Cross-continental comparative experiences of wastewater surveillance and a vision for the 21st century

Perry, William Bernard, Chrispim, Mariana Cardoso, Barbosa, Mikaela Renata Funada, de Souza Lauretto, Marcelo, Razzolini, Maria Tereza Pepe, Nardocci, Adelaide Cassia, Jones, Owen, Jones, Davey L., Weightman, Andrew ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6671-2209, Sato, Maria Inês Zanoli, Montagner, Cassiana and Durance, Isabelle ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4138-3349 2024. Cross-continental comparative experiences of wastewater surveillance and a vision for the 21st century. Science of the Total Environment 919 , 170842. 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170842 Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the epidemiological value of monitoring wastewater into sharp focus. The challenges of implementing and optimising wastewater monitoring vary significantly from one region to another, often due to the array of different wastewater systems around the globe, as well as the availability of resources to undertake the required analyses (e.g. laboratory infrastructure and expertise). Here we reflect on the local and shared challenges of implementing a SARS-CoV-2 monitoring programme in two geographically and socio-economically distinct regions, São Paulo state (Brazil) and Wales (UK), focusing on design, laboratory methods and data analysis, and identifying potential guiding principles for wastewater surveillance fit for the 21st century. Our results highlight the historical nature of region-specific challenges to the implementation of wastewater surveillance, including previous experience of using wastewater surveillance, stakeholders involved, and nature of wastewater infrastructure. Building on those challenges, we then highlight what an ideal programme would look like if restrictions such as resource were not a constraint. Finally, we demonstrate the value of bringing multidisciplinary skills and international networks together for effective wastewater surveillance.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Biosciences
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	0048-9697
Funders:	Cardiff University's GCRF QR Funding
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	21 February 2024
Date of Acceptance:	7 February 2024
Last Modified:	11 Nov 2024 17:00
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/166291

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