Journal article
Predicting the dispersal of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from the wastewater treatment plant to the coast
Heliyon, Vol.8(9), Art. e10547
2022
Abstract
Viral pathogens including SARS-CoV-2 RNA have been detected in wastewater treatment effluent, and untreated sewage overflows, that pose an exposure hazard to humans. We assessed whether SARS-CoV-2 RNA was likely to have been present in detectable quantities in UK rivers and estuaries during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. We simulated realistic viral concentrations parameterised on the Camel and Conwy catchments (UK) and their populations, showing detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations for untreated but not for treated loading, but also being contingent on viral decay, hydrology, catchment type/shape, and location. Under mean or low river flow conditions, viral RNA concentrated within the estuaries allowing for viral build-up and caused a lag by up to several weeks between the peak in community infections and the viral peak in the environment. There was an increased hazard posed by SARS-CoV-2 RNA with a T90 decay rate >24 h, as the estuarine build-up effect increased. High discharge events transported the viral RNA downstream and offshore, increasing the exposure risk to coastal bathing waters and shellfisheries – although dilution in this case reduced viral concentrations well below detectable levels. Our results highlight the sensitivity of exposure to viral pathogens downstream of wastewater treatment, across a range of viral loadings and catchment characteristics – with implications to environmental surveillance.
Details
- Title
- Predicting the dispersal of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from the wastewater treatment plant to the coast
- Authors/Creators
- P.E. Robins (Author/Creator) - Bangor UniversityN. Dickson (Author/Creator)J.L. Kevill (Author/Creator)S.K. Malham (Author/Creator)A.C. Singer (Author/Creator)R.S. Quilliam (Author/Creator)D.L. Jones (Author/Creator)
- Publication Details
- Heliyon, Vol.8(9), Art. e10547
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd.
- Identifiers
- 991005542777207891
- Copyright
- © 2022 The Authors.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Food Futures Institute; Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Citation topics
- 1 Clinical & Life Sciences
- 1.104 Virology - General
- 1.104.1353 Coronavirus Research
- Web Of Science research areas
- Environmental Sciences
- ESI research areas
- Environment/Ecology