58. Wastewater epidemiology: Something in the wastewater
Episode description
Wastewater-based epidemiology is a relatively new approach to determine the viral make up in any given area. Using chemical analysis of pollutants and biomarkers in raw wastewater, the level of exposure to certain pathogens can be assessed. This technique was used during the pandemic, which has helped realize its potential in public healthcare policy.
We speak to Prof. Dominic Frigon, a specialist of biological wastewater resource recovery at McGill University, who used this technique in Quebec through the pandemic to determine areas of vulnerability, including a homeless shelter. We also speak to Dr Kata Farkas, an environmental virologist at Bangor University, to understand the wider applications and importance of this analysis technique.
Urine for a treat with this conversation.
Keywords: wastewater, viruses, monitoring, pandemic, sewage, samples, population, infection, epidemiology, mutations, surveillance, norovirus.