PCR wastewater monitoring for infectious diseases and bioparameters
Wed 20 Mar, 2024
"After the pilot project, Veolia and the water industry as a whole will have a complete PCR-based solution at our disposal. It covers the entire process chain from sampling to the final result – which is available after just three to four hours."
Katja Böhm, Municipal Development, Veolia Wasser Deutschland GmbH
One-stop shop from sampling to the result
- Complete solution for universal pathogen detection in wastewater: quantification of viral load incl. process controls (internal amplification control, PMMoV standardization parameter)
- Automated sampling: Liquistation CSF48 (Endress+Hauser)
- Enrichment and automated nucleic acid extraction (required for analytical sensitivity and to eliminate substances that interfere with the analysis): SpeedMill PLUS and InnuPure C16 touch (Analytik Jena); extraction chemistry (IST Innuscreen)
- PCR analysis incl. data analysis: qTOWER³ with qPCRsoft software (Analytik Jena);
SARS-CoV-2/PMMoV RT-qPCR molecular biological detection for wastewater samples (Promega)
PCR wastewater monitoring for infectious diseases and bioparameters
In partnership: Analytik Jena and Promega are developing a joint solution that will be used by Veolia at its wastewater treatment plant.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic it has become clear that wastewater systems are suitable for providing a regional overview of the course of infectious diseases. Together with their partners, Analytik Jena offers a complete solution for detecting pathogens. And it is not only limited to Covid-19.
Partnership
The laboratory at Döbeln wastewater treatment plant, operated by Veolia Wasser Deutschland GmbH, has implemented a complete PCR-based analysis process that encompasses everything from sampling to the final result. The process is used to measure SARS- CoV- 2 progression in the wastewater treatment plant inlet.
“With Analytik Jena we have found a partner that operates worldwide and can expand on the experience gained from monitoring Covid-19 to other applications,” says Katja Böhm, who is responsible for municipal development at Veolia Wasser Deutschland GmbH.
The PCR method is generally suitable for detecting other viruses such as noroviruses and influenza pathogens, as well as bacteria such as Legionella and the spread of antibiotic resistance. Microbes that affect the purification process can also be monitored with the same PCR-based solution.
“Such analyses can help to protect the population and prevent any risk to the natural environment – also with regard to safe water recycling,” says Katja Böhm.
The parties involved are Veolia as user, Endress+Hauser and Analytik Jena as device manufacturers, and Promega as the manufacturer of the detection chemistry. Together, they have implemented the technology, from installation and training to data evaluation.
SpeedMill PLUS, InnuPure C16 touch, qTOWER3
The analysis process is partially automated and, where possible, has been integrated into the established procedures; Veolia employees have been trained in molecular biology techniques. “We are pleased with the consistently open and goal-oriented communication,” says Katja Böhm.
A universal solution
Analytik Jena is continuously developing the methodology, both in its in-house application laboratory and with scientific partners and users from the water industry.
This makes Veolia one step ahead of the legal requirements: not only will it implement the recommendation of the EU Commission of March 2021 for SARS-CoV-2 monitoring in wastewater, but analyses will also be carried out as part of the AMELAG funding project. The laboratory is therefore prepared for future requirements.
Cooperation partners:
Veolia Wasser Deutschland
Analytik Jena
Endress+Hauser
Promega
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Customer Story: PCR wastewater monitoring
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