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Quantification and Whole Genome Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Wastewater and Air Samples
Published on: June 30, 2023
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SARS-CoV-2 Burden in Wastewater and its Elimination Using Disinfection
Prashanna Koirala1, Sandesh Dhakal2, Bikram Malla2
1National Animal Breeding and Genetics Research Center, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Lalitpur, Nepal.
Microbiology Insights
|September 25, 2023
Summary
Wastewater surveillance effectively detects SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) circulation in communities. Disinfection methods can successfully remove the virus from wastewater, safeguarding public health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Wastewater contains diverse pathogenic viruses, mirroring human infection patterns.
- Sewage systems can become contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 from human waste, posing a public health risk if not managed properly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight SARS-CoV-2 presence and spread in wastewater via viral shedding for population surveillance.
- To emphasize effective wastewater disinfection strategies for managing SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of articles from December 2019 to August 2022.
- Searched databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, and Research4Life.
- Included studies on SARS-CoV-2 shedding, wastewater-based epidemiology, and disinfection.
Main Results:
- Viral shedding allows SARS-CoV-2 entry into wastewater systems.
- Enumerating viral RNA in wastewater enables monitoring of virus circulation.
- Effective SARS-CoV-2 removal achieved using sodium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, peracetic acid, and UV light.
Conclusions:
- Longitudinal wastewater examination provides population-level SARS-CoV-2 burden estimates.
- Wastewater disinfection is a viable method for eliminating SARS-CoV-2.
