Establishment of local wastewater-based surveillance programmes in response to the spread and infection of COVID-19 - case studies from South Africa, the Netherlands, Turkey and England.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in over 340 million infection cases (as of 21 January 2022) and more than 5.57 million deaths globally. In reaction, science, technology and innovation communities across the globe have organised themselves to contribute to national responses to COVID-19 disease. A significant contribution has been from the establishment of wastewater-based epidemiological (WBE) surveillance interventions and programmes for monitoring the spread of COVID-19 in at least 55 countries. Here, we examine and share experiences and lessons learnt in establishing such surveillance programmes. We use case studies to highlight testing methods and logistics considerations associated in scaling the implementing of such programmes in South Africa, the Netherlands, Turkey and England. The four countries were selected to represent different regions of the world and the perspective based on the considerable progress made in establishing and implementing their national WBE programmes. The selected countries also represent different climatic zones, economies, and development stages, which influence the implementation of national programmes of this nature and magnitude. In addition, the four countries' programmes offer good experiences and lessons learnt since they are systematic, and cover extensive areas, disseminate knowledge locally and internationally and partnered with authorities (government). The programmes also strengthened working relations and partnerships between and among local and global organisations. This paper shares these experiences and lessons to encourage others in the water and public health sectors on the benefits and value of WBE in tackling SARS-CoV-2 and related future circumstances.

Effects of oxidative treatment techniques on molecular size distribution of humic acids.

In this study ultrafiltration has been used for the fractionation of humic acid samples. Humic acids were treated in a sequential oxidation system in which ozonation was followed by photocatalytic oxidation using TiO2. Evaluation of the spectroscopic characteristics of the oxidized and fractionated humic acid samples have shown that molecular size distribution ranges shift to lower molecular sizes depending on the oxidation stages. Applied ozone dosage and irradiation time during the photocatalysis stage are the factors affecting the molecular size distribution in the treated humic acid samples. Formation of lower molecular weight compounds during the ozonation stage resulted in increased degradation rates during the photocatalysis stage.

Effect of ozone injection location on filter performance in direct filtration.

Two identical pilot scale sand filters were operated in parallel to study the effects of preozonation in direct filtration. No coagulants were used. The influent of one filter was ozonated, whereas the influent to the second filter was aerated. Significantly improved reduction in turbidity, particle count, and iron was observed with the filter receiving preozonated water. The head loss development rate was increased as a result of using ozone. In a second set of experiments, the effects of ozone injection point on filter performance were investigated. Two identical filters both receiving preozonated water were operated. With one of the filters, the raw water was ozonated immediately before it entered the filter. The entrance of the preozonated water to the other filter was delayed by using a detention tank between the ozone contact chamber and the filter. In addition to effluent turbidity and particle count values, zeta potentials of the waters entering the two filters were measured. Head loss development at several locations within each filter bed was also observed and recorded. Slightly better effluent quality (turbidity and particle count) was observed with the filter receiving preozonated water without delay. It was observed that the zeta potential of the prezonated water became more negative with increasing delay time.