Development and implementation of a methodology for National Wastewater Surveillance System of SARS-CoV-2 in Romania

• Published in: IOP conference series. Earth and environmental science 2023-07, Vol.1216 (1), p.12040
• Main Authors: Prangate, R, Deák, Gy, Matei, M, Boboc, M, Holban, E, Amat, Roshazita Che
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Public health; Respiratory diseases; Sample preparation; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; Surveillance systems; Viral diseases; Viruses; Wastewater; Wastewater analysis; Water sampling
• ISSN: 1755-1307; 1755-1315
• DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/1216/1/012040

SARS-CoV-2 is a pathogenic coronavirus and has caused acute respiratory diseases worldwide. Over time, numerous research studies have proved the benefits of environmental surveillance through monitoring the wastewater. During the COVID-19 public health emergency, several countries have conducted studies to detect viral RNA from SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. Also, several countries have developed a National Wastewater Surveillance System of SARS-CoV-2, currently it is also being implemented in Romania. The aim of this research is to develop, in line with the already existing volume of information, a methodology for the processing and analysis of wastewater samples for SARS-CoV-2 and to highlight methods for sample preparation (these methods are not standardised). In addition, we summarize current knowledge on recent advances and applicability of SARS-CoV-2 virus monitoring in wastewater as a tool for surveillance of COVID-19.