SARS-CoV-2 genetic material is removed during municipal wastewater treatment and is undetectable after advanced treatment.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to establish whether SARS-CoV-2 genetic material is detectable after municipal wastewater treatment and to verify its expected removal from purified water that is reclaimed for potable reuse. Viral loads of SARS-CoV-2 (N1 and N2 genes) were monitored in raw influent wastewater (sewage) entering a water reclamation facility and in subsequent advanced treatment. Despite the large viral RNA load in raw sewage during peak COVID-19 outbreaks, substantial amounts of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material were removed during the conventional wastewater treatment process. Further, SARS-CoV-2 genetic material was undetectable after advanced purification. This confirms that potable reuse is resilient against high viral loads which are expected results given the advanced degree of wast

SUBMITTER: Polanco JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9596176 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature