SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in Scotland's wastewater

Area of Science:

• Environmental science
• Virology
• Public health surveillance

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated novel public health surveillance methods.
• Wastewater-based epidemiology emerged as a valuable tool for tracking infectious diseases.
• Scotland implemented a national wastewater monitoring program for SARS-CoV-2.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a curated, reference dataset from Scotland's national SARS-CoV-2 wastewater monitoring program.
• To detail the methodology and data collected from May 2020 to February 2022.
• To provide data for estimating disease prevalence and the viral reproduction number (R).

Main Methods:

• Wastewater samples were collected from 162 locations nationwide.
• SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA levels were quantified using RT-qPCR assays targeting the N1 gene.
• Data normalization factors including wastewater flow and ammonia concentration were recorded where available.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive dataset of SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in wastewater was generated.
• Geographical coordinates and catchment population data were collected for each sampling site.
• Methodology for viral quantification and data analysis is described with links to online protocols.

Conclusions:

• The national wastewater monitoring program provides crucial data for public health insights.
• These wastewater data contribute to understanding SARS-CoV-2 prevalence and transmission dynamics.
• The dataset supports ongoing efforts to manage the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland and the UK.