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J Environ Health Sustain Dev 2022, 7(3): 1727-1732 |
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Abdolahnejad A, Pourakbar M, Raeghi S, Mohammadi A, Ranjbar B, Behnami A. Experimental Protocol for Detecting SARS-CoV-2 in Screenings and Grit Samples of Wastewater Treatment Plants. J Environ Health Sustain Dev 2022; 7 (3) :1727-1732
URL: http://jehsd.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-456-en.html
URL: http://jehsd.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-456-en.html
Ali Abdolahnejad 
, Mojtaba Pourakbar , Saber Raeghi , Amir Mohammadi , Behzad Ranjbar , Ali Behnami *
, Mojtaba Pourakbar , Saber Raeghi , Amir Mohammadi , Behzad Ranjbar , Ali Behnami *
Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran.
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Figure 1: Sampling points of the studied WWTP
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Figure 2: Stepwise steps for extracting and detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in screenings and grit samples separated from the studied WWTP
Table 2: Mean amplification cycles of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in screenings and grit samples of the studied WWTP
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Experimental Protocol for Detecting SARS-CoV-2 in Screenings and Grit Samples of Wastewater Treatment Plants
Ali Abdolahnejad 1, Mojtaba Pourakbar 1, Saber Raeghi 2, Amir Mohammadi 1, Behzad Ranjbar 3, Ali Behnami 1, 4*
1 Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran.
2 Department of Laboratory Sciences, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran.
3 Office of Waste Management Organization, Maragheh Municipality, Maragheh, Iran.
4 Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Ali Abdolahnejad 1, Mojtaba Pourakbar 1, Saber Raeghi 2, Amir Mohammadi 1, Behzad Ranjbar 3, Ali Behnami 1, 4*
1 Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran.
2 Department of Laboratory Sciences, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran.
3 Office of Waste Management Organization, Maragheh Municipality, Maragheh, Iran.
4 Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| A R T I C L E I N F O | ABSTRACT | |
| ORIGINAL ARTICLE | Introduction: Although various liquid, solid, and gaseous streams of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been analyzed in many studies for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, no study was found to sample and detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in screenings and grit samples separated from primary treatment units of WWTP. Hence, this study aims to provide an experimental protocol for sampling and extracting SARS-CoV-2 RNA from screenings and grits separated from WWTPs. Materials and Methods: First, sampling was conducted to extract SARS-CoV-2 RNA from screenings and grit samples. After sample processing and viral RNA extraction, SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection was performed by one-step reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results: Based on the results, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was successfully extracted from screenings and grit samples of the studied WWTP with concentrations of (1.54 –3.9 × 104) and (0.8 – 2.3 × 104) genomic copies/L, respectively. Conclusion: Considering the successfully isolation and detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in solid phase samples of WWTP, this method can be applied for extracting SARS-CoV-2 RNA and maybe other viruses from the screenings and grit samples of WWTPs in related studies. |
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Article History: Received: 23 May 2022 Accepted: 10 July 2022 |
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*Corresponding Author: Ali Behnami Email: ali.behnami64@gmail.com Tel: +989351632650 |
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Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, Waste Water, Mass Screening. |
Citation: Abdolahnejad A, Pourakbar M, Raeghi S, et al. Experimental Protocol for Detecting SARS-CoV-2 in Screenings and Grit Samples of Wastewater Treatment Plants. J Environ Health Sustain Dev. 2022; 7(3): 1727-32.
Introduction
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is considered a public health emergency of international concern 1. SARS-CoV-2 symptoms are mainly fever, dry cough, tiredness, and loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, muscle pains, sore throat, and conjunctivitis. However, human Corona Viruses (CoVs) are also known to cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and diarrhea 2-5. Although SARS-CoV-2 is considered to be transmitted via inhalation of contaminated aerosol/droplet, recent studies have confirmed the existence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in the human stool samples 6, 7. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 RNA can enter the sewage collection network and finally wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) through fecal shedding and nasal/oral secretions of the infected patients 8. Thus, wastewater can be considered a critical pathway to transmit SARS-CoV-2 viral particles into the environment, which poses a threat to WWTP staff and nearby residents 9. Therefore, examining the wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 RNA could be a useful tool to find possible virus transmission routes through the WWTP 3, 10, 11. SARS-CoV-2 RNA can enter into the environment through various streams of a WWTP, such as final effluent, disposed sludge, separated waste and grits, and bioaerosols. Several investigations have been conducted worldwide to investigate SARS-CoV-2 RNA presence in wastewater 2, 10, 12, biosolids 5, 13, and bioaerosols 8. Tracking SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater showed high affinity of the virus toward biological solids rather than liquid phase. Hence, sludge lines in a WWTP have been reported as a suitable spot for extracting and detecting SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA 5, 13. Therefore, considering the results of previous studies, screenings and grits separated from primary treatment units can be also considered as an alternative to track viral RNA in a WWTP. However, no study has been conducted investigating the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in screenings and grit samples separated from screening and grit removal units of a WWTP. In addition, a protocol describing the extraction of viral RNA from screenings and grit samples has not yet been reported elsewhere. Therefore, in this protocol article, a step-by-step protocol was provided for SARS-CoV-2 RNA extraction from screenings and grit samples collected from the studied WWTP.
Materials and Methods
Study area and sampling
Samples were taken from Maragheh WWTP located in north-west of Iran. The studied WWTP consists of two different modules: a conventional activated sludge (CAS) system and a sequencing batch reactor (SBR). In the studied plant, the primary treatment unit is the same for both CAS and SBR systems. Screenings and grit samples were collected from screening and grit removal units, respectively (Figure 1). In this study, four sampling runs were carried out over a period of 4 months from 28 December 2020 to 13 April 2021. Time-proportional, 12 h composite wastewater samples were collected at 4-hourly intervals 14. In total, eight composite samples were collected during four sampling periods. At each sampling period, 2 L of solid waste and grit samples were collected, preserved on ice (4 °C), and transported to the Maragheh Cellular-Molecular diagnostics laboratory for viral RNA extraction and detection.
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is considered a public health emergency of international concern 1. SARS-CoV-2 symptoms are mainly fever, dry cough, tiredness, and loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, muscle pains, sore throat, and conjunctivitis. However, human Corona Viruses (CoVs) are also known to cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and diarrhea 2-5. Although SARS-CoV-2 is considered to be transmitted via inhalation of contaminated aerosol/droplet, recent studies have confirmed the existence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in the human stool samples 6, 7. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 RNA can enter the sewage collection network and finally wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) through fecal shedding and nasal/oral secretions of the infected patients 8. Thus, wastewater can be considered a critical pathway to transmit SARS-CoV-2 viral particles into the environment, which poses a threat to WWTP staff and nearby residents 9. Therefore, examining the wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 RNA could be a useful tool to find possible virus transmission routes through the WWTP 3, 10, 11. SARS-CoV-2 RNA can enter into the environment through various streams of a WWTP, such as final effluent, disposed sludge, separated waste and grits, and bioaerosols. Several investigations have been conducted worldwide to investigate SARS-CoV-2 RNA presence in wastewater 2, 10, 12, biosolids 5, 13, and bioaerosols 8. Tracking SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater showed high affinity of the virus toward biological solids rather than liquid phase. Hence, sludge lines in a WWTP have been reported as a suitable spot for extracting and detecting SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA 5, 13. Therefore, considering the results of previous studies, screenings and grits separated from primary treatment units can be also considered as an alternative to track viral RNA in a WWTP. However, no study has been conducted investigating the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in screenings and grit samples separated from screening and grit removal units of a WWTP. In addition, a protocol describing the extraction of viral RNA from screenings and grit samples has not yet been reported elsewhere. Therefore, in this protocol article, a step-by-step protocol was provided for SARS-CoV-2 RNA extraction from screenings and grit samples collected from the studied WWTP.
Materials and Methods
Study area and sampling
Samples were taken from Maragheh WWTP located in north-west of Iran. The studied WWTP consists of two different modules: a conventional activated sludge (CAS) system and a sequencing batch reactor (SBR). In the studied plant, the primary treatment unit is the same for both CAS and SBR systems. Screenings and grit samples were collected from screening and grit removal units, respectively (Figure 1). In this study, four sampling runs were carried out over a period of 4 months from 28 December 2020 to 13 April 2021. Time-proportional, 12 h composite wastewater samples were collected at 4-hourly intervals 14. In total, eight composite samples were collected during four sampling periods. At each sampling period, 2 L of solid waste and grit samples were collected, preserved on ice (4 °C), and transported to the Maragheh Cellular-Molecular diagnostics laboratory for viral RNA extraction and detection.
Figure 1: Sampling points of the studied WWTP
Sample processing
Upon arrival at the Cellular-Molecular diagnostics laboratory, the following steps were performed for SARS CoV-2 RNA extraction from solid waste and grit samples:
First, the collected screenings and grit samples were transported into the vessel coupled with mesh tray and washed many times with deionized water to transfer SARS CoV-2 viral RNAs from the solid phase into the liquid phase. Then, 200 mL of each prepared sample was removed and centrifuged at 3500 rpm for 30 min to eliminate the large floating particles. After that, aluminum hydroxide adsorption-precipitation method as explained in reference criteria 15 was used to concentrate SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in the samples. Finally, the concentrated samples were stored at ‒80 °C prior to being processed and analyzed for RNA extraction. The regents and tools used for the extraction and detection of SARS-CoV-2 are summarized in Table 1.
Figure 2 schematically describes all the steps conducted for recovery, extraction, and detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in solid waste and grit samples.
Upon arrival at the Cellular-Molecular diagnostics laboratory, the following steps were performed for SARS CoV-2 RNA extraction from solid waste and grit samples:
First, the collected screenings and grit samples were transported into the vessel coupled with mesh tray and washed many times with deionized water to transfer SARS CoV-2 viral RNAs from the solid phase into the liquid phase. Then, 200 mL of each prepared sample was removed and centrifuged at 3500 rpm for 30 min to eliminate the large floating particles. After that, aluminum hydroxide adsorption-precipitation method as explained in reference criteria 15 was used to concentrate SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in the samples. Finally, the concentrated samples were stored at ‒80 °C prior to being processed and analyzed for RNA extraction. The regents and tools used for the extraction and detection of SARS-CoV-2 are summarized in Table 1.
Figure 2 schematically describes all the steps conducted for recovery, extraction, and detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in solid waste and grit samples.
Table 1: The regents and equipment used in extraction and detection of SARS-CoV-2
| Process | Reagents/tools |
| SARS-CoV-2RNA extraction | Proteinase k Elution buffer Lysis buffer Collection Tube (2ml) Ethanol (Merck-Millipore) Nuclease-free tips (Rnase/Dnase free) Sodium chloride solution (Sigma-Aldrich) |
| SARS-CoV-2 detection | Multiplex One Step q-Real Time PCR kit (Pishtazteb®, Iran) RdRp region Specific Primers/ FAM Probe N Gene Specific Primers/ HEX Probe RNase P Endogenous Control Primers/ ROX Probe Positive Control Template One Step q-RT PCR Master Mix (5X) Resuspension Buffer DEPC-H2O served as negative control (−) |
| Equipment | Micropipettes (Eppendorf, P-10, P-100 and P-1000) Water bath (Thermo-Scientific) Mic Real-Time PCR System NanoDrop 2000 (Thermo ScientificTM) Microcentrifuge (Hettich MIKRO 200-R) Vortex Mixer (ONiLAB) Class 2 biological safety cabinet |
SARS-CoV-2 extraction
SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA extraction and one-step reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were carried out based on the following steps at Maragheh Cellular-Molecular diagnostics laboratory, a specialized center assigned to SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis.
First, 200 μL of each concentrated sample was used for SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA extraction using the RNJia Virus Kit (ROJETechnologies, Yazd, Iran), according to manufacturer protocol 16. Then, 200 μL of each sample was removed and vortexed for about 5 min. Lysis buffer containing RNA carrier and proteinase K was added to the sample and vortexed again for 15 s and incubated at room temperature (~ 22 °C) for about 10 min. After that, 280 μL of pure ethanol (99.99%) was added to the mixture and vortexed again for 15 s. The resulting solution was passed through the separating column as follows: First, the homogenate was injected into the RNA separating column and centrifuged at 8000 rpm for 1 min allowing RNA to be isolated. Second, the columns were washed in two stages using washing solution 1 and 2, and centrifuged again at 14000 rpm for 3 min. Then, the columns were transported to the RNA collecting tubes, 50 - 70 μL elution buffer was added, and centrifuged at 8000 rpm for 1 min.
SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA extraction and one-step reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were carried out based on the following steps at Maragheh Cellular-Molecular diagnostics laboratory, a specialized center assigned to SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis.
First, 200 μL of each concentrated sample was used for SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA extraction using the RNJia Virus Kit (ROJETechnologies, Yazd, Iran), according to manufacturer protocol 16. Then, 200 μL of each sample was removed and vortexed for about 5 min. Lysis buffer containing RNA carrier and proteinase K was added to the sample and vortexed again for 15 s and incubated at room temperature (~ 22 °C) for about 10 min. After that, 280 μL of pure ethanol (99.99%) was added to the mixture and vortexed again for 15 s. The resulting solution was passed through the separating column as follows: First, the homogenate was injected into the RNA separating column and centrifuged at 8000 rpm for 1 min allowing RNA to be isolated. Second, the columns were washed in two stages using washing solution 1 and 2, and centrifuged again at 14000 rpm for 3 min. Then, the columns were transported to the RNA collecting tubes, 50 - 70 μL elution buffer was added, and centrifuged at 8000 rpm for 1 min.
Figure 2: Stepwise steps for extracting and detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in screenings and grit samples separated from the studied WWTP
SARS-CoV-2 detection
Molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 was performed using RT-qPCR assay. COVID-19 ONE-STEP RT-PCR kits (Pishtaz Teb Diagnostics, Tehran, Iran) was used for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 genes in the prepared samples in accordance to the manufacturer’s instructions. The primer and probe mixture of the kit is designed based on dual-target gene method targeting two different regions of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, specifically RdRp and N genes. The kit includes a solution containing probe and internal control primer (RNase P) for improving the accuracy of sampling process and preventing false negative results. Furthermore, the kit includes PCR negative (Diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC)-treated water) and positive controls. For each PCR run, 10 μL of prepared sample was added to 10 μL of master mix and primer probe mixture. The thermal cycling conditions for the RT-qPCR consisted of reverse transcription at 50 °C for 20 min and cDNA initial denaturation cycle at 95 °C for 3 min. It was followed by 45 cycles of denaturation at 94 °C for 10 s, and annealing and extension reaction at 55 °C for 40 s, and cooling at 25 °C for 10 s. The qPCR time-temperature protocol was in accordance with the kit’s instructions.
Quality control/ Quality assurance
In present study, a negative control was used to investigate possible cross over contamination of the prepared samples during viral RNA extraction process. In order to improve the accuracy and also re-checking the samples, different SARS-CoV-2 detection kits were used. As the kits included Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Nucleic Acid Diagnostic Kit (Sansure Biotech, China), which targets N and ORF-1ab genes, and Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real Time Multiplex RT-PCR Kit (Liferiver Bio-Tech, US), which targets ORF1ab, N, and E genes. Each sample was examined in triplicate. The interpretation of the RT-qPCR results was carried out as follows. The target gene (RdRp, N) with a Ct value lower or equal to 40 was considered positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. In this study, a sample was considered positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA when at least two of the three corresponding replicates were positive. For quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, 10-fold dilutions of SARS-CoV-2 positive control of the reference kit were used to construct the standard curves.
Ethical issue
The ethical issue of this research was IR.MARAGHEHPHC.REC.1399.024
Results
SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in solid waste and grit samples
Table 2 illustrates the mean amplification cycles of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in collected screenings and grit samples. The SARS-CoV-2 RNA was successfully isolated and detected in the screenings and grit samples separated from the primary treatment units of the studied WWTP using the proposed protocol. As can be seen in Table 2, the separated screenings and grit samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in half of the collected samples. Based on the results, SARS-CoV-2 genome concentration in the screenings and grit samples were (1.54 –3.9 × 104) and (0.8 – 2.3 × 104) genomic copies/L, respectively.
Molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 was performed using RT-qPCR assay. COVID-19 ONE-STEP RT-PCR kits (Pishtaz Teb Diagnostics, Tehran, Iran) was used for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 genes in the prepared samples in accordance to the manufacturer’s instructions. The primer and probe mixture of the kit is designed based on dual-target gene method targeting two different regions of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, specifically RdRp and N genes. The kit includes a solution containing probe and internal control primer (RNase P) for improving the accuracy of sampling process and preventing false negative results. Furthermore, the kit includes PCR negative (Diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC)-treated water) and positive controls. For each PCR run, 10 μL of prepared sample was added to 10 μL of master mix and primer probe mixture. The thermal cycling conditions for the RT-qPCR consisted of reverse transcription at 50 °C for 20 min and cDNA initial denaturation cycle at 95 °C for 3 min. It was followed by 45 cycles of denaturation at 94 °C for 10 s, and annealing and extension reaction at 55 °C for 40 s, and cooling at 25 °C for 10 s. The qPCR time-temperature protocol was in accordance with the kit’s instructions.
Quality control/ Quality assurance
In present study, a negative control was used to investigate possible cross over contamination of the prepared samples during viral RNA extraction process. In order to improve the accuracy and also re-checking the samples, different SARS-CoV-2 detection kits were used. As the kits included Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Nucleic Acid Diagnostic Kit (Sansure Biotech, China), which targets N and ORF-1ab genes, and Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real Time Multiplex RT-PCR Kit (Liferiver Bio-Tech, US), which targets ORF1ab, N, and E genes. Each sample was examined in triplicate. The interpretation of the RT-qPCR results was carried out as follows. The target gene (RdRp, N) with a Ct value lower or equal to 40 was considered positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. In this study, a sample was considered positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA when at least two of the three corresponding replicates were positive. For quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, 10-fold dilutions of SARS-CoV-2 positive control of the reference kit were used to construct the standard curves.
Ethical issue
The ethical issue of this research was IR.MARAGHEHPHC.REC.1399.024
Results
SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in solid waste and grit samples
Table 2 illustrates the mean amplification cycles of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in collected screenings and grit samples. The SARS-CoV-2 RNA was successfully isolated and detected in the screenings and grit samples separated from the primary treatment units of the studied WWTP using the proposed protocol. As can be seen in Table 2, the separated screenings and grit samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in half of the collected samples. Based on the results, SARS-CoV-2 genome concentration in the screenings and grit samples were (1.54 –3.9 × 104) and (0.8 – 2.3 × 104) genomic copies/L, respectively.
Table 2: Mean amplification cycles of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in screenings and grit samples of the studied WWTP
| Sampling point | Sample type | Molecular target | 12/28/2020 | 01/05/2021 | 01/13/2021 | 04/14/2021 | |||||||||||
| Screening | Screenings | RdRp | - | - | |||||||||||||
| N | - | - | |||||||||||||||
| Grit removal | Sand and grit | RdRp | - | - | |||||||||||||
| N | - | - | |||||||||||||||
| * Results are reported for each of the two regions of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA; RdRp and N genes. Abbreviation: white boxes = negative. |
|||||||||||||||||
| Ct scale: | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | ||||||
The results revealed that a portion of the inlet SARS-CoV-2 RNA to the WWTP are attached to the solids and can be transmitted into the environment via waste disposal.
Conclusion
Considering that no available method was found in the literature illustrating virus recovery from screenings and grit samples, this study provides experimental protocol for SARS-CoV-2 RNA recovery from these samples. The results confirm the potential of the proposed method for extraction of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and maybe other viruses from the screenings and grit samples of WWTPs.
Acknowledgement
The authors wish to express their sincere appreciation for the financial support of Maragheh University of Medical Sciences for this research under grant number of A-10-1329-1. Thanks are also owed to Maragheh Water and Wastewater Company for permitting sampling and providing required data.
Funding
Maragheh University of Medical Sciences (A-10-1329-1)
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
This is an Open-Access article distributed in accordance with the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon this work for commercial use.
References
1. World Health Organization, Coronavirus (COVID-19) Dashboard. Available from: https://covid19.who.int/. [Cited 10 September 2021]
2. Ahmed W, Tscharke B, Bertsch PM, et al. SARS-CoV-2 RNA monitoring in wastewater as a potential early warning system for COVID-19 transmission in the community: A temporal case study. Sci Total Environ. 2021;765:144216.
3. Gonçalves J, Koritnik T, Mioč V, et al. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in hospital wastewater from a low COVID-19 disease prevalence area. Sci Total Environ. 2021;755:143226.
4. Kitajima M, Ahmed W, Bibby K, et al. SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater: State of the knowledge and research needs. Sci Total Environ. 2020;739:139076.
5. Kitamura K, Sadamasu K, Muramatsu M, et al. Efficient detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the solid fraction of wastewater. Sci Total Environ. 2021;763:144587.
6. Parasa S, Desai M, Chandrasekar VT, et al. Prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms and fecal viral shedding in patients with coronavirus disease 2019: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA network open. 2020;3(6):e2011335.
7. Tang A, Tong ZD, Wang HI, et al. Detection of novel coronavirus by RT-PCR in stool specimen from asymptomatic child China. Emerg Infect Dis. 2020;26(6):1337.
8. Gholipour S, Mohammadi F, Nikaeen M, et al. COVID-19 infection risk from exposure to aerosols of wastewater treatment plants. Chemosphere. 2021;273:129701.
9. Alahdal HM, Ameen F, AlYahya S, et al. Municipal wastewater viral pollution in Saudi Arabia: effect of hot climate on COVID-19 disease spreading. Environ Sci Pollut Res. 2021;1-8.
10. Baldovin T, Amoruso I, Fonzo M, et al. SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection and persistence in wastewater samples: An experimental network for COVID-19 environmental surveillance in Padua, Veneto Region (NE Italy). Sci Total Environ. 2021;760:143329.
11. Saththasivam J, El-Malah SS, Gomez TA,
et al. COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak monitoring using wastewater-based epidemiology in Qatar. Sci Total Environ. 2021; 774:145608.
12. Hata A, Honda R, Hara-Yamamura H, et al. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater in Japan by multiple molecular assays-implication for wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). medRxiv. 2020;6(9):20126417.
13. Balboa S, Mauricio-Iglesias M, Rodriguez S, et al. The fate of SARS-COV-2 in WWTPS points out the sludge line as a suitable spot for detection of COVID-19. Sci Total Environ. 2021;772:145268.
14. Kopperi H, Tharak A, Hemalatha M, et al. Defining the methodological approach for wastewater-based epidemiological studies Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2. Environ Technol Innov. 2021;23:101696.
15. American Public Health Association. Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater; 2005.
16. Joukar F,Yaghubi Kalurazi T, Khoshsorour M, et al. Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the nasopharyngeal, blood, urine, and stool samples of patients with COVID-19: a hospital-based longitudinal study. Virol J. 2021;18(1):134.
Conclusion
Considering that no available method was found in the literature illustrating virus recovery from screenings and grit samples, this study provides experimental protocol for SARS-CoV-2 RNA recovery from these samples. The results confirm the potential of the proposed method for extraction of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and maybe other viruses from the screenings and grit samples of WWTPs.
Acknowledgement
The authors wish to express their sincere appreciation for the financial support of Maragheh University of Medical Sciences for this research under grant number of A-10-1329-1. Thanks are also owed to Maragheh Water and Wastewater Company for permitting sampling and providing required data.
Funding
Maragheh University of Medical Sciences (A-10-1329-1)
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
This is an Open-Access article distributed in accordance with the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon this work for commercial use.
References
1. World Health Organization, Coronavirus (COVID-19) Dashboard. Available from: https://covid19.who.int/. [Cited 10 September 2021]
2. Ahmed W, Tscharke B, Bertsch PM, et al. SARS-CoV-2 RNA monitoring in wastewater as a potential early warning system for COVID-19 transmission in the community: A temporal case study. Sci Total Environ. 2021;765:144216.
3. Gonçalves J, Koritnik T, Mioč V, et al. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in hospital wastewater from a low COVID-19 disease prevalence area. Sci Total Environ. 2021;755:143226.
4. Kitajima M, Ahmed W, Bibby K, et al. SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater: State of the knowledge and research needs. Sci Total Environ. 2020;739:139076.
5. Kitamura K, Sadamasu K, Muramatsu M, et al. Efficient detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the solid fraction of wastewater. Sci Total Environ. 2021;763:144587.
6. Parasa S, Desai M, Chandrasekar VT, et al. Prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms and fecal viral shedding in patients with coronavirus disease 2019: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA network open. 2020;3(6):e2011335.
7. Tang A, Tong ZD, Wang HI, et al. Detection of novel coronavirus by RT-PCR in stool specimen from asymptomatic child China. Emerg Infect Dis. 2020;26(6):1337.
8. Gholipour S, Mohammadi F, Nikaeen M, et al. COVID-19 infection risk from exposure to aerosols of wastewater treatment plants. Chemosphere. 2021;273:129701.
9. Alahdal HM, Ameen F, AlYahya S, et al. Municipal wastewater viral pollution in Saudi Arabia: effect of hot climate on COVID-19 disease spreading. Environ Sci Pollut Res. 2021;1-8.
10. Baldovin T, Amoruso I, Fonzo M, et al. SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection and persistence in wastewater samples: An experimental network for COVID-19 environmental surveillance in Padua, Veneto Region (NE Italy). Sci Total Environ. 2021;760:143329.
11. Saththasivam J, El-Malah SS, Gomez TA,
et al. COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak monitoring using wastewater-based epidemiology in Qatar. Sci Total Environ. 2021; 774:145608.
12. Hata A, Honda R, Hara-Yamamura H, et al. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater in Japan by multiple molecular assays-implication for wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). medRxiv. 2020;6(9):20126417.
13. Balboa S, Mauricio-Iglesias M, Rodriguez S, et al. The fate of SARS-COV-2 in WWTPS points out the sludge line as a suitable spot for detection of COVID-19. Sci Total Environ. 2021;772:145268.
14. Kopperi H, Tharak A, Hemalatha M, et al. Defining the methodological approach for wastewater-based epidemiological studies Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2. Environ Technol Innov. 2021;23:101696.
15. American Public Health Association. Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater; 2005.
16. Joukar F,Yaghubi Kalurazi T, Khoshsorour M, et al. Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the nasopharyngeal, blood, urine, and stool samples of patients with COVID-19: a hospital-based longitudinal study. Virol J. 2021;18(1):134.
Type of Study: Original articles |
Subject:
Water quality and wastewater treatment and reuse
Received: 2022/06/23 | Accepted: 2022/07/10 | Published: 2022/09/30
Received: 2022/06/23 | Accepted: 2022/07/10 | Published: 2022/09/30
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