RNA in Municipal Wastewater Reveals Magnitudes of COVID-19 Outbreaks across Four Waves Driven by SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern

• DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.1c00349
• Publication Date: 2022-02-23T18:13:22Z
• Authors: Yuwei Xie; Jonathan K. Challis; Femi F. Oloye; Mohsen Asadi; Jenna Cantin; Markus Brinkmann; Kerry N. McPhedran; Natacha Hogan; Mike Sadowski; Paul D. Jones; Chrystal Landgraff; Chand Mangat; Mark R. Servos; John P. Giesy
• Keywords: Normalization; Coronavirus

There are no standardized protocols for quantifying severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in wastewater to date, especially population normalization. Here, a pipeline was developed, applied, and assessed quantify SARS-CoV-2 key variants of concern (VOCs) RNA at Saskatoon, Canada. Normalization approaches using recovery ratio extraction efficiency, parameters, or indicators were by comparing daily numbers new cases. Viral load positively correlated with cases reported the sewershed. Wastewater surveillance (WS) had lead time approximately 7 days, which indicated surges number WS revealed variant α δ driving third fourth wave, respectively. The adjustment efficiency improved correlation between viral concentration concentrations artificial sweetener acesulfame K trend during Christmas New Year holidays when populations dynamic variable. Acesulfame performed better than pepper mild mottle virus, creatinine, ammonia Hence, quality controls characterize ratios efficiencies normalization promising precise programs supporting decision-making public health.