Wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and chemical markers in campus dormitories in an evolving COVID-19 pandemic
Sanjeeb Mohapatra (National University of Singapore, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise)
Sumedha Bhatia (National University of Singapore)
Kavindra Yohan Kuhatheva Senaratna (National University of Singapore)
Mui-Choo Jong (Tsinghua University)
Chun Min Benjamin Lim (National University of Singapore)
G. Reuben Gangesh (National University of Singapore)
Jia Xiong Lee (National University of Singapore)
Goh Shin Giek (National University of Singapore)
Lin Yutao (National University of Singapore)
You Luhua (National University of Singapore)
Karina Yew-Hoong Gin (National University of Singapore)
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Abstract
In this study, we report the implementation of a comprehensive wastewater surveillance testing program at a university campus in Singapore to identify Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected individuals and the usage of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) as well as other emerging contaminants (ECs). This unique co-monitoring program simultaneously measured SARS-CoV-2 with chemical markers/contaminants as the COVID-19 situation evolved from pandemic to endemic stages, following a nationwide mass vaccination drive. SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in wastewater from campus dormitories were measured using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and corroborated with the number of symptomatic COVID-19 cases confirmed with the antigen rapid test (ART). Consistent results were observed where the concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected in wastewater increased proportionately with the number of COVID-19 infected individuals residing on campus. Similarly, a wide range of ECs, including disinfectants and antibiotics, were detected through sensitive liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) techniques to establish PPCPs consumption patterns during various stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore. Statistical correlation of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was observed with few ECs belonging to disinfectants, PCPs and antibiotics. A high concentration of disinfectants and subsequent positive correlation with the number of reported cases on the university campus indicates that disinfectants could serve as a chemical marker during such unprecedented times.