokyo Shimoai-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 604-8436, Japan
| | - Masafumi Nakamura
- Hiyoshi Corporation, 908 Kitanosho, Omihachiman, Shiga, 523-0806, Japan
| | - Ryo Matsuda
- Hiyoshi Corporation, 908 Kitanosho, Omihachiman, Shiga, 523-0806, Japan
| | - Sorn Sovannrlaksmy
- Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University, 200 Monobe-Otsu, Nankoku City, Kochi, 783-8502, Japan
| | - Masaru Ihara
- Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University, 200 Monobe-Otsu, Nankoku City, Kochi, 783-8502, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kanamori D, Sakai J, Iijima T, Oono Y, Malla B, Haramoto E, Hayakawa S, Komine-Aizawa S, Maesaki S, Vorup-Jensen T, Kilgore PE, Kohase H, Hoshino T, Seki M. SARS-CoV-2 detection in pediatric dental clinic wastewater reflects the number of local COVID-19 cases in children under 10 years old. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12187. [PMID: 38806581 PMCID: PMC11133353 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63020-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
This was the first longitudinal study to analyze dental clinic wastewater to estimate asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection trends in children. We monitored wastewater over a 14-month period, spanning three major COVID-19 waves driven by the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants. Each Saturday, wastewater was sampled at the Pediatric Dental Clinic of the only dental hospital in Japan's Saitama Prefecture. The relationship between the weekly number of cases in Saitama Prefecture among residents aged < 10 years (exposure) and wastewater SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection (outcome) was examined. The number of cases was significantly associated with wastewater SARS-CoV-2 RNA positivity (risk ratio, 5.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.72-16.67; Fisher's exact test, p = 0.0005). A sample from Week 8 of 2022 harbored the Omicron variant. Compared to sporadic individual testing, this approach allows continuous population-level surveillance, which is less affected by healthcare seeking and test availability. Since wastewater from pediatric dental clinics originates from the oral cavities of asymptomatic children, such testing can provide important information regarding asymptomatic COVID-19 in children, complementing clinical pediatric data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dai Kanamori
- Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Human Development and Fostering, Meikai University School of Dentistry, 1-1 Keyakidai, Sakado, Saitama, 350-0283, Japan
| | - Jun Sakai
- Department of Infectious Disease and Infection Control, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan
| | - Takahiro Iijima
- Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Human Development and Fostering, Meikai University School of Dentistry, 1-1 Keyakidai, Sakado, Saitama, 350-0283, Japan
| | - Yuka Oono
- Division of Dental Anesthesiology, Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, Meikai University School of Dentistry, Saitama, 350-0283, Japan
| | - Bikash Malla
- Interdisciplinary Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, 400-8511, Japan
| | - Eiji Haramoto
- Interdisciplinary Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, 400-8511, Japan
| | - Satoshi Hayakawa
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan
| | - Shihoko Komine-Aizawa
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan
| | - Shigefumi Maesaki
- Department of Infectious Disease and Infection Control, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan
| | - Thomas Vorup-Jensen
- Biophysical Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Paul Evan Kilgore
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Hikaru Kohase
- Division of Dental Anesthesiology, Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, Meikai University School of Dentistry, Saitama, 350-0283, Japan
| | - Tomonori Hoshino
- Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Human Development and Fostering, Meikai University School of Dentistry, 1-1 Keyakidai, Sakado, Saitama, 350-0283, Japan
| | - Mitsuko Seki
- Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Human Development and Fostering, Meikai University School of Dentistry, 1-1 Keyakidai, Sakado, Saitama, 350-0283, Japan.
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rashid SA, Rajendiran S, Nazakat R, Mohammad Sham N, Khairul Hasni NA, Anasir MI, Kamel KA, Muhamad Robat R. A scoping review of global SARS-CoV-2 wastewater-based epidemiology in light of COVID-19 pandemic. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30600. [PMID: 38765075 PMCID: PMC11098849 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) research has experienced a strong impetus during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, a few technical issues related to surveillance strategies, such as standardized procedures ranging from sampling to testing protocols, need to be resolved in preparation for future infectious disease outbreaks. This review highlights the study characteristics, potential use of WBE and overview of methods, as well as methods utilized to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) including its variant in wastewater. A literature search was performed electronically in PubMed and Scopus according to PRISMA guidelines for relevant peer-reviewed articles published between January 2020 and March 2022. The search identified 588 articles, out of which 221 fulfilled the necessary criteria and are discussed in this review. Most global WBE studies were conducted in North America (n = 75, 34 %), followed by Europe (n = 68, 30.8 %), and Asia (n = 43, 19.5 %). The review also showed that most of the application of WBE observed were to correlate SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid (RNA) trends in sewage with epidemiological data (n = 90, 40.7 %). The techniques that were often used globally for sample collection, concentration, preferred matrix recovery control and various sample types were also discussed. Overall, this review provided a framework for researchers specializing in WBE to apply strategic approaches to their research questions in achieving better functional insights. In addition, areas that needed more in-depth analysis, data collection, and ideas for new initiatives were identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siti Aishah Rashid
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sakshaleni Rajendiran
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Raheel Nazakat
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Noraishah Mohammad Sham
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Amalina Khairul Hasni
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Ishtiaq Anasir
- Infectious Disease Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Khayri Azizi Kamel
- Infectious Disease Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rosnawati Muhamad Robat
- Occupational & Environmental Health Unit, Public Health Division, Selangor State Health Department, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Patiño LH, Ballesteros N, Muñoz M, Ramírez AL, Castañeda S, Galeano LA, Hidalgo A, Paniz-Mondolfi A, Ramírez JD. Global and genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27452. [PMID: 38463823 PMCID: PMC10923837 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater has enabled us to better understand the spread and evolution of the virus worldwide. To deepen our understanding of its epidemiological and genomic characteristics, we analyzed 10,147 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from 5 continents and 21 countries that were deposited in the GISAID database up until January 31, 2023. Our results revealed over 100 independent lineages of the virus circulating in water samples from March 2020 to January 2023, including variants of interest and concern. We observed four clearly defined periods of global distribution of these variants over time, with one variant being replaced by another. Interestingly, we found that SARS-CoV-2 water-borne sequences from different countries had a close phylogenetic relationship. Additionally, 40 SARS-CoV-2 water-borne sequences from Europe and the USA did not show any phylogenetic relationship with SARS-CoV-2 human sequences. We also identified a significant number of non-synonymous mutations, some of which were detected in previously reported cryptic lineages. Among the countries analyzed, France and the USA showed the highest degree of sequence diversity, while Austria reported the highest number of genomes (6,296). Our study provides valuable information about the epidemiological and genomic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, which can be employed to support public health initiatives and preparedness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luz Helena Patiño
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Nathalia Ballesteros
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Angie Lorena Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Sergio Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Luis Alejandro Galeano
- Grupo de Investigación en Materiales Funcionales y Catálisis (GIMFC), Departamento de Química, Universidad de Nariño, Pasto, 52002, Colombia
| | - Arsenio Hidalgo
- Grupo de Investigación en Salud Pública, Departamento de Matemáticas, Universidad de Nariño, Pasto, 50002, Colombia
| | - Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cheng K, Lv Y, Li C, Cheng S, Xu S, Gao X, Xu H. Meta-analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate in municipal wastewater. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:119. [PMID: 38483628 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01895-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 levels in urban sewage and evaluate the associated positivity rates, thereby developing comprehensive insights into the epidemic situation and providing valuable inputs for the development of effective disease prevention and control strategies. The PubMed, Scopus, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, and VIP databases were systematically searched based on the predefined retrieval strategy. The literature published up to February 2023 was meticulously screened according to the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the relevant data were extracted for subsequent integration. The quality assessment of the included studies adhered to the rigorous Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Statement guidelines. The meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 17.0 software. The meta-analysis included a total of 34 studies, encompassing 8429 municipal wastewater samples. A random effects model was employed for the analysis, revealing an overall SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate of 53.7% in the municipal wastewater samples. The subgroup analyses demonstrated significant regional variations in the SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate in municipal wastewater, with Africa exhibiting the highest rate at 62.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 47.4 ~ 76.0%) and Oceania displaying the lowest at 33.3% (95% CI 22.0 ~ 46.3%). However, the subgroup analyses based on the sampling site, strain prevalence period, and laboratory testing method did not yield any statistically significant differences. The SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate in wastewater is relatively high globally, although it exhibits regional disparities. Regions with larger populations and lower economic levels demonstrate higher viral detection rates in sewage. Different types of wastewater sampling sites can be employed to monitor distinct aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Continuous surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater plays a pivotal role in complementing clinical data, helping to track outbreak progression across diverse regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keyi Cheng
- Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, 310021, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ye Lv
- Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, 310021, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chaokang Li
- Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, 310021, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shi Cheng
- Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, 310021, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shanshan Xu
- Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, 310021, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin Gao
- Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, 310021, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, 310021, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sharma V, Takamura H, Biyani M, Honda R. Real-Time On-Site Monitoring of Viruses in Wastewater Using Nanotrap ® Particles and RICCA Technologies. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:115. [PMID: 38534222 DOI: 10.3390/bios14030115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is an effective and efficient tool for the early detection of infectious disease outbreaks in a community. However, currently available methods are laborious, costly, and time-consuming due to the low concentration of viruses and the presence of matrix chemicals in wastewater that may interfere with molecular analyses. In the present study, we designed a highly sensitive "Quick Poop (wastewater with fecal waste) Sensor" (termed, QPsor) using a joint approach of Nanotrap microbiome particles and RICCA (RNA Isothermal Co-Assisted and Coupled Amplification). Using QPsor, the WBE study showed a strong correlation with standard PEG concentrations and the qPCR technique. Using a closed format for a paper-based lateral flow assay, we were able to demonstrate the potential of our assay as a real-time, point-of-care test by detecting the heat-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus in wastewater at concentrations of 100 copies/mL and within one hour. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, we analyzed the presence of viral RNA of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and PMMoV in raw wastewater samples from wastewater treatment plants on-site and within 60 min. The results show that the QPsor method can be an effective tool for disease outbreak detection by combining an AI-enabled case detection model with real-time on-site viral RNA extraction and amplification, especially in the absence of intensive clinical laboratory facilities. The lab-free, lab-quality test capabilities of QPsor for viral prevalence and transmission in the community can contribute to the efficient management of pandemic situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vishnu Sharma
- BioSeeds Corporation, Ishikawa Create Labo-202, Asahidai 2-13, Nomi 923-1211, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Hitomi Takamura
- Faculty of Geosciences and Civil Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1164, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Manish Biyani
- BioSeeds Corporation, Ishikawa Create Labo-202, Asahidai 2-13, Nomi 923-1211, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Ryo Honda
- Faculty of Geosciences and Civil Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1164, Ishikawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ariga K. Confined Space Nanoarchitectonics for Dynamic Functions and Molecular Machines. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:282. [PMID: 38399010 PMCID: PMC10892885 DOI: 10.3390/mi15020282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Nanotechnology has advanced the techniques for elucidating phenomena at the atomic, molecular, and nano-level. As a post nanotechnology concept, nanoarchitectonics has emerged to create functional materials from unit structures. Consider the material function when nanoarchitectonics enables the design of materials whose internal structure is controlled at the nanometer level. Material function is determined by two elements. These are the functional unit that forms the core of the function and the environment (matrix) that surrounds it. This review paper discusses the nanoarchitectonics of confined space, which is a field for controlling functional materials and molecular machines. The first few sections introduce some of the various dynamic functions in confined spaces, considering molecular space, materials space, and biospace. In the latter two sections, examples of research on the behavior of molecular machines, such as molecular motors, in confined spaces are discussed. In particular, surface space and internal nanospace are taken up as typical examples of confined space. What these examples show is that not only the central functional unit, but also the surrounding spatial configuration is necessary for higher functional expression. Nanoarchitectonics will play important roles in the architecture of such a total system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhiko Ariga
- Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba 305-0044, Japan;
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa 277-8561, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Armenta-Castro A, Núñez-Soto MT, Rodriguez-Aguillón KO, Aguayo-Acosta A, Oyervides-Muñoz MA, Snyder SA, Barceló D, Saththasivam J, Lawler J, Sosa-Hernández JE, Parra-Saldívar R. Urine biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease: A new opportunity for wastewater-based epidemiology? ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 184:108462. [PMID: 38335627 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108462] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
While Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis, management, and care have become priorities for healthcare providers and researcher's worldwide due to rapid population aging, epidemiologic surveillance efforts are currently limited by costly, invasive diagnostic procedures, particularly in low to middle income countries (LMIC). In recent years, wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as a promising tool for public health assessment through detection and quantification of specific biomarkers in wastewater, but applications for non-infectious diseases such as AD remain limited. This early review seeks to summarize AD-related biomarkers and urine and other peripheral biofluids and discuss their potential integration to WBE platforms to guide the first prospective efforts in the field. Promising results have been reported in clinical settings, indicating the potential of amyloid β, tau, neural thread protein, long non-coding RNAs, oxidative stress markers and other dysregulated metabolites for AD diagnosis, but questions regarding their concentration and stability in wastewater and the correlation between clinical levels and sewage circulation must be addressed in future studies before comprehensive WBE systems can be developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mónica T Núñez-Soto
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Kassandra O Rodriguez-Aguillón
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; Tecnologico de Monterrey, Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Alberto Aguayo-Acosta
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; Tecnologico de Monterrey, Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Mariel Araceli Oyervides-Muñoz
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; Tecnologico de Monterrey, Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Shane A Snyder
- Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Damià Barceló
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering at the UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Jayaprakash Saththasivam
- Water Center, Qatar Environment & Energy Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Qatar
| | - Jenny Lawler
- Water Center, Qatar Environment & Energy Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Qatar
| | - Juan Eduardo Sosa-Hernández
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; Tecnologico de Monterrey, Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Monterrey 64849, Mexico.
| | - Roberto Parra-Saldívar
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; Tecnologico de Monterrey, Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Akter J, Smith WJ, Liu Y, Kim I, Simpson SL, Thai P, Korajkic A, Ahmed W. Comparison of adsorption-extraction (AE) workflows for improved measurements of viral and bacterial nucleic acid in untreated wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:167966. [PMID: 38476760 PMCID: PMC10927021 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The lack of standardized methods and large differences in virus concentration and extraction workflows have hampered Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) wastewater surveillance and data reporting practices. Numerous studies have shown that adsorption-extraction (AE) method holds promise, yet several uncertainties remain regarding the optimal AE workflow. Several procedural components may influence the recovered concentrations of target nucleic acid, including membrane types, homogenization instruments, speed and duration, and lysis buffer. In this study, 42 different AE workflows that varied these components were compared to determine the optimal workflow by quantifying endogenous SARS-CoV-2, human adenovirus 40/41 (HAdV 40/41), and a bacterial marker gene of fecal contamination (Bacteroides HF183). Our findings suggest that the workflow chosen had a significant impact on SARS-CoV-2 concentrations, whereas it had minimal impact on HF183 and no effect on HAdV 40/41 concentrations. When comparing individual components in a workflow, such as membrane type (MF-Millipore™ 0.45 μm MCE vs. Isopore™ 0.40 μm), we found that they had no impact on SARS-CoV-2, HAdV 40/41, and HF183 concentrations. This suggests that at least some consumables and equipment are interchangeable. Buffer PM1 + TRIzol-based workflows yielded higher concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 than other workflows. HF183 concentrations were higher in workflows without chloroform. Similarly, higher homogenization speeds (5000-10,000 rpm) led to increased concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 and HF183 but had no effect on HAdV 40/41. Our findings indicate that minor enhancements to the AE workflow can improve the recovery of viruses and bacteria from the wastewater, leading to improved outcomes from wastewater surveillance efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesmin Akter
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
- Department of Environmental Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT), Gyeonggi-do 10223, Republic of Korea
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Wendy J.M. Smith
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Yawen Liu
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Ilho Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
- Department of Environmental Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT), Gyeonggi-do 10223, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Phong Thai
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 4102 Brisbane, Australia
| | - Asja Korajkic
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, 26W Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ansari N, Kabir F, Khan W, Khalid F, Malik AA, Warren JL, Mehmood U, Kazi AM, Yildirim I, Tanner W, Kalimuddin H, Kanwar S, Aziz F, Memon A, Alam MM, Ikram A, Meschke JS, Jehan F, Omer SB, Nisar MI. Environmental surveillance for COVID-19 using SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration in wastewater - a study in District East, Karachi, Pakistan. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. SOUTHEAST ASIA 2024; 20:100299. [PMID: 38234701 PMCID: PMC10794106 DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2023.100299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Background Wastewater-based surveillance is used to track the temporal patterns of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in communities. Viral RNA particle detection in wastewater samples can indicate an outbreak within a catchment area. We describe the feasibility of using a sewage network to monitor SARS-CoV-2 trend and use of genomic sequencing to describe the viral variant abundance in an urban district in Karachi, Pakistan. This was among the first studies from Pakistan to demonstrate the surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 from a semi-formal sewage system. Methods Four sites draining into the Lyari River in District East, Karachi, were identified and included in the current study. Raw sewage samples were collected early morning twice weekly from each site between June 10, 2021 and January 17, 2022, using Bag Mediated Filtration System (BMFS). Secondary concentration of filtered samples was achieved by ultracentrifugation and skim milk flocculation. SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in the samples were estimated using PCR (Qiagen ProMega kits for N1 & N2 genes). A distributed-lag negative binomial regression model within a hierarchical Bayesian framework was used to describe the relationship between wastewater RNA concentration and COVID-19 cases from the catchment area. Genomic sequencing was performed using Illumina iSeq100. Findings Among the 151 raw sewage samples included in the study, 123 samples (81.5%) tested positive for N1 or N2 genes. The average SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in the sewage samples at each lag (1-14 days prior) were associated with the cases reported for the respective days, with a peak association observed on lag day 10 (RR: 1.15; 95% Credible Interval: 1.10-1.21). Genomic sequencing showed that the delta variant dominated till September 2022, while the omicron variant was identified in November 2022. Interpretation Wastewater-based surveillance, together with genomic sequencing provides valuable information for monitoring the community temporal trend of SARS-CoV-2. Funding PATH, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Global Innovation Fund.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Ansari
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Medical College, The Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
| | - Furqan Kabir
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Medical College, The Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
| | - Waqasuddin Khan
- CITRIC Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical College, The Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
| | - Farah Khalid
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Medical College, The Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
| | - Amyn Abdul Malik
- Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Paediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joshua L. Warren
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Usma Mehmood
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Medical College, The Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Momin Kazi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Medical College, The Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
| | - Inci Yildirim
- Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Paediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Windy Tanner
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hussain Kalimuddin
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Medical College, The Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
| | - Samiah Kanwar
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Medical College, The Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
- CITRIC Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical College, The Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
| | - Fatima Aziz
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Medical College, The Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
| | - Arslan Memon
- District Health Office (East), Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Aamer Ikram
- National Institutes of Health, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Fyezah Jehan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Medical College, The Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
- CITRIC Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical College, The Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
| | - Saad B. Omer
- Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Paediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale School of Nursing, Orange, CT, USA
| | - Muhammad Imran Nisar
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Medical College, The Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
- CITRIC Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical College, The Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zamora-Figueroa A, Rosales RE, Fernández R, Ramírez V, Bastardo M, Farías A, Vizzi E. Detection and diversity of gastrointestinal viruses in wastewater from Caracas, Venezuela, 2021-2022. Virology 2024; 589:109913. [PMID: 37924728 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.109913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal viruses (GIV) are an important cause of childhood morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. Their epidemiological impact in Venezuela during the COVID-19 pandemic remains unclear. GIV can also be detected in domestic sewage. Ninety-one wastewater samples from urban areas of Caracas collected over 12 months and concentrated by polyethylene-glycol-precipitation, were analyzed by multiplex reverse-transcription-PCR for rotavirus/calicivirus/astrovirus and enterovirus/klassevirus/cosavirus, and monoplex-PCR for adenovirus and Aichi virus. The overall frequency of virus detection was 46.2%, fluctuating over months, and peaking in the rainy season. Adenoviruses circulated throughout the year, especially type F41, and predominated (52.7%) over caliciviruses (29.1%) that peaked in the rainy months, rotaviruses (9.1%), cosaviruses (5.5%), astroviruses and enteroviruses (1.8%). Aichi-virus and klassevirus were absent. Rotavirus G9/G12, and P[4]/P[8]/P[14] predominated. The occurrence of GIV in wastewater reflects transmission within the population of Caracas and the persistence of a potential public health risk that needs to be adequately monitored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Zamora-Figueroa
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Microorganismos, Centro de Ecología Aplicada. Instituto de Zoología y Ecología Tropical. Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Rita E Rosales
- Laboratorio de Biología de Virus, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular. Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Rixio Fernández
- Laboratorio de Biología de Virus, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular. Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Viviana Ramírez
- Laboratorio de Biología de Virus, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular. Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Marjorie Bastardo
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Microorganismos, Centro de Ecología Aplicada. Instituto de Zoología y Ecología Tropical. Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Alba Farías
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Microorganismos, Centro de Ecología Aplicada. Instituto de Zoología y Ecología Tropical. Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Esmeralda Vizzi
- Laboratorio de Biología de Virus, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular. Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhao B, Fujita T, Nihei Y, Yu Z, Chen X, Tanaka H, Ihara M. Tracking community infection dynamics of COVID-19 by monitoring SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater, counting positive reactions by qPCR. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166420. [PMID: 37611711 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166420] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology has proved useful for monitoring the COVID-19 infection dynamics in communities. However, in regions of low prevalence, low concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater make this difficult. Here, we used real-time reverse-transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) to monitor SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater from October 2020 to December 2022 during the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth waves of the COVID-19 outbreak in Japan. Viral RNA was below the limit of detection in all samples during the third and fourth waves. However, by counting the number of positive replicates in qPCR of each sample, we found that the positive ratio to all replicates in wastewater was significantly correlated with the number of clinically confirmed cases by the date of symptom onset during the third, fourth, and fifth waves. Time-step analysis indicated that, for 2 days either side of symptom onset, COVID-19 patients excreted in their feces large amounts of virus that wastewater surveillance could detect. We also demonstrated that the viral genome copy number in wastewater, as estimated from the positive ratio of SARSA-CoV-2 RNA, was correlated with the number of clinically confirmed cases. The positive count method is thus useful for tracing COVID-19 dynamics in regions of low prevalence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China; Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, 1-2 Yumihama, Otsu, Shiga 520-0811, Japan
| | - Tomonori Fujita
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, 1-2 Yumihama, Otsu, Shiga 520-0811, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Nihei
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, 1-2 Yumihama, Otsu, Shiga 520-0811, Japan; Water Agency Inc., 3-25 Higashi-Goken-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0813, Japan
| | - Zaizhi Yu
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, 1-2 Yumihama, Otsu, Shiga 520-0811, Japan
| | - Xiaohan Chen
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, 1-2 Yumihama, Otsu, Shiga 520-0811, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Tanaka
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, 1-2 Yumihama, Otsu, Shiga 520-0811, Japan
| | - Masaru Ihara
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, 1-2 Yumihama, Otsu, Shiga 520-0811, Japan; Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University, 200 Monobe-Otsu, Nankoku city, Kochi 783-8502, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hoque SA, Saito H, Akino W, Kotaki T, Okitsu S, Onda Y, Kobayashi T, Hossian T, Khamrin P, Motomura K, Maneekarn N, Hayakawa S, Ushijima H. The Emergence and Widespread Circulation of Enteric Viruses Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Wastewater-Based Evidence. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2023; 15:342-354. [PMID: 37898959 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-023-09566-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence shed light on the importance of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) during the pandemic, when the patients rarely visited the clinics despite the fact that the infections were still prevalent in the community as before. The abundance of infections in the community poses a constant threat of the emergence of new epidemic strains. Herein, we investigated enteric viruses in raw sewage water (SW) from Japan's Tohoku region and compared them to those from the Kansai region to better understand the circulating strains and their distribution across communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Raw SW was collected between 2019 and 2022, concentrated by polyethylene-glycol-precipitation method, and investigated for major AGE viruses by RT-PCR. Sequence-based analyses were used to assess genotypes and evolutionary relationships. The most commonly detected enteric virus was rotavirus A (RVA) at 63.8%, followed by astrovirus (AstV) at 61.1%, norovirus (NoV) GII and adenovirus (AdV) at 33.3%, sapovirus (SV) at 25.0%, enterovirus (EV) at 19.4%, and NoV GI at 13.9%. The highest prevalence (46.0%) was found in the spring. Importantly, enteric viruses did not decline during the pandemic. Rather, several strains like NoV GII.2, DS-1-like human G3 (equine) RVA, MLB1 AstV, and different F41 HAdV emerged throughout the pandemic and spread widely over the Tohoku and Kansai regions. Tohoku's detection rate remained lower than that of the Kansai area (36 vs 58%). This study provides evidence for the emergence and spread of enteric viruses during the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Ariful Hoque
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 OyaguchiKamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan
- Cell and Tissue Culture Laboratory, Centre for Advanced Research in Sciences (CARS), University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Hiroyuki Saito
- Department of Microbiology, Akita Prefectual Research Center for Public Health and Environment, Akita, Japan
| | - Wakako Akino
- Department of Microbiology, Akita Prefectual Research Center for Public Health and Environment, Akita, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Kotaki
- Department of Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shoko Okitsu
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 OyaguchiKamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan
| | - Yuko Onda
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 OyaguchiKamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kobayashi
- Department of Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tania Hossian
- Cell and Tissue Culture Laboratory, Centre for Advanced Research in Sciences (CARS), University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Pattara Khamrin
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | - Niwat Maneekarn
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Satoshi Hayakawa
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 OyaguchiKamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ushijima
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 OyaguchiKamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kumar M, Joshi M, Jiang G, Yamada R, Honda R, Srivastava V, Mahlknecht J, Barcelo D, Chidambram S, Khursheed A, Graham DW, Goswami R, Kuroda K, Tiwari A, Joshi C. Response of wastewater-based epidemiology predictor for the second wave of COVID-19 in Ahmedabad, India: A long-term data Perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122471. [PMID: 37652227 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122471] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we present an eight-month longitudinal study of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) in Ahmedabad, India, where wastewater surveillance was introduced in September 2020 after the successful containment of the first wave of COVID-19 to predict the resurge of the infection during the second wave of the pandemic. The study aims to elucidate the weekly resolution of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA data for eight months in wastewater samples to predict the COVID-19 situation and identify hotspots in Ahmedabad. A total of 287 samples were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 RNA using RT-PCR, and Spearman's rank correlation was applied to depict the early warning potential of WBE. During September 2020 to April 2021, the increasing number of positive wastewater influent samples correlated with the growing number of confirmed clinical cases. It also showed clear evidence of early detection of the second wave of COVID-19 in Ahmedabad (March 2021). 258 out of a total 287 samples were detected positive with at least two out of three SARS-CoV-2 genes (N, ORF- 1 ab, and S). Monthly variation represented a significant decline in all three gene copies in October compared to September 2020, followed by an abrupt increase in November 2020. A similar increment in the gene copies was observed in March and April 2021, which would be an indicator of the second wave of COVID-19. A lead time of 1-2 weeks was observed in the change of gene concentrations compared with clinically confirmed cases. Measured wastewater ORF- 1 ab gene copies ranged from 6.1 x 102 (October 2020) to 1.4 x 104 (November 2020) copies/mL, and wastewater gene levels typically lead to confirmed cases by one to two weeks. The study highlights the value of WBE as a monitoring tool to predict waves within a pandemic, identify local disease hotspots within a city, and guide rapid management interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India; Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterey, Monterrey, 64849, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
| | - Madhvi Joshi
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 248007, India
| | - Guangming Jiang
- School of Civil, Mining, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Rintaro Yamada
- Faculty of Geosciences and Civil Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan; Yachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd. Tokyo, 111-8648, Japan
| | - Ryo Honda
- Faculty of Geosciences and Civil Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Vaibhav Srivastava
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, 211002, India
| | - Jürgen Mahlknecht
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterey, Monterrey, 64849, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Damia Barcelo
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India; Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA-CERCA), Parc Científic i Tecnol'ogic de la Universitat de Girona, c/Emili Grahit, 101, Edifici H2O, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | | | - Anwar Khursheed
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11421, Saudi Arabia
| | - David W Graham
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Ritusmita Goswami
- Centre for Ecology, Environment and Sustainable Development, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Guwahati, India
| | - Keisuke Kuroda
- Department of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University, 5180 Kurokawa, Imizu, 939-0398, Japan
| | - Ananda Tiwari
- Expert Microbiology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, 70701 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Chaitanya Joshi
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 248007, India
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kumthip K, Khamrin P, Yodmeeklin A, Ushijima H, Maneekarn N. Molecular detection and characterization of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater in Thailand during 2020-2022. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:1884-1890. [PMID: 37839311 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in feces of infected individuals and in wastewater in many countries, which indicates that wastewater may be used to monitor contamination of the virus in community. However, information about the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in different types of environmental water and their genetic characterization are still limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 contaminating in environmental water in Thailand. METHODS We collected 600 water samples from 10 different sampling sites in Chiang Mai city, Thailand twice a month from July 2020 to December 2022. The SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected by real-time RT-PCR and further amplified for ORF1a and S genes to investigate their genetic relationship to the reference strains by phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS SARS-CoV-2 was detected at 0.17% in the wastewater sample collected in the vicinity of fresh market where the outbreak of COVID-19 cases were simultaneously reported. The detected SARS-CoV-2 strain (W323/21) had nucleotide and amino acid sequences identical to SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. Amino acid sequence alignment of spike protein revealed that the W323/21 strain carried a mutation of D950N as it was demonstrated in Delta variant reference strains. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicated that SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant was detected in wastewater in Chiang Mai, Thailand during the outbreak of COVID-19, suggesting a circulation of the virus in environmental water and in the community during the outbreak.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kattareeya Kumthip
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Center of Excellence (Emerging and Re-emerging Diarrheal Viruses), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Pattara Khamrin
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Center of Excellence (Emerging and Re-emerging Diarrheal Viruses), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Arpaporn Yodmeeklin
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Center of Excellence (Emerging and Re-emerging Diarrheal Viruses), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Hiroshi Ushijima
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Niwat Maneekarn
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Center of Excellence (Emerging and Re-emerging Diarrheal Viruses), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Alamin M, Hara-Yamamura H, Hata A, Zhao B, Ihara M, Tanaka H, Watanabe T, Honda R. Reduction of SARS-CoV-2 by biological nutrient removal and disinfection processes in full-scale wastewater treatment plants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:165097. [PMID: 37356766 PMCID: PMC10290167 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165097] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater poses people's concerns regarding the potential risk in water bodies receiving wastewater treatment effluent, despite the infectious risk of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater being speculated to be low. Unlike well-studied nonenveloped viruses, SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater is present abundantly in both solid and liquid fractions of wastewater. Reduction of SARS-CoV-2 in past studies were likely underestimated, as SARS-CoV-2 in influent wastewater were quantified in either solid or liquid fraction only. The objectives of this study were (i) to clarify the reduction in SARS-CoV-2 RNA during biological nutrient removal and disinfection processes in full-scale WWTPs, considering the SARS-CoV-2 present in both solid and liquid fractions of wastewater, and (ii) to evaluate applicability of pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) as a performance indicator for reduction of SARS-CoV-2 in WWTPs. Accordingly, large amount of SARS-CoV-2 RNA were partitioned in the solid fraction of influent wastewater for composite sampling than grab sampling. When SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the both solid and liquid fractions were considered, log reduction values (LRVs) of SARS-CoV-2 during step-feed multistage biological nitrogen removal (SM-BNR) and enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) processes ranged between>2.1-4.4 log and did not differ significantly from those in conventional activated sludge (CAS). The LRVs of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in disinfection processes by ozonation and chlorination did not differ significantly. PMMoV is a promising performance indicator to secure reduction of SARS-CoV-2 in WWTPs, because of its higher persistence in wastewater treatment processes and abundance at a detectable concentration even in the final effluent after disinfection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Alamin
- Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Japan
| | | | - Akihiko Hata
- Department of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University, Japan
| | - Bo Zhao
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Japan; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Masaru Ihara
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Japan; Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Tanaka
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Japan
| | | | - Ryo Honda
- Faculty of Geosciences and Civil Engineering, Kanazawa University, Japan; Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Harrison K, Snead D, Kilts A, Ammerman ML, Wigginton KR. The Protective Effect of Virus Capsids on RNA and DNA Virus Genomes in Wastewater. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:13757-13766. [PMID: 37656816 PMCID: PMC10516120 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Virus concentrations measured in municipal wastewater help inform both the water treatment necessary to protect human health and wastewater-based epidemiology. Wastewater measurements are typically PCR-based, and interpreting gene copy concentrations requires an understanding of the form and stability of the nucleic acids. Here, we study the persistence of model virus genomes in wastewater, the protective effects provided by the virus capsids, and the relative decay rates of the genome and infectious viruses. In benchtop batch experiments in wastewater influent at 25 °C, extraviral (+)ssRNA and dsDNA amplicons degraded by 90% within 15-19 min and 1.6-1.9 h, respectively. When encapsidated, the T90 for MS2 (+)ssRNA increased by 424× and the T90 for T4 dsDNA increased by 52×. The (+)ssRNA decay rates were similar for a range of amplicon sizes. For our model phages MS2 and T4, the nucleic acid signal in untreated wastewater disappeared shortly after the viruses lost infectivity. Combined, these results suggest that most viral genome copies measured in wastewater are encapsidated, that measured concentrations are independent of assay amplicon sizes, and that the virus genome decay rates of nonenveloped (i.e., naked) viruses are similar to inactivation rates. These findings are valuable for the interpretation of wastewater virus measurements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine
R. Harrison
- Department of Civil &
Environmental Engineering, University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Delaney Snead
- Department of Civil &
Environmental Engineering, University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Anna Kilts
- Department of Civil &
Environmental Engineering, University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Michelle L. Ammerman
- Department of Civil &
Environmental Engineering, University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Krista R. Wigginton
- Department of Civil &
Environmental Engineering, University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kumblathan T, Liu Y, Qiu Y, Pang L, Hrudey SE, Le XC, Li XF. An efficient method to enhance recovery and detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater. J Environ Sci (China) 2023; 130:139-148. [PMID: 37032030 PMCID: PMC9554329 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater surveillance (WS) of SARS-CoV-2 currently requires multiple steps and suffers low recoveries and poor sensitivity. Here, we report an improved analytical method with high sensitivity and recovery to quantify SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater. To improve the recovery, we concentrated SARS-CoV-2 viral particles and RNA from both the solid and aqueous phases of wastewater using an electronegative membrane (EM). The captured viral particles and RNA on the EM were incubated in our newly developed viral inactivation and RNA preservation (VIP) buffer. Subsequently, the RNA was concentrated on magnetic beads and inhibitors removed by washing. Without eluting, the RNA on the magnetic beads was directly detected using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus (SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a noninfectious viral coat) spiked to wastewater samples showed an improved recovery of 80%. Analysis of 120 wastewater samples collected twice weekly between May 2021 and February 2022 from two wastewater treatment plants showed 100% positive detection, which agreed with the results independently obtained by a provincial public health laboratory. The concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in these wastewater samples ranged from 2.4×102 to 2.9×106 copies per 100 mL of wastewater. Our method's capability of detecting trace and diverse concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in complex wastewater samples is attributed to the enhanced recovery of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and efficient removal of PCR inhibitors. The improved method for the recovery and detection of viral RNA in wastewater is important for wastewater surveillance, complementing clinical diagnostic tests for public health protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Kumblathan
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Yanming Liu
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Yuanyuan Qiu
- Division of Diagnostic and Applied Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Lilly Pang
- Division of Diagnostic and Applied Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2G3, Canada; Public Health Laboratory, Alberta Precision Laboratories, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Steve E Hrudey
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - X Chris Le
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Xing-Fang Li
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhao L, Geng Q, Corchis-Scott R, McKay RM, Norton J, Xagoraraki I. Targeting a free viral fraction enhances the early alert potential of wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2: a methods comparison spanning the transition between delta and omicron variants in a large urban center. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1140441. [PMID: 37546328 PMCID: PMC10400354 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1140441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Wastewater surveillance has proven to be a valuable approach to monitoring the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Recognizing the benefits of wastewater surveillance as a tool to support public health in tracking SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens, numerous wastewater virus sampling and concentration methods have been tested for appropriate applications as well as their significance for actionability by public health practices. Methods Here, we present a 34-week long wastewater surveillance study that covers nearly 4 million residents of the Detroit (MI, United States) metropolitan area. Three primary concentration methods were compared with respect to recovery of SARS-CoV-2 from wastewater: Virus Adsorption-Elution (VIRADEL), polyethylene glycol precipitation (PEG), and polysulfone (PES) filtration. Wastewater viral concentrations were normalized using various parameters (flow rate, population, total suspended solids) to account for variations in flow. Three analytical approaches were implemented to compare wastewater viral concentrations across the three primary concentration methods to COVID-19 clinical data for both normalized and non-normalized data: Pearson and Spearman correlations, Dynamic Time Warping (DTW), and Time Lagged Cross Correlation (TLCC) and peak synchrony. Results It was found that VIRADEL, which captures free and suspended virus from supernatant wastewater, was a leading indicator of COVID-19 cases within the region, whereas PEG and PES filtration, which target particle-associated virus, each lagged behind the early alert potential of VIRADEL. PEG and PES methods may potentially capture previously shed and accumulated SARS-CoV-2 resuspended from sediments in the interceptors. Discussion These results indicate that the VIRADEL method can be used to enhance the early-warning potential of wastewater surveillance applications although drawbacks include the need to process large volumes of wastewater to concentrate sufficiently free and suspended virus for detection. While lagging the VIRADEL method for early-alert potential, both PEG and PES filtration can be used for routine COVID-19 wastewater monitoring since they allow a large number of samples to be processed concurrently while being more cost-effective and with rapid turn-around yielding results same day as collection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Qiudi Geng
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Ryland Corchis-Scott
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Michael McKay
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
- Great Lakes Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, United States
| | - John Norton
- Great Lakes Water Authority, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Irene Xagoraraki
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ciannella S, González-Fernández C, Gomez-Pastora J. Recent progress on wastewater-based epidemiology for COVID-19 surveillance: A systematic review of analytical procedures and epidemiological modeling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:162953. [PMID: 36948304 PMCID: PMC10028212 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), whose causative agent is the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a pandemic. This virus is predominantly transmitted via respiratory droplets and shed via sputum, saliva, urine, and stool. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has been able to monitor the circulation of viral pathogens in the population. This tool demands both in-lab and computational work to be meaningful for, among other purposes, the prediction of outbreaks. In this context, we present a systematic review that organizes and discusses laboratory procedures for SARS-CoV-2 RNA quantification from a wastewater matrix, along with modeling techniques applied to the development of WBE for COVID-19 surveillance. The goal of this review is to present the current panorama of WBE operational aspects as well as to identify current challenges related to it. Our review was conducted in a reproducible manner by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic reviews. We identified a lack of standardization in wastewater analytical procedures. Regardless, the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) approach was the most reported technique employed to detect and quantify viral RNA in wastewater samples. As a more convenient sample matrix, we suggest the solid portion of wastewater to be considered in future investigations due to its higher viral load compared to the liquid fraction. Regarding the epidemiological modeling, the data-driven approach was consistently used for the prediction of variables associated with outbreaks. Future efforts should also be directed toward the development of rapid, more economical, portable, and accurate detection devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Ciannella
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock 79409, TX, USA.
| | - Cristina González-Fernández
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock 79409, TX, USA; Departamento de Ingenierías Química y Biomolecular, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros, s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain.
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
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: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hoque SA, Kotaki T, Pham NTK, Onda Y, Okitsu S, Sato S, Yuki Y, Kobayashi T, Maneekarn N, Kiyono H, Hayakawa S, Ushijima H. Genotype Diversity of Enteric Viruses in Wastewater Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2023; 15:176-191. [PMID: 37058225 PMCID: PMC10103036 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-023-09553-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Viruses remain the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) worldwide. Recently, we reported the abundance of AGE viruses in raw sewage water (SW) during the COVID-19 pandemic, when viral AGE patients decreased dramatically in clinics. Since clinical samples were not reflecting the actual state, it remained important to determine the circulating strains in the SW for preparedness against impending outbreaks. Raw SW was collected from a sewage treatment plant in Japan from August 2018 to March 2022, concentrated by polyethylene-glycol-precipitation method, and investigated for major gastroenteritis viruses by RT-PCR. Genotypes and evolutionary relationships were evaluated through sequence-based analyses. Major AGE viruses like rotavirus A (RVA), norovirus (NoV) GI and GII, and astrovirus (AstV) increased sharply (10-20%) in SW during the COVID-19 pandemic, though some AGE viruses like sapovirus (SV), adenovirus (AdV), and enterovirus (EV) decreased slightly (3-10%). The prevalence remained top in the winter. Importantly, several strains, including G1 and G3 of RVA, GI.1 and GII.2 of NoV, GI.1 of SV, MLB1 of AstV, and F41 of AdV, either emerged or increased amid the pandemic, suggesting that the normal phenomenon of genotype changing remained active over this time. This study crucially presents the molecular characteristics of circulating AGE viruses, explaining the importance of SW investigation during the pandemic when a clinical investigation may not produce the complete scenario.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Ariful Hoque
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 OyaguchiKamicho, Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan
- Cell and Tissue Culture Laboratory, Centre for Advanced Research in Sciences (CARS), University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Tomohiro Kotaki
- Department of Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ngan Thi Kim Pham
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 OyaguchiKamicho, Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan
| | - Yuko Onda
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 OyaguchiKamicho, Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan
| | - Shoko Okitsu
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 OyaguchiKamicho, Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan
| | - Shintaro Sato
- Department of Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, 640-8156, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Yuki
- Department of Human Mucosal Vaccinology, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kobayashi
- Department of Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Niwat Maneekarn
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Hiroshi Kiyono
- Department of Human Mucosal Vaccinology, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan
- Research Institute of Disaster Medicine, Institute for Global Prominent Research, Institute for Advanced Academic Research, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- CU-UCSD Center for Mucosal Immunology, Allergy and Vaccines (cMAV), Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Satoshi Hayakawa
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 OyaguchiKamicho, Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ushijima
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 OyaguchiKamicho, Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Gh Jeelani P, Muzammil Munawar S, Khaleel Basha S, Krishna P G, Joshua Sinclair B, Dharshini Jenifer A, Ojha N, Mossa AT, Chidambaram R. Exploring possible strategies for treating SARS-CoV-2 in sewage wastewater: A review of current research and future directions. HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ADVANCES 2023; 6:100056. [PMID: 37131485 PMCID: PMC10088352 DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2023.100056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The advent of acute respiratory coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is convoyed by the shedding of the virus in stool. Although inhalation from person-to-person and aerosol/droplet transmission are the main modes of SARS-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission, currently available evidence indicates the presence of viral RNA in the sewerage wastewater, which highlights the need for more effective corona virus treatment options. In the existing COVID-19 pandemic, a substantial percentage of cases shed SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in their faeces. Hence the treating this sewerage wastewater with proper surveillance is essential to contain this deadly pathogen from further transmission. Since, the viral disinfectants will not be very effective on sewerage waste as organic matter, and suspended solids in water can protect viruses that adsorb to these particles. More effective methods and measures are needed to prevent this virus from spreading. This review will explore some potential methods to treat the SARS-CoV-2 infected sewerage wastewater, current research and future directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peerzada Gh Jeelani
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Syed Muzammil Munawar
- C. Abdul Hakeem College, (Automous) Melvisharam - 632 509, Ranipet District, Tamilnadu, India
| | - S Khaleel Basha
- C. Abdul Hakeem College, (Automous) Melvisharam - 632 509, Ranipet District, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Gopi Krishna P
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Bruce Joshua Sinclair
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - A Dharshini Jenifer
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Nupur Ojha
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai 600036 Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Abdel-Tawab Mossa
- National Research Centre, Egypt | Cairo, Egypt | NRC 33 El Buhouth St 'Ad Doqi, Dokki, Cairo Governorate 12622, Egypt
| | - Ramalingam Chidambaram
- Nano-Food Research Group, Instrumental and Food Analysis Laboratory, Division of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, 632014 Tamil Nadu, India
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yang K, Guo J, Møhlenberg M, Zhou H. SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in medical and industrial wastewater-a global perspective: a narrative review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:63323-63334. [PMID: 36988799 PMCID: PMC10049894 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26571-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has spread at an unprecedented rate since late 2019, leading to the global COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, being able to detect SARS-CoV-2 in human populations with high coverage quickly is a huge challenge. As SARS-CoV-2 is excreted in human excreta and thus exposed to the aqueous environment through sewers, the goal is to develop an ideal, non-invasive, cost-effective epidemiological method for detecting SARS-CoV-2. Wastewater surveillance has gained widespread interest and is increasingly being investigated as an effective early warning tool for monitoring the spread and evolution of the virus. This review emphasizes important findings on SARS-CoV-2 wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) in different continents and techniques used to detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater during the period 2020-2022. The results show that WBE is a valuable population-level method for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 and is a valuable early warning alert. It can assist policymakers in formulating relevant policies to avoid the negative impacts of early or delayed action. Such strategy can also help avoid unnecessary wastage of medical resources, rationalize vaccine distribution, assist early detection, and contain large-scale outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaiwen Yang
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Liutai Road 1166, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Jinlin Guo
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Liutai Road 1166, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Michelle Møhlenberg
- Department of Biomedicine, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 10, Building 1115, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Hao Zhou
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Liutai Road 1166, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 610000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Angga MS, Malla B, Raya S, Kitajima M, Haramoto E. Optimization and performance evaluation of an automated filtration method for the recovery of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses in wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 882:163487. [PMID: 37068668 PMCID: PMC10105377 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
A rapid virus concentration method is needed to get high throughput. Reliable results of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection in wastewater are necessary for applications in wastewater-based epidemiology. In this study, an automated filtration method using a concentrating pipette (CP Select; Innovaprep) was applied to detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples with several modifications to increase its sensitivity and throughput. The performance of the CP Select method was compared to other concentration methods (polyethylene glycol precipitation and direct capture using silica column) to evaluate its applicability to SARS-CoV-2 detection in wastewater. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was successfully detected in six of eight wastewater samples using the CP Select method, whereas other methods could detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in all wastewater samples. Enteric viruses, such as noroviruses of genogroups I (NoVs-GI) and II (NoVs-GII) and enteroviruses, were tested, resulting in 100 % NoVs-GII detection using all concentration methods. As for NoVs-GI and enteroviruses, all methods gave comparable number of detected samples in wastewater samples. This study showed that the optimized CP Select method was less sensitive in SARS-CoV-2 detection in wastewater than other methods, whereas all methods were applicable to detect or recover other viruses in wastewater.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Made Sandhyana Angga
- Department of Engineering, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
| | - Bikash Malla
- Interdisciplinary Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
| | - Sunayana Raya
- Department of Engineering, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
| | - Masaaki Kitajima
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Hokkaido University, North 13 West 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8628, Japan.
| | - Eiji Haramoto
- Interdisciplinary Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Saingam P, Li B, Nguyen Quoc B, Jain T, Bryan A, Winkler MKH. Wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 at intra-city level demonstrated high resolution in tracking COVID-19 and calibration using chemical indicators. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 866:161467. [PMID: 36626989 PMCID: PMC9825140 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology has proven to be a supportive tool to better comprehend the dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the disease moves into endemic stage, the surveillance at wastewater sub-catchments such as pump station and manholes is providing a novel mechanism to examine the reemergence and to take measures that can prevent the spread. However, there is still a lack of understanding when it comes to wastewater-based epidemiology implementation at the smaller intra-city level for better granularity in data, and dilution effect of rain precipitation at pump stations. For this study, grab samples were collected from six areas of Seattle between March-October 2021. These sampling sites comprised five manholes and one pump station with population ranging from 2580 to 39,502 per manhole/pump station. The wastewater samples were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations, and we also obtained the daily COVID-19 cases (from individual clinical testing) for each corresponding sewershed, which ranged from 1 to 12 and the daily incidence varied between 3 and 64 per 100,000 of population. Rain precipitation lowered viral RNA levels and sensitivity of viral detection but wastewater total ammonia (NH4+-N) and phosphate (PO43--P) were shown as potential chemical indicators to calibrate/level out the dilution effect. These chemicals showed the potential in improving the wastewater surveillance capacity of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prakit Saingam
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Bao Nguyen Quoc
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Tanisha Jain
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Andrew Bryan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Mari K H Winkler
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Prado T, Rey-Benito G, Miagostovich MP, Sato MIZ, Rajal VB, Filho CRM, Pereira AD, Barbosa MRF, Mannarino CF, da Silva AS. Wastewater-based epidemiology for preventing outbreaks and epidemics in Latin America - Lessons from the past and a look to the future. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 865:161210. [PMID: 36581294 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is an approach with the potential to complement clinical surveillance systems. Using WBE, it is possible to carry out an early warning of a possible outbreak, monitor spatial and temporal trends of infectious diseases, produce real-time results and generate representative epidemiological information in a territory, especially in areas of social vulnerability. Despite the historical uses of this approach, particularly in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, and for other pathogens, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that occurred an exponential increase in environmental surveillance programs for SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, with many experiences and developments in the field of public health using data for decision making and prioritizing actions to control the pandemic. In Latin America, WBE was applied in heterogeneous contexts and with emphasis on populations that present many socio-environmental inequalities, a condition shared by all Latin American countries. This manuscript addresses the concepts and applications of WBE in public health actions, as well as different experiences in Latin American countries, and discusses a model to implement this surveillance system at the local or national level. We emphasize the need to implement this sentinel surveillance system in countries that want to detect the early entry and spread of new pathogens and monitor outbreaks or epidemics of infectious agents in their territories as a complement of public health surveillance systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Prado
- Laboratory of Comparative and Environmental Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21040-360, Brazil.
| | - Gloria Rey-Benito
- Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), 525 23rd St NW, Washington, DC 20037, United States of America.
| | - Marize Pereira Miagostovich
- Laboratory of Comparative and Environmental Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Maria Inês Zanoli Sato
- Department of Environmental Analysis, Environmental Company of the São Paulo State (CETESB), Av. Prof. Frederico Hermann Jr., 345, São Paulo CEP 05459-900, Brazil
| | - Veronica Beatriz Rajal
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI), Universidad Nacional de Salta (UNSa) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) and Facultad de Ingeniería, UNSa, Av. Bolivia 5150, Salta 4400, Argentina; Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Science Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Cesar Rossas Mota Filho
- Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Alyne Duarte Pereira
- Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Mikaela Renata Funada Barbosa
- Department of Environmental Analysis, Environmental Company of the São Paulo State (CETESB), Av. Prof. Frederico Hermann Jr., 345, São Paulo CEP 05459-900, Brazil
| | - Camille Ferreira Mannarino
- Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Agnes Soares da Silva
- Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), 525 23rd St NW, Washington, DC 20037, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Plaza-Garrido A, Ampuero M, Gaggero A, Villamar-Ayala CA. Norovirus, Hepatitis A and SARS-CoV-2 surveillance within Chilean rural wastewater treatment plants based on different biological treatment typologies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 863:160685. [PMID: 36476771 PMCID: PMC9721186 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater from WWTPs became an interesting source of epidemiological surveillance. However, there is uncertainty about the influence of treatment type on virus removal. The aim of this study was to assess viral surveillance within wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) based on different biological treatments. Seasonal monitoring (autumn-winter and spring-summer) was conducted in 10 Chilean rural WWTPs, which were based on activated sludge, aerated lagoons, bio-discs, constructed wetlands, vermifilters and mixed systems. Viruses were measured (influent/effluent) by the RT-qPCR technique, using a commercial kit for SARS-CoV-2, NoV GI, NoV GII, and HAV. The detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral variants by genotyping was performed using SARS-CoV-2 Mutation Assays (ThermoFisher Scientific, USA). JC polyomavirus detection (control), as well as a qPCR technique. Results showed that SARS-CoV-2, NoV GI and GII were detected in influents at values between <5 and 462, 0 to 28, and 0 to 75 GC/mL, respectively. HAV was not detected among the studied WWTPs. The monitored WWTPs removed these viruses at percentages between 0 and 100 %. WWTPs based on activated sludge with bio-discs demonstrated to be the most efficient at removing SARS-CoV-2 (up to 98 %) and NoV GI and GII (100 %). Meanwhile, bio-discs technologies were the least efficient for viral removal, due to biofilm detachment, which could also adsorb viral aggregates. A correlation analysis established that solids, pH, and temperature are the most influential parameters in viral removal. Wastewater-based surveillance at WWTP allowed for the detection of Omicron before the Chilean health authorities notified its presence in the population. In addition, surveillance of viruses and other microorganisms could help assess the potential public health risk of wastewater recycling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Plaza-Garrido
- Departamento de Ingeniería en Obras Civiles, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Santiago de Chile (USACH), Av. Victor Jara 3659, Estación Central, Santiago, Chile
| | - Manuel Ampuero
- Programa de Virología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Aldo Gaggero
- Programa de Virología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile.
| | - Cristina Alejandra Villamar-Ayala
- Departamento de Ingeniería en Obras Civiles, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Santiago de Chile (USACH), Av. Victor Jara 3659, Estación Central, Santiago, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cai Y, Zhao Y, Yadav AK, Ji B, Kang P, Wei T. Ozone based inactivation and disinfection in the pandemic time and beyond: Taking forward what has been learned and best practice. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 862:160711. [PMID: 36496014 PMCID: PMC9727960 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The large-scale global COVID-19 has a profound impact on human society. Timely and effectively blocking the virus spread is the key to controlling the pandemic growth. Ozone-based inactivation and disinfection techniques have been shown to effectively kill SARS-CoV-2 in water, aerosols and on solid surface. However, the lack of an unified information and discussion on ozone-based inactivation and disinfection in current and previous pandemics and the absence of consensus on the main mechanisms by which ozone-based inactivation of pandemic causing viruses have hindered the possibility of establishing a common basis for identifying best practices in the utilization of ozone technology. This article reviews the research status of ozone (O3) disinfection on pandemic viruses (especially SARS-CoV-2). Taking sterilization kinetics as the starting point while followed by distinguishing the pandemic viruses by enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, this review focuses on analyzing the scope of application of the sterilization model and the influencing factors from the experimental studies and data induction. It is expected that the review could provide an useful reference for the safe and effective O3 utilization of SARS-CoV-2 inactivation in the post-pandemic era.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yamei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China; Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, School of Water Resources and Hydroelectric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China
| | - Yaqian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China; Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, School of Water Resources and Hydroelectric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China.
| | - Asheesh Kumar Yadav
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Technology, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bin Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China; School of Civil Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, PR China
| | - Peiying Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China; Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, School of Water Resources and Hydroelectric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China
| | - Ting Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
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
|
32
|
Ahmed W, Bivins A, Korajkic A, Metcalfe S, Smith WJM, Simpson SL. Comparative analysis of Adsorption-Extraction (AE) and Nanotrap® Magnetic Virus Particles (NMVP) workflows for the recovery of endogenous enveloped and non-enveloped viruses in wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 859:160072. [PMID: 36356768 PMCID: PMC10823496 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In this study, two virus concentration methods, namely Adsorption-Extraction (AE) and Nanotrap® Magnetic Virus Particles (NMVP) along with commercially available extraction kits were used to quantify endogenous pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in nucleic acid extracted from 48 wastewater samples collected over six events from eight wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The main aim was to determine which workflow (i.e., concentration and extraction methods) produces greater concentrations of endogenous PMMoV and SARS-CoV-2 gene copies (GC) in comparison with each other. Turbidity and total suspended solids (TSS) of wastewater samples within and among the eight WWTPs were highly variable (41-385 NTU and 77-668 mg/L TSS). In 58 % of individual wastewater samples, the log10 GC concentrations of PMMoV were greater by NMVP workflow compared to AE workflow. Paired measurements of PMMoV GC/10 mL from AE and NMVP across all 48 wastewater samples were weakly correlated (r = 0.455, p = 0.001) and demonstrated a poor linear relationship (r2 = 0.207). The log10 GC concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in 69 % of individual samples were greater by AE workflow compared to NMVP workflow. In contrast to PMMoV, the AE and NMVP derived SARS-CoV-2 GC counts were strongly correlated (r = 0.859, p < 0.001) and demonstrated a strong linear relationship (r2 = 0.738). In general, the PMMoV GC achieved by the NMVP workflow decreased with increasing turbidity, but the PMMoV GC by the AE workflow did not appear to be as sensitive to either turbidity or TSS levels. These findings suggest that wastewater sample turbidity or suspended solids concentration, and the intended target for analysis should be considered when validating an optimal workflow for wastewater surveillance of viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Aaron Bivins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Louisiana State University, 3255 Patrick F. Taylor Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Asja Korajkic
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26W Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Suzanne Metcalfe
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Wendy J M Smith
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
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
|
34
|
Early detection of local SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks by wastewater surveillance: a feasibility study. Epidemiol Infect 2023; 151:e28. [PMID: 36722251 PMCID: PMC9990400 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268823000146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Wastewater surveillance and quantitative analysis of SARS-CoV-2 RNA are increasingly used to monitor the spread of COVID-19 in the community. We studied the feasibility of applying the surveillance data for early detection of local outbreaks. A Monte Carlo simulation model was constructed, applying data on reported variation in RNA gene copy concentration in faeces and faecal masses shed. It showed that, even with a constant number of SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedders, the variation in concentrations found in wastewater samples will be large, and that it will be challenging to translate viral concentrations into incidence estimates, especially when the number of shedders is low. Potential signals for early detection of hypothetical outbreaks were analysed for their performance in terms of sensitivity and specificity of the signals. The results suggest that a sudden increase in incidence is not easily identified on the basis of wastewater surveillance data, especially in small sampling areas and in low-incidence situations. However, with a high number of shedders and when combining data from multiple consecutive tests, the performance of wastewater sampling is expected to improve considerably. The developed modelling approach can increase our understanding of the results from wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
|
35
|
Kadadou D, Tizani L, Wadi VS, Banat F, Alsafar H, Yousef AF, Hasan SW. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in clinical and environmental samples using highly sensitive reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-based biosensor. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND : 1996) 2023; 453:139750. [PMID: 36267422 PMCID: PMC9557116 DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2022.139750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) is the most commonly used diagnostic tool for SARS-CoV-2 detection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its sensitivity and accuracy, qRT-PCR is a time-consuming method that requires expensive laboratories with highly trained personnel. In this work, on-site detection of SARS-CoV-2 in municipal wastewater was investigated for the first time. The wastewater was unprocessed and did not require any prefiltration, prior spiking with virus, or viral concentration in order to be suitable for use with the biosensor. The prototype reported here is a reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-based biosensor for rapid, sensitive and selective detection of SARS-CoV-2. The biosensor achieved a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.5 fg/mL in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and exhibited specificity when exposed to various analytes. The response time was measured to be around 240 ms. To further explore the capabilities of the biosensor in real clinical and municipal wastewater samples, three different tests were performed to determine the presence or absence of the virus: (i) qRT-PCR, (ii) a rapid antigen-based commercially available test (COVID-19 Test Strips), and (iii) the biosensor constructed and reported here. Taken together, our results demonstrate that a biosensor that can detect SARS-CoV-2 in clinical samples as well as unfiltered and unprocessed municipal wastewater is feasible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dana Kadadou
- Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology (CMAT), Khalifa University of Science and Technology, PO Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, PO Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lina Tizani
- Center for Biotechnology (BTC), Khalifa University of Science and Technology, PO Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vijay S Wadi
- Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology (CMAT), Khalifa University of Science and Technology, PO Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, PO Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fawzi Banat
- Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology (CMAT), Khalifa University of Science and Technology, PO Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, PO Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Habiba Alsafar
- Center for Biotechnology (BTC), Khalifa University of Science and Technology, PO Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Emirates Bio-research Center, Ministry of Interior, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmed F Yousef
- Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology (CMAT), Khalifa University of Science and Technology, PO Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, PO Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shadi W Hasan
- Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology (CMAT), Khalifa University of Science and Technology, PO Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, PO Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Prasek SM, Pepper IL, Innes GK, Slinski S, Betancourt WQ, Foster AR, Yaglom HD, Porter WT, Engelthaler DM, Schmitz BW. Variant-specific SARS-CoV-2 shedding rates in wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159165. [PMID: 36195153 PMCID: PMC9527179 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies show that SARS-CoV-2 waste shedding rates vary by community and are influenced by multiple factors; however, differences in shedding rates across multiple variants have yet to be evaluated. The purpose of this work is to build on previous research that evaluated waste shedding rates for early SARS-CoV-2 and the Delta variant, and update population level waste shedding rates for the more-recent Omicron variant in six communities. Mean SARS-CoV-2 waste shedding rates were found to increase with the predominance of the Delta variant and subsequently decrease with Omicron infections. Interestingly, the Delta stage had the highest mean shedding rates and was associated with the most severe disease symptoms reported in other clinical studies, while Omicron, exhibiting reduced symptoms, had the lowest mean shedding rates. Additionally, shedding rates were most consistent across communities during the Omicron stage. This is the first paper to identify waste shedding rates specific to the Omicron variant and fills a knowledge gap critical to disease prevalence modeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Prasek
- Water & Energy Sustainable Technology (WEST) Center, University of Arizona, 2959 W. Calle Agua Nueva, Tucson, AZ 85745, USA
| | - Ian L Pepper
- Water & Energy Sustainable Technology (WEST) Center, University of Arizona, 2959 W. Calle Agua Nueva, Tucson, AZ 85745, USA
| | - Gabriel K Innes
- Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture (YCEDA), University of Arizona, 6425 W. 8th St., Yuma, AZ 85364, USA
| | - Stephanie Slinski
- Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture (YCEDA), University of Arizona, 6425 W. 8th St., Yuma, AZ 85364, USA
| | - Walter Q Betancourt
- Water & Energy Sustainable Technology (WEST) Center, University of Arizona, 2959 W. Calle Agua Nueva, Tucson, AZ 85745, USA
| | - Aidan R Foster
- Water & Energy Sustainable Technology (WEST) Center, University of Arizona, 2959 W. Calle Agua Nueva, Tucson, AZ 85745, USA
| | - Hayley D Yaglom
- The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), 445 N. Fifth Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - W Tanner Porter
- The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), 445 N. Fifth Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - David M Engelthaler
- The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), 445 N. Fifth Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Bradley W Schmitz
- Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture (YCEDA), University of Arizona, 6425 W. 8th St., Yuma, AZ 85364, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Mare R, Mare C, Hadarean A, Hotupan A, Rus T. COVID-19 and Water Variables: Review and Scientometric Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:957. [PMID: 36673718 PMCID: PMC9859563 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20020957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has changed the world since 2020, and the field of water specifically, boosting scientific productivity (in terms of published articles). This paper focuses on the influence of COVID-19 on scientific productivity with respect to four water variables: (i) wastewater, (ii) renewable water resources, (iii) freshwater withdrawal, and (iv) access to improved and safe drinking water. The field's literature was firstly reviewed, and then the maps were built, emphasizing the strong connections between COVID-19 and water-related variables. A total of 94 countries with publications that assess COVID-19 vs. water were considered and evaluated for how they clustered. The final step of the research shows that, on average, scientific productivity on the water topic was mostly conducted in countries with lower COVID-19 infection rates but higher development levels as represented by gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and the human development index (HDI). According to the statistical analysis, the water-related variables are highly significant, with positive coefficients. This validates that countries with higher water-related values conducted more research on the relationship with COVID-19. Wastewater and freshwater withdrawal had the highest impact on the scientific productivity with respect to COVID-19. Access to safe drinking water becomes insignificant in the presence of the development parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Mare
- Department of Building Services Engineering, Faculty of Building Services Engineering, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 128-130 21 Decembrie 1989 Blv., 400604 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Codruța Mare
- Department of Statistics-Forecasts-Mathematics, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Babes-Bolyai University, 58-60 Teodor Mihali Str., 400591 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Data Science, Babes-Bolyai University, 68 Avram Iancu Str., 4th Floor, 400083 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adriana Hadarean
- Department of Building Services Engineering, Faculty of Building Services Engineering, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 128-130 21 Decembrie 1989 Blv., 400604 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Anca Hotupan
- Department of Building Services Engineering, Faculty of Building Services Engineering, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 128-130 21 Decembrie 1989 Blv., 400604 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Tania Rus
- Department of Building Services Engineering, Faculty of Building Services Engineering, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 128-130 21 Decembrie 1989 Blv., 400604 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Environmental surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in municipal wastewater to monitor COVID-19 status in urban clusters in Malaysia. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:76. [PMID: 36708390 PMCID: PMC9884128 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03417-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater monitoring for SARS-CoV-2 has attracted considerable attention worldwide to complement the existing clinical-based surveillance system. In this study, we report our first successful attempt to prove the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 genes in Malaysian urban wastewater. A total of 18 wastewater samples were obtained from a regional sewage treatment plant that received municipal sewage between February 2021 and May 2021. Using the quantitative PCR assay targeting the E and RdRp genes of SARS-CoV-2, we confirmed that both genes were detected in the raw sewage, while no viral RNA was found in the treated sewage. We were also able to show that the trend of COVID-19 cases in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor was related to the changes in SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in the wastewater samples. Overall, our study highlights that monitoring wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 should help local health professionals to obtain additional information on the rapid and silent circulation of infectious agents in communities at the regional level.
Collapse
|
39
|
Oh C, Zhou A, O'Brien K, Jamal Y, Wennerdahl H, Schmidt AR, Shisler JL, Jutla A, Schmidt AR, Keefer L, Brown WM, Nguyen TH. Application of neighborhood-scale wastewater-based epidemiology in low COVID-19 incidence situations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 852:158448. [PMID: 36063927 PMCID: PMC9436825 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE), an emerging approach for community-wide COVID-19 surveillance, was primarily characterized at large sewersheds such as wastewater treatment plants serving a large population. Although informed public health measures can be better implemented for a small population, WBE for neighborhood-scale sewersheds is less studied and not fully understood. This study applied WBE to seven neighborhood-scale sewersheds (average population of 1471) from January to November 2021. Community testing data showed an average of 0.004 % incidence rate in these sewersheds (97 % of monitoring periods reported two or fewer daily infections). In 92 % of sewage samples, SARS-CoV-2 N gene fragments were below the limit of quantification. We statistically determined 10-2.6 as the threshold of the SARS-CoV-2 N gene concentration normalized to pepper mild mottle virus (N/PMMOV) to alert high COVID-19 incidence rate in the studied sewershed. This threshold of N/PMMOV identified neighborhood-scale outbreaks (COVID-19 incidence rate higher than 0.2 %) with 82 % sensitivity and 51 % specificity. Importantly, neighborhood-scale WBE can discern local outbreaks that would not otherwise be identified by city-scale WBE. Our findings suggest that neighborhood-scale WBE is an effective community-wide disease surveillance tool when COVID-19 incidence is maintained at a low level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chamteut Oh
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, United States.
| | - Aijia Zhou
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, United States
| | - Kate O'Brien
- School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, United States
| | - Yusuf Jamal
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States
| | - Hayden Wennerdahl
- Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, United States
| | - Arthur R Schmidt
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, United States
| | - Joanna L Shisler
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, United States
| | - Antarpreet Jutla
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States
| | - Arthur R Schmidt
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, United States
| | - Laura Keefer
- Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, United States
| | - William M Brown
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, United States
| | - Thanh H Nguyen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, United States; Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, United States
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Wang R, Alamin M, Tsuji S, Hara-Yamamura H, Hata A, Zhao B, Ihara M, Honda R. Removal performance of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater treatment by membrane bioreactor, anaerobic-anoxic-oxic, and conventional activated sludge processes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158310. [PMID: 36030862 PMCID: PMC9411102 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The potential risk of SARS-CoV-2 in treated effluent from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is concerned since SARS-CoV-2 is contained in wastewater during the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the removal of SARS-CoV-2 in WWTP has not been well investigated. The objectives of this study were (i) to clarify the removal performance of SARS-CoV-2 during wastewater treatment, (ii) to compare the removal performance of different secondary treatment processes, and (iii) to evaluate applicability of pepper mild mottle of virus (PMMoV) as a performance indicator for the reduction of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater treatment. Influent wastewater, secondary-treatment effluent (before chlorination), and final effluent (after chlorination) samples were collected from a WWTP from May 28 to September 24, 2020, during the COVID-19 outbreak in Japan. The target WWTP had three parallel treatment systems employing conventional activated sludge (CAS), anaerobic-anoxic -oxic (A2O), and membrane bioreactor (MBR) processes. SARS-CoV-2 in both the liquid and solid fractions of the influent wastewater was concentrated and quantified using RT-qPCR. SARS-CoV-2 in treated effluent was concentrated from 10 L samples to achieve a detection limit as low as 10 copies/L. The log reduction value (LRV) of SARS-CoV-2 was 2.7 ± 0.86 log10 in CAS, 1.6 ± 0.50 log10 in A2O, and 3.6 ± 0.62 log10 in MBR. The lowest LRV observed during the sampling period was 2.8 log10 in MBR, 1.2 log10 in CAS, and 1.0 log10 in A2O process, indicating that the MBR had the most stable reduction performance. PMMoV was found to be a good indicator virus to evaluate reduction performance of SARS-CoV-2 independent of the process configuration because the LRV of PMMoV was significantly lower than that of SARS-CoV-2 in the CAS, A2O and MBR processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rongxuan Wang
- Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Md Alamin
- Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shohei Tsuji
- Faculty of Geosciences and Civil Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hiroe Hara-Yamamura
- Faculty of Geosciences and Civil Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Akihiko Hata
- Department of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University, Imizu, Japan
| | - Bo Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, PR China; Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Otsu, Japan
| | - Masaru Ihara
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Otsu, Japan; Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University, Nankoku, Japan
| | - Ryo Honda
- Faculty of Geosciences and Civil Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan; Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Otsu, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Bonanno Ferraro G, Veneri C, Mancini P, Iaconelli M, Suffredini E, Bonadonna L, Lucentini L, Bowo-Ngandji A, Kengne-Nde C, Mbaga DS, Mahamat G, Tazokong HR, Ebogo-Belobo JT, Njouom R, Kenmoe S, La Rosa G. A State-of-the-Art Scoping Review on SARS-CoV-2 in Sewage Focusing on the Potential of Wastewater Surveillance for the Monitoring of the COVID-19 Pandemic. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2022; 14:315-354. [PMID: 34727334 PMCID: PMC8561373 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-021-09498-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus infectious disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has rapidly spread throughout the world. Several studies have shown that detecting SARS-CoV-2 in untreated wastewater can be a useful tool to identify new outbreaks, establish outbreak trends, and assess the prevalence of infections. On 06 May 2021, over a year into the pandemic, we conducted a scoping review aiming to summarize research data on SARS-CoV-2 in sewage. Papers dealing with raw sewage collected at wastewater treatment plants, sewer networks, septic tanks, and sludge treatment facilities were included in this review. We also reviewed studies on sewage collected in community settings such as private or municipal hospitals, healthcare facilities, nursing homes, dormitories, campuses, airports, aircraft, and cruise ships. The literature search was conducted using the electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Web Science Core Collection. This comprehensive research yielded 1090 results, 66 of which met the inclusion criteria and are discussed in this review. Studies from 26 countries worldwide have investigated the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in sewage of different origin. The percentage of positive samples in sewage ranged from 11.6 to 100%, with viral concentrations ranging from ˂LOD to 4.6 × 108 genome copies/L. This review outlines the evidence currently available on wastewater surveillance: (i) as an early warning system capable of predicting COVID-19 outbreaks days or weeks before clinical cases; (ii) as a tool capable of establishing trends in current outbreaks; (iii) estimating the prevalence of infections; and (iv) studying SARS-CoV-2 genetic diversity. In conclusion, as a cost-effective, rapid, and reliable source of information on the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants in the population, wastewater surveillance can enhance genomic and epidemiological surveillance with independent and complementary data to inform public health decision-making during the ongoing pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Bonanno Ferraro
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - P Mancini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M Iaconelli
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - E Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - L Bonadonna
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - L Lucentini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - A Bowo-Ngandji
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - C Kengne-Nde
- Research Monitoring and Planning Unit, National Aids Control Committee, Douala, Cameroon
| | - D S Mbaga
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - G Mahamat
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - H R Tazokong
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - J T Ebogo-Belobo
- Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - R Njouom
- Virology Department, Centre Pasteur of Cameroon, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - S Kenmoe
- Virology Department, Centre Pasteur of Cameroon, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - G La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Angga MS, Malla B, Raya S, Kitano A, Xie X, Saitoh H, Ohnishi N, Haramoto E. Development of a magnetic nanoparticle-based method for concentrating SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 848:157613. [PMID: 35901898 PMCID: PMC9310541 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Several virus concentration methods have been developed to increase the detection sensitivity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in wastewater, as part of applying wastewater-based epidemiology. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation method, a method widely used for concentrating viruses in wastewater, has some limitations, such as long processing time. In this study, Pegcision, a PEG-based method using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), was applied to detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, with several modifications to increase its sensitivity and throughput. An enveloped virus surrogate, Pseudomonas phage φ6, and a non-enveloped virus surrogate, coliphage MS2, were seeded into wastewater samples and quantified using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction to assess the recovery performance of the Pegcision. Neither increasing MNP concentration nor reducing the reaction time to 10 min affected the recovery, while adding polyacrylic acid as a polyanion improved the detection sensitivity. The performance of the Pegcision was further compared to that of the PEG precipitation method based on the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and surrogate viruses, including indigenous pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), in wastewater samples (n = 27). The Pegcision showed recovery of 14.1 ± 6.3 % and 1.4 ± 1.0 % for φ6 and MS2, respectively, while the PEG precipitation method showed recovery of 20.4 ± 20.2 % and 18.4 ± 21.9 % (n = 27 each). Additionally, comparable PMMoV concentrations were observed between the Pegcision (7.9 ± 0.3 log copies/L) and PEG precipitation methods (8.0 ± 0.2 log copies/L) (P > 0.05) (n = 27). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was successfully detected in 11 (41 %) each of 27 wastewater samples using the Pegcision and PEG precipitation methods. The Pegcision showed comparable performance with the PEG precipitation method for SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration, suggesting its applicability as a virus concentration method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Made Sandhyana Angga
- Department of Engineering, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
| | - Bikash Malla
- Interdisciplinary Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
| | - Sunayana Raya
- Department of Engineering, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
| | - Ayame Kitano
- Yokohama R&D Center, JNC Corporation, 5-1 Okawa, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-8605, Japan.
| | - Xiaomao Xie
- Yokohama R&D Center, JNC Corporation, 5-1 Okawa, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-8605, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Saitoh
- Yokohama R&D Center, JNC Corporation, 5-1 Okawa, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-8605, Japan.
| | - Noriyuki Ohnishi
- Corporate Research and Development Division, JNC Corporation, 5-1 Goikaigan, Ichihara, Chiba 290-8551, Japan.
| | - Eiji Haramoto
- Interdisciplinary Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Mendoza Grijalva L, Brown B, Cauble A, Tarpeh WA. Diurnal Variability of SARS-CoV-2 RNA Concentrations in Hourly Grab Samples of Wastewater Influent during Low COVID-19 Incidence. ACS ES&T WATER 2022; 2:2125-2133. [PMID: 37552729 PMCID: PMC9063989 DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.2c00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has been widely deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but with limited evaluation of the utility of discrete sampling for large sewersheds and low COVID-19 incidence. In this study, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was measured in 72 consecutive hourly influent grab samples collected at a wastewater treatment plant serving nearly 500 000 residents when incidence was low (approximately 20 cases per 100 000). We characterized diurnal variability and relationships between SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection and physicochemical covariates [flow rate, total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), and total solids (TS)]. The highest detection rate observed was 82% during the first peak flow, which occurred in the early afternoon (14:00). Higher detection rates were also observed when sampling above median TAN concentrations (71%; p < 0.01; median = 40.26 mg of NH4/L). SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations were weakly correlated with flow rate (Kendall's τ = 0.16; p < 0.01), TAN (τ = 0.19; p < 0.05), and TS (τ = 0.18; p < 0.01), suggesting generally low RNA sewer discharges as expected at low incidence. Our results elucidated sensible adjustments to maximize detection rates, including using multiple gene targets, collecting duplicate samples, and sampling during higher flow and TAN discharges. Optimizing the lower-incidence bounds of WBE can help assess its suitability for verifying COVID-19 reemergence or eradication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorelay Mendoza Grijalva
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305,
United States
| | - Blake Brown
- Central Contra Costa Sanitary
District, Martinez, California 94553, United
States
| | - Amanda Cauble
- Central Contra Costa Sanitary
District, Martinez, California 94553, United
States
| | - William A. Tarpeh
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305,
United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering,
Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305,
United States
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Langan LM, O’Brien M, Rundell ZC, Back JA, Ryan BJ, Chambliss CK, Norman RS, Brooks BW. Comparative Analysis of RNA-Extraction Approaches and Associated Influences on RT-qPCR of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a University Residence Hall and Quarantine Location. ACS ES&T WATER 2022; 2:1929-1943. [PMID: 37552714 PMCID: PMC9063990 DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.1c00476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) provides an early warning and trend analysis approach for determining the presence of COVID-19 in a community and complements clinical testing in assessing the population level, even as viral loads fluctuate. Here, we evaluate combinations of two wastewater concentration methods (i.e., ultrafiltration and composite supernatant-solid), four pre-RNA extraction modifications, and three nucleic acid extraction kits using two different wastewater sampling locations. These consisted of a quarantine facility containing clinically confirmed COVID-19-positive inhabitants and a university residence hall. Of the combinations examined, composite supernatant-solid with pre-RNA extraction consisting of water concentration and RNA/DNA shield performed the best in terms of speed and sensitivity. Further, of the three nucleic acid extraction kits examined, the most variability was associated with the Qiagen kit. Focusing on the quarantine facility, viral concentrations measured in wastewater were generally significantly related to positive clinical cases, with the relationship dependent on method, modification, kit, target, and normalization, although results were variable-dependent on individual time points (Kendall's Tau-b (τ) = 0.17 to 0.6) or cumulatively (Kendall's Tau-b (τ) = -0.048 to 1). These observations can support laboratories establishing protocols to perform wastewater surveillance and monitoring efforts for COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura M. Langan
- Department of Environmental Science,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97266, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
- Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97178, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
| | - Megan O’Brien
- Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97178, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
| | - Zach C. Rundell
- Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97178, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
| | - Jeffrey A. Back
- Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97178, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
| | - Benjamin J. Ryan
- Department of Environmental Science,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97266, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
| | - C. Kevin Chambliss
- Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97178, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97348, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
| | - R. Sean Norman
- Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold
School of Public Health, South Carolina, 921 Assembly Street, Columbia,
South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Bryan W. Brooks
- Department of Environmental Science,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97266, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
- Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97178, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor
University, One Bear Place #97224, Waco, Texas 76798, United
States
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
A safe haven of SARS-CoV-2 in the environment: Prevalence and potential transmission risks in the effluent, sludge, and biosolids. GEOSCIENCE FRONTIERS 2022; 13. [PMID: 37521134 PMCID: PMC8861126 DOI: 10.1016/j.gsf.2022.101373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which has caused millions of death globally is recognized to be unstable and recalcitrant in the environment, especially in the way it has been evolving to form new and highly transmissible variants. Of particular concerns are human-environment interactions and the handling and reusing the environmental materials, such as effluents, sludge, or biosolids laden with the SARS-CoV-2 without adequate treatments, thereby suggesting potential transmission and health risks. This study assesses the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in effluents, sludge, and biosolids. Further, we evaluate the environmental, ecological, and health risks of reusing these environmental materials by wastewater/sludge workers and farmers. A systematic review of literature from the Scopus database resulted in a total of 21 articles (11 for effluents, 8 for sludge, and 2 for biosolids) that met the criteria for meta-analysis, which are then subdivided into 30 meta-analyzed studies. The prevalence of SAR-CoV-2 RNA in effluent and sludge based on random-effect models are 27.51 and 1012.25, respectively, with a 95% CI between 6.14 and 48.89 for the effluent, and 104.78 and 1019.71 for the sludge. However, the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the biosolids based on the fixed-effect model is 30.59, with a 95% CI between 10.10 and 51.08. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in environmental materials indicates the inefficiency in some of the treatment systems currently deployed to inactivate and remove the novel virus, which could be a potential health risk concern to vulnerable wastewater workers in particular, and the environmental and ecological issues for the population at large. This timely review portends the associated risks in handling and reusing environmental materials without proper and adequate treatments.
Collapse
|
46
|
Martins RM, Carvalho T, Bittar C, Quevedo DM, Miceli RN, Nogueira ML, Ferreira HL, Costa PI, Araújo JP, Spilki FR, Rahal P, Calmon MF. Long-Term Wastewater Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2: One-Year Study in Brazil. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112333. [PMID: 36366431 PMCID: PMC9692902 DOI: 10.3390/v14112333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a tool involving the analysis of wastewater for chemicals and pathogens at the community level. WBE has been shown to be an effective surveillance system for SARS-CoV-2, providing an early-warning-detection system for disease prevalence in the community via the detection of genetic materials in the wastewater. In numerous nation-states, studies have indicated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. Herein, we report the primary time-course monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater samples in São José do Rio Preto-SP/Brazil in order to explain the dynamics of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA during one year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and analyze possible relationships with other environmental parameters. We performed RNA quantification of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR using N1 and N2 targets. The proportion of positive samples for every target resulted in 100% and 96.6% for N1 and N2, respectively. A mean lag of -5 days is observed between the wastewater signal and the new SARS-CoV-2-positive cases reported. A correlation was found between the air and wastewater temperatures and therefore between the SARS-CoV-2 viral titers for N1 and N2 targets. We also observed a correlation between SARS-CoV-2 viral titers and media wastewater flow for the N1 target. In addition, we observed higher viral genome copies within the wastewater samples collected on non-rainy days for the N1 target. Thus, we propose that, based on our results, monitoring raw wastewater may be a broadly applicable strategy that might contribute to resolving the pressing problem of insufficient diagnostic testing; it may represent an inexpensive and early-warning method for future COVID-19 outbreaks, mainly in lower- and middle-income countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renan Moura Martins
- Laboratory of Genomic Studies, Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences (IBILCE), São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Tamara Carvalho
- Laboratory of Genomic Studies, Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences (IBILCE), São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Cintia Bittar
- Laboratory of Genomic Studies, Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences (IBILCE), São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniela Muller Quevedo
- Institute of Exact and Technological Sciences (ICET), University Feevale, Novo Hamburgo 93525-075, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafael Nava Miceli
- SeMAE-Autonomous Municipal Water and Sewage Service, São José do Rio Preto 15048-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Lacerda Nogueira
- Virology Research Laboratory (LPV), Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Helena Lage Ferreira
- Applied Preventive Veterinary Medicine Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA), University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo Inácio Costa
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14801-360, SP, Brazil
| | - João Pessoa Araújo
- Biotechnology Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18607-440, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando Rosado Spilki
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, University Feevale, Novo Hamburgo 93525-075, RS, Brazil
| | - Paula Rahal
- Laboratory of Genomic Studies, Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences (IBILCE), São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Marilia Freitas Calmon
- Laboratory of Genomic Studies, Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences (IBILCE), São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Kolarević S, Micsinai A, Szántó-Egész R, Lukács A, Kračun-Kolarević M, Djordjevic A, Vojnović-Milutinović D, Marić JJ, Kirschner AKT, Farnleitner AAH, Linke R, Đukic A, Kostić-Vuković J, Paunović M. Wastewater-based epidemiology in countries with poor wastewater treatment - Epidemiological indicator function of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in surface waters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 843:156964. [PMID: 35764146 PMCID: PMC9232394 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) surveillance of COVID-19 and other future outbreaks is a challenge for developing countries as most households are not connected to a sewerage system. In December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in the Danube River at a site severely affected by wastewaters from Belgrade. Rivers are much more complex systems than wastewater systems, and efforts are needed to address all the factors influencing the adoption of WBE as an alternative to targeting raw wastewater. Our objective was to provide a more detailed insight into the potential of SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in Serbian surface waters for epidemiological purposes. Water samples were collected at 12 sites along the Sava and Danube rivers in Belgrade during the fourth COVID-19 wave in Serbia that started in late February 2021. RNA was concentrated using Amicon Ultra-15 centrifugal filters and quantified using RT-qPCR with primer sets targeting nucleocapsid (N1 and N2) and envelope (E) protein genes. Microbiological (faecal indicator bacteria and human and animal genetic faecal source tracking markers), epidemiological, physicochemical and hydromorphological parameters were analysed in parallel. From 44 samples, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 31, but only at 4 concentrations above the level of quantification (ranging from 8.47 × 103 to 2.07 × 104 gc/L). The results indicated that surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in surface waters as ultimate recipients could be used as an epidemiological early-warning tool in countries lacking wastewater treatment and proper sewerage infrastructure. The performance of the applied approach, including advanced sampling site characterization to trace and identify sites with significant raw sewage influence from human populations, could be further improved by adaptation of the methodology for processing higher volumes of samples and enrichment factors, which should provide the quantitative instead of qualitative data needed for WBE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stoimir Kolarević
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Adrienn Micsinai
- WESSLING Hungary Ltd., Anonymous str 6., H-1045 Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Alena Lukács
- Biomi Ltd., Szent-Györgyi Albert str 4, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Margareta Kračun-Kolarević
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Djordjevic
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Vojnović-Milutinović
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jovana Jovanović Marić
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Alexander K T Kirschner
- Medical University Vienna, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology - Water Microbiology, Kinderspitalgasse 15, Vienna, Austria; Interuniversity Cooperation Center Water and Health (ICC), Austria; Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Division Water Quality & Health, Dr.-Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30, A-3500 Krems, Austria
| | - Andreas A H Farnleitner
- Interuniversity Cooperation Center Water and Health (ICC), Austria; Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Division Water Quality & Health, Dr.-Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30, A-3500 Krems, Austria; Technische Universität Wien, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, Research Group for Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics 166/5/3, Gumpendorferstraße 1a, A-1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Rita Linke
- Interuniversity Cooperation Center Water and Health (ICC), Austria; Technische Universität Wien, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, Research Group for Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics 166/5/3, Gumpendorferstraße 1a, A-1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Aleksandar Đukic
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 73, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jovana Kostić-Vuković
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, Department of Biology and Inland Water Protection, Kneza Višeslava 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Momir Paunović
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Islam A, Hossen F, Rahman A, Sultana KF, Hasan MN, Haque A, Sosa-Hernández JE, Oyervides-Muñoz MA, Parra-Saldívar R, Ahmed T, Islam T, Dhama K, Sangkham S, Bahadur NM, Reza HM, Jakariya, Al Marzan A, Bhattacharya P, Sonne C, Ahmed F. An opinion on Wastewater-Based Epidemiological Monitoring (WBEM) with Clinical Diagnostic Test (CDT) for detecting high-prevalence areas of community COVID-19 Infections. CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & HEALTH 2022; 31:100396. [PMID: 36320818 PMCID: PMC9612100 DOI: 10.1016/j.coesh.2022.100396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Wastewater-Based Epidemiological Monitoring (WBEM) is an efficient surveillance tool during the COVID-19 pandemic as it meets all requirements of a complete monitoring system including early warning, tracking the current trend, prevalence of the disease, detection of genetic diversity as well asthe up-surging SARS-CoV-2 new variants with mutations from the wastewater samples. Subsequently, Clinical Diagnostic Test is widely acknowledged as the global gold standard method for disease monitoring, despite several drawbacks such as high diagnosis cost, reporting bias, and the difficulty of tracking asymptomatic patients (silent spreaders of the COVID-19 infection who manifest nosymptoms of the disease). In this current reviewand opinion-based study, we first propose a combined approach) for detecting COVID-19 infection in communities using wastewater and clinical sample testing, which may be feasible and effective as an emerging public health tool for the long-term nationwide surveillance system. The viral concentrations in wastewater samples can be used as indicatorsto monitor ongoing SARS-CoV-2 trends, predict asymptomatic carriers, and detect COVID-19 hotspot areas, while clinical sampleshelp in detecting mostlysymptomaticindividuals for isolating positive cases in communities and validate WBEM protocol for mass vaccination including booster doses for COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aminul Islam
- COVID-19 Diagnostic Lab, Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali-3814, Bangladesh
- Advanced Molecular Lab, Department of Microbiology, President Abdul Hamid Medical College, Karimganj, Kishoreganj, Bangladesh
| | - Foysal Hossen
- COVID-19 Diagnostic Lab, Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali-3814, Bangladesh
| | - Arifur Rahman
- COVID-19 Diagnostic Lab, Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali-3814, Bangladesh
| | - Khandokar Fahmida Sultana
- COVID-19 Diagnostic Lab, Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali-3814, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Nayeem Hasan
- Department of Statistics, Shahjalal University of Science & Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
- Joint Rohingya Response Program, Food for the Hungry, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Atiqul Haque
- Key Lab of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonoses of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur-5200, Bangladesh
| | | | | | | | - Tanvir Ahmed
- Department of Civil Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
| | | | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izzatnagar-243 122, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sarawut Sangkham
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Muang District, 56000, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Newaz Mohammed Bahadur
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Noakhali Science and TechnologyUniversity, Noakhali-3814, Bangladesh
| | - Hasan Mahmud Reza
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Jakariya
- Department of Environmental Science and Management, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka-1229, Bangladesh
| | - Abdullah Al Marzan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Prosun Bhattacharya
- COVID-19 Research@KTH, Department of Sustainable Development, Environmental Science and Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 10B, SE 114 28 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Firoz Ahmed
- COVID-19 Diagnostic Lab, Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali-3814, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Yamazaki Y, Thongchankaew-Seo U, Yamazaki W. Very low likelihood that cultivated oysters are a vehicle for SARS-CoV-2: 2021-2022 seasonal survey at supermarkets in Kyoto, Japan. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10864. [PMID: 36217407 PMCID: PMC9535880 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The pandemic caused by novel coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is a global threat. Wastewater surveillance in Japan and abroad has led to the detection of SARS-CoV-2, causing concern that SARS-CoV-2 in the feces of infected persons may contaminate the aquatic environment. Bivalves such as oysters cultivated in coastal areas are known to filter and concentrate viruses such as norovirus present in seawater in their bodies; however, whether they do so with SARS-CoV-2 is unknown. Therefore, we examined cultivated oysters sold in Japan for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 between October 2021 and April 2022 to clarify the extent of viral contamination and evaluate the risk of food-borne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), known as pig coronavirus, was used to spike midgut-gland samples as a whole process control. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 and PEDV was investigated using a modified polyethylene glycol precipitation method and RT-qPCR. While all samples spiked with the whole process control were positive, no SARS-CoV-2 was detected in any of the 145 raw oyster samples surveyed, despite a marked increase in infections caused by the Omicron variant from January to April 2022 in Japan. Therefore, our results suggest that with well-developed sewage treatment facilities, consumption of oysters cultivated in coastal areas may not be a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuko Yamazaki
- Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, 46 Shimoadachicho, Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Uraiwan Thongchankaew-Seo
- Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, 46 Shimoadachicho, Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Wataru Yamazaki
- Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, 46 Shimoadachicho, Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan,Kyoto University School of Public Health, Konoe-cho, Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8303, Japan,Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Joshi M, Kumar M, Srivastava V, Kumar D, Rathore DS, Pandit R, Graham DW, Joshi CG. Genetic sequencing detected the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant in wastewater a month prior to the first COVID-19 case in Ahmedabad (India). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 310:119757. [PMID: 35853573 PMCID: PMC9287018 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based genomic surveillance can identify a huge majority of variants shed by the infected individuals within a population, which goes beyond genomic surveillance based on clinical samples (i.e., symptomatic patients only). We analyzed four samples to detect key mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome and track circulating variants in Ahmedabad during the first wave (Sep/Nov 2020) and before the second wave (in Feb 2021) of COVID-19 in India. The analysis identified a total of 34 mutations in the spike protein across samples categorized into 23 types. The spike protein mutations were linked to the VOC-21APR-02; B.1.617.2 lineage (Delta variant) with 57% frequency in wastewater samples of Feb 2021. The key spike protein mutations were T19R, L452R, T478K, D614G, & P681R and deletions at 22029 (6 bp), 28248 (6 bp), & 28271 (1 bp). Interestingly, these mutations were not seen in the samples from Sep/Nov 2020 but did appear before the massive second wave of COVID-19 cases, which in India started in early April 2021. In fact, genetic traces of the Delta variant were found in samples of early Feb 2021, more than a month before the first clinically confirmed case of this in March 2021 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The present work describes the circulating of SARS-CoV-2 variants in Ahmedabad and confirms the consequential value of wastewater surveillance for the early detection of variants of concerns (VOCs). Such monitoring must be included as a major component of future health protection systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madhvi Joshi
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), Sector- 11, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382 011, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Discipline of Earth Science, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382 355, India; Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India.
| | - Vaibhav Srivastava
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), Sector- 11, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382 011, India
| | - Dalip Singh Rathore
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), Sector- 11, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382 011, India
| | - Ramesh Pandit
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), Sector- 11, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382 011, India
| | - David W Graham
- Newcastle University, School of Engineering, Cassie Building, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Chaitanya G Joshi
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), Sector- 11, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382 011, India.
| |
Collapse
|