The detection and stability of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA biomarkers in wastewater influent in Helsinki, Finland

• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145274
• Publication Date: 2021-01-21T22:42:50Z
• Authors: Anna-Maria Hokajärvi; Annastiina Rytkönen; Ananda Tiwari; Ari Kauppinen; Sami Oikarinen; Kirsi-Maarit Lehto; Aino Kankaanpää; Teemu Gunnar; Haider Al-Hello; Soile Blomqvist; Ilkka T. Miettinen; Carita Savolainen...; Tarja Pitkänen
• Keywords: 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

Wastewater-based surveillance of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is used to monitor population-level prevalence COVID-19 disease. In many cases, due lockdowns or analytical delays, analysis wastewater samples might only be possible after prolonged storage. this study, effect storage conditions on RNA copy numbers SARS-CoV-2 virus in influent was studied and compared persistence norovirus over time at 4 °C, −20 −75 °C using reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays E-Sarbeco, N2, GII. For first Finland, presence tested 24 h composite collected from Viikinmäki treatment plant, Helsinki, Finland. The detected quantified sample aliquots taken during 19–20 April 2020 stored for 29, 64, 84 days remained surprisingly stable. samples, SARS betacoronavirus numbers, but not GII seemed slightly higher when analyzed pre-centrifuged pellet—that is, particulate matter influent—as with supernatant (i.e., water fraction) ultrafiltration, although difference statistically significant. Furthermore, spiked SARS-CoV-2, linear decay observed 28 days, while no visible within 58 °C. conclusion, freezing temperatures should immediate possible. Analysis sample, addition fraction, can improve detection frequency.