
Wastewater Solid Concentration Methods to Maximize SARS-CoV-2 Sensitivity

The use of sewageshed wastewater analysis to track or confirm the presence of a disease is becoming more important as we look for ways to protect communities from COVID-19. As more communities move forward with viral studies, maximizing SARS-COV-2 PCR sensitivity is vital. Filtration of wastewater via electronegative filters was compared with solids collected from Imhoff cones and primary sludge that underwent centrifugation.
Wastewater filtration and Imhoff cones produced the highest copies per RXN, with centrifugation being lower likely due to a significant decrease in volume (2 mL of sludge vs. 30+ mL wastewater). Imhoff cone results for 7/29 were inconclusive, and tests are being rerun to confirm 7/21 data indicating Imhoff cones give higher yield than standard wastewater filtration methods.
This project presenter is available for live video chat on Sept. 1, 2020 from 10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PDT.