Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater: what normalisation for improved understanding of epidemic trends?

SARS-CoV-2 RNA quantification in wastewater has emerged as a relevant additional means to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the concentration can be affected by black water dilution factors or movements of the sewer shed population, leading to misinterpretation of measurement results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of different indicators to accurately interpret SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater.

Elimination of SARS-CoV-2 along wastewater and sludge treatment processes.

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is shed in the feces of infected people. As a consequence, genomic RNA of the virus can be detected in wastewater. Although the presence of viral RNA does not inform on the infectivity of the virus, this presence of genetic material raised the question of the effectiveness of treatment processes in reducing the virus in wastewater and sludge.

Faster and safer: Research priorities in water and health.

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals initiated in 2016 reiterated the need for safe water and healthy lives across the globe. The tenth anniversary meeting of the International Water and Health Seminar in 2018 brought together experts, students, and practitioners, setting the stage for development of an inclusive and evidence-based research agenda on water and health. Data collection relied on a nominal group technique gathering perceived research priorities as well as underlying drivers and adaptation needs.

Future intensification of summer hypoxia in the tidal Garonne River (SW France) simulated by a coupled hydro sedimentary-biogeochemical model.

Projections for the next 50 years predict a widespread distribution of hypoxic zones in the open and coastal ocean due to environmental and global changes. The Tidal Garonne River (SW France) has already experienced few episodic hypoxic events. However, predicted future climate and demographic changes suggest that summer hypoxia could become more severe and even permanent near the city of Bordeaux in the next few decades.

Evaluation of two statistical approaches for estimating pollutant loads at adjacent combined sewer overflow structures.

Quantifying pollutant loads from combined sewer overflows (CSOs) is necessary for assessing impacts of urban drainage on receiving water bodies. Based on data obtained at three adjacent CSO structures in the Louis Fargue catchment in Bordeaux, France, this study implements multiple linear regression (MLR) and random forest regression (RFR) approaches to develop statistical models for estimating emitted loads of total suspended solids (TSS). Comparison between hierarchical clustering selection and random selection of CSO events for model calibration is included in model development.

Development and application of a multi-residue method for the determination of 53 pharmaceuticals in water, sediment, and suspended solids using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Comprehensive source and fate studies of pharmaceuticals in the environment require analytical methods able to quantify a wide range of molecules over various therapeutic classes, in aqueous and solid matrices. Considering this need, the development of an analytical method to determine 53 pharmaceuticals in aqueous phase and in solid matrices using a combination of microwave-assisted extraction, solid phase extraction, and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry is reported. Method was successfully validated regarding linearity, repeatability, and overall protocol recovery.