Issue 2, 2022

Modeling SARS-CoV-2 RNA degradation in small and large sewersheds

Abstract

Wastewater-based epidemiology has played a significant role in monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic, yet little is known about degradation of SARS-CoV-2 in sewer networks. Here, we used advanced sewershed modeling software to simulate SARS-CoV-2 RNA degradation in sewersheds across Houston, TX under various temperatures and decay rates. Moreover, a novel metric, population times travel time (PT), was proposed to identify localities with a greater likelihood of undetected COVID-19 outbreaks and to aid in the placement of upstream samplers. Findings suggest that travel time has a greater influence on RNA degradation across the sewershed as compared to temperature. SARS-CoV-2 RNA degradation at median travel times was approximately two times greater in 20 °C wastewater between the small sewershed, Chocolate Bayou, and the larger sewershed, 69th Street. Lastly, placement of upstream samplers according to the PT metric can provide a more representative snapshot of disease incidence in large sewersheds. This study helps to elucidate discrepancies between SARS-CoV-2 viral load in wastewater and clinical incidence of COVID-19. Incorporating travel time and SARS-CoV-2 RNA decay can improve wastewater surveillance efforts.

Graphical abstract: Modeling SARS-CoV-2 RNA degradation in small and large sewersheds

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
01 Nhl 2021
Accepted
22 N’w 2021
First published
28 N’w 2021

Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 290-300

Author version available

Modeling SARS-CoV-2 RNA degradation in small and large sewersheds

C. McCall, Z. N. Fang, D. Li, A. J. Czubai, A. Juan, Z. W. LaTurner, K. Ensor, L. Hopkins, P. B. Bedient and L. B. Stadler, Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022, 8, 290 DOI: 10.1039/D1EW00717C

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