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Passive sampling, a practical method for wastewater-based surveillance of SARS-CoV-2
Jemaneh Habtewold1, David McCarthy2, Edward McBean3
1Water, Health and Applied Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
Environmental Research
|September 13, 2021
Summary
Electronegative membrane filters offer a cost-effective method for wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2. This passive sampler accurately reflects viral levels for up to two days, aiding public health monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Environmental science
- Public health
- Virology
Background:
- Wastewater-based surveillance is crucial for monitoring infectious diseases like SARS-CoV-2.
- Assessing practical and affordable passive samplers is essential for widespread implementation.
- Field experiments were conducted in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, during varying SARS-CoV-2 case levels.
Discussion:
- Three passive sampler sorbents (electronegative membrane, cotton bud, gauze) were evaluated for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
- Viral RNA was quantified on samplers deployed for up to 96 hours.
- Electronegative membranes showed linear SARS-CoV-2 accumulation up to 48 hours.
Key Insights:
- Electronegative membranes demonstrated a reliable accumulation rate, suitable for up to 48-hour sampling.
- Cotton buds and gauzes exhibited higher variability and required more complex pre-processing.
- Membrane filters are recommended as a simple, cost-effective passive sampling tool for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance.
Outlook:
- Further optimization of membrane sampler deployment times could enhance sensitivity.
- Integration of passive sampling into routine wastewater surveillance programs is feasible.
- This approach can support real-time public health decision-making during outbreaks.
