Surveillance of omicron variants through wastewater epidemiology: Latest developments in environmental monitoring of pandemic

Sci Total Environ. 2022 Oct 15:843:156724. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156724. Epub 2022 Jun 15.

Abstract

WBE has been a monitoring system that can give purposeful and inclusive real-time assessments of civic society as well as environmental health. This concept review introduces WBE as a surveillance scheme and initial warning outbreaks of contagious diseases caused by harmful SARS-CoV-2 with pandemic potential. Examining biomarkers of contagious diseases as evidence in polluted water taken from wastewater treatment plants suggests that these systems can be examined to get epidemiological data for checking the transmission of infectious B.1.1.529 to different areas. Thereafter, various benefits of surveillance are provided to analyse health information and pinpoint different problems that may be occurring in the workstation. Surveillance is followed by intervention steps that improved the work environment and prevent further progression of the disease. This information will help to improve early detection strategies, designing a prevention strategy to reduce their spread, infection control and therapies, thus, strengthening our global preparedness to fight future epidemics. In the end, a comprehensive discussion on the remaining challenges and opportunities for epidemiology has been given for future research perspectives.

Keywords: COVID-19; Early warning; Human health risks; Infectious disease; SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529; Surveillance; Transmission; Variant of concern; Virus; Wastewater epidemiology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Communicable Diseases*
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Wastewater

Substances

  • Waste Water

Supplementary concepts

  • SARS-CoV-2 variants