Predicting the dispersal of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from the wastewater treatment plant to the coast
Robins, Peter E | Dickson, Neil | Kevill, Jessica L | Malham, Shelagh K | Singer, Andrew C | Quilliam, Richard S | Jones, Davey L | NERC Natural Environment Research Council | Natural Environment Research Council | Natural Environment Research Council | Bangor University | Bangor University | Bangor University | Bangor University | Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) | Biological and Environmental Sciences | Murdoch University | 0000-0001-9503-9845 | 0000-0001-7367-4338 | 0000-0001-7020-4410 | 0000-0002-1482-4209
Viral pathogens including SARS-CoV-2 RNA have been detected in wastewater treatment effluent, and untreated sewage overflows, that pose an exposure hazard to humans. We assessed whether SARS-CoV-2 RNA was likely to have been present in detectable quantities in UK rivers and estuaries during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. We simulated realistic viral concentrations parameterised on the Camel and Conwy catchments (UK) and their populations, showing detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations for untreated but not for treated loading, but also being contingent on viral decay, hydrology, catchment type/shape, and location. Under mean or low river flow conditions, viral RNA concentrated within the estuaries allowing for viral build-up and caused a lag by up to several weeks between the peak in community infections and the viral peak in the environment. There was an increased hazard posed by SARS-CoV-2 RNA with a T90 decay rate >24 h, as the estuarine build-up effect increased. High discharge events transported the viral RNA downstream and offshore, increasing the exposure risk to coastal bathing waters and shellfisheries – although dilution in this case reduced viral concentrations well below detectable levels. Our results highlight the sensitivity of exposure to viral pathogens downstream of wastewater treatment, across a range of viral loadings and catchment characteristics – with implications to environmental surveillance.
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