Researchers have begun collecting human wastewater samples at sites across Nova Scotia in an ambitious project that could help detect the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 well before it can spread.
Ʊ is leading the unique initiative intended to develop a wastewater surveillance approach for SARS-CoV-2 throughout Nova Scotia that could support public health decision-making.
Lead investigators, Graham Gagnon and Amina Stoddart from Dal’s Faculty of Engineering, are collaborating with co-investigators at Halifax Water, Acadia University, Cape Breton University and St. Francis Xavier University.
“Together we are working to develop a wastewater surveillance program on a provincial scale that will provide early and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2, which could ultimately enable proactive and preventative COVID-19 health and economic response measures,” said Dr. Gagnon, an NSERC Industrial Research Chair and director of the .
Virus alarm system
The project builds on the results of a recent pilot study in Wolfville, N.S., where researchers detected SARS-CoV-2 in samples taken from the municipal wastewater system last month. In a news release, the Town of Wolfville said that while the research is still experimental, “it could be a signal that COVID-19 is present in our community.”
The research team will collect samples at sites in the Halifax Regional Municipality, Wolfville, Antigonish and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. That could include student residences at Ʊ, Acadia, St. FX and CBU; local wastewater treatment facilities; a site at the Halifax International Airport where essential employees are based; and, three community-based locations to be selected in conjunction with Public Health and Nova Scotia Health Authority. Collection at some sites started last month and is expected to run until July, with a final report due in November 2021.
Rapid SARS-CoV-2 test
The researchers will use a test developed by Dr. Gagnon and his team, and LuminUltra Technologies, a Canadian biotechnology company that recently filed a patent for the first complete rapid, on-site COVID-19 wastewater testing device.
is funding the project, whic