Progresses in viral detection technologies for wastewater-based epidemiology

Area of Science:

• Environmental microbiology
• Public health surveillance
• Analytical chemistry

Background:

• Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a valuable public health tool for monitoring infectious agents.
• Effective WBE requires advanced analytical methods for accurate virus detection in complex wastewater matrices.
• Current limitations hinder widespread WBE implementation, necessitating technological improvements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in molecular methods and biosensors for wastewater surveillance.
• To highlight technologies enhancing sensitivity, portability, speed, and multiplexing capabilities.
• To discuss the integration of AI/ML in wastewater-based virus detection.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on advanced molecular techniques (e.g., PCR, sequencing) applied to wastewater.
• Analysis of biosensor technologies developed for pathogen detection in environmental samples.
• Comparison of analytical performance metrics (sensitivity, specificity, turnaround time).

Main Results:

• Molecular methods and biosensors show improved sensitivity and reduced detection times.
• Portability and integration with sample treatment enhance WBE practicality.
• AI/ML incorporation offers potential for advanced data analysis and virus identification.

Conclusions:

• Advanced analytical technologies are crucial for expanding wastewater-based epidemiology.
• Future directions include further integration of AI/ML and development of robust, field-deployable sensors.
• Enhanced WBE capabilities will improve detection of targeted and emerging infectious threats.