Wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and chemical markers in campus dormitories in an evolving COVID − 19 pandemic

• Published in: Journal of hazardous materials 2023-03, Vol.446, p.130690, Article 130690
• Main Authors: Mohapatra, Sanjeeb, Bhatia, Sumedha, Senaratna, Kavindra Yohan Kuhatheva, Jong, Mui-Choo, Lim, Chun Min Benjamin, Gangesh, G.Reuben, Lee, Jia Xiong, Giek, Goh Shin, Cheung, Callie, Yutao, Lin, Luhua, You, Yong, Ng How, Peng, Lim Cheh, Wong, Judith Chui Ching, Ching, Ng Lee, Gin, Karina Yew-Hoong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chromatography, Liquid; COVID-19 - epidemiology; Disinfectants; Emerging contaminants; Humans; Pandemics; RNA, Viral; SARS-CoV-2; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; University campus; Wastewater; Wastewater-Based Epidemiological Monitoring; Wastewater-based epidemiology
• ISSN: 0304-3894; 1873-3336; 1873-3336
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130690

In this study, we report the implementation of a comprehensive wastewater surveillance testing program at a university campus in Singapore to identify Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected individuals and the usage of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) as well as other emerging contaminants (ECs). This unique co-monitoring program simultaneously measured SARS-CoV-2 with chemical markers/contaminants as the COVID-19 situation evolved from pandemic to endemic stages, following a nationwide mass vaccination drive. SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in wastewater from campus dormitories were measured using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and corroborated with the number of symptomatic COVID-19 cases confirmed with the antigen rapid test (ART). Consistent results were observed where the concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected in wastewater increased proportionately with the number of COVID-19 infected individuals residing on campus. Similarly, a wide range of ECs, including disinfectants and antibiotics, were detected through sensitive liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) techniques to establish PPCPs consumption patterns during various stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore. Statistical correlation of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was observed with few ECs belonging to disinfectants, PCPs and antibiotics. A high concentration of disinfectants and subsequent positive correlation with the number of reported cases on the university campus indicates that disinfectants could serve as a chemical marker during such unprecedented times. [Display omitted] •Campus-scale wastewater co-monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 and emerging contaminants reflects evolving COVID-19 pandemic.•Wastewater SARS-CoV-2 viral loads positively correlated with reported COVID-19 cases.•An increase in the use of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), and acetaminophen was seen.•Antibiotics (TET, LIN and AZT) consumption correlated with the total number of reported COVID-19 cases.•Being positively correlated with various pandemic markers, BAC-12 is suggested as a potential chemical marker.