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Watershed Planning within a Quantitative Scenario Analysis Framework

Watershed Planning within a Quantitative Scenario Analysis Framework

Published on: July 24, 2016

Wastewater sample storage for physicochemical and microbiological analysis.

Gordon Webster¹, Shrinivas Nivrutti Dighe², William B Perry¹

¹School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, Wales CF10 3AX, UK.

Journal of Virological Methods

|November 15, 2024

Summary

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) sample storage impacts marker integrity. Storing samples at 4°C or -80°C yielded similar results for most markers, suggesting ultra-low temperatures may not always be necessary, saving energy.

Keywords:

Bioarchive One health SARS-CoV-2 Sample preservation Wastewater-based epidemiology

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Last Updated: Jun 7, 2025

Watershed Planning within a Quantitative Scenario Analysis Framework

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Published on: July 24, 2016

Clean Sampling and Analysis of River and Estuarine Waters for Trace Metal Studies

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Seawater Sampling and Collection

Seawater Sampling and Collection

Published on: June 17, 2009

Area of Science:

Environmental science
Public health
Microbiology

Background:

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is vital for real-time public health monitoring.
Sample integrity is critical for accurate WBE data from collection to analysis.
Optimizing sample storage conditions is essential for reliable WBE surveillance.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the impact of different cold-storage conditions on wastewater sample integrity.
To assess the stability of microbiological and physicochemical markers under various storage temperatures and freeze-thaw cycles.
To determine optimal storage protocols for WBE to balance data accuracy with resource efficiency.

Main Methods:

Wastewater composite samples were stored at 4°C, -20°C, and -80°C.
Samples underwent up to six freeze-thaw cycles over a one-year period.
Microbiological markers (nucleic acids, SARS-CoV-2, crAssphage) and physicochemical parameters were analyzed.

Main Results:

Storage temperature significantly affected the preservation of certain WBE markers.
The highest yield for some markers was observed in samples stored at -80°C.
Most WBE markers showed no significant difference in integrity between storage at -80°C and 4°C.

Conclusions:

Optimal storage conditions are crucial for maintaining wastewater sample integrity for WBE.
Archiving wastewater samples at 4°C may be sufficient for many WBE markers, reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
Findings support the development of cost-effective and sustainable WBE storage protocols without compromising data reliability.