Wastewater testing is one way to track COVID-19 because infected people shed the virus in their stool.
The test works by identifying and measuring genetic material in the form of RNA from SARS-COV-2.
Исследователи стремились повысить эффективность и accuracy of wastewater monitoring. They found that settled solid samples had higher concentrations and better detection of SARS-CoV-2 compared to liquid samples.
Scientists have tested about 100 settled solidsamples from the San Jose Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant from mid-March to mid-July 2020, calculating daily concentrations. Using statistical modeling, they compared them to confirmed COVID-19 cases. The correlation was obvious.
The study presents a possible wayidentifying new outbreaks, searching for hot spots, confirming case declines, and informing public health responses. Coronavirus particulate matter testing can determine whether virus circulation is decreasing in communities.
Scientists are now launching a new pilot project to take samples at eight wastewater treatment plants in California, with a sample processing time of 24 hours.
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