Multiple research groups worldwide are now tracking the spread of the coronavirus via wastewater testing, including groups at NC State , UW-Milwaukee and Wisconsin State, and Clemson University. Studies have shown that people infected with COVID-19 can shed genetic material from the virus in their feces. The idea is that by detecting the virus in sewage systems, scientists could determine if an outbreak is occurring and how widespread the disease is in a community.
The collection of wastewater provides a centralized sample representing what’s happening within that population, and can provide information on spread even when testing of individuals is limited. Experts hope this new information can help provide early warning of outbreaks and enable better resource allocation to affected areas. – Beth Sciaudone, DTC Civil Water Resources & Environmental Instructor
