Assessing uncertainty in wastewater-based epidemiology through in-sewer stability and process modelling

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has been used to estimate consumptions of chemical substances by measuring target biomarkers in the raw sewage of the target catchment. It is important to understand the uncertainties involved in the estimation process to optimise the approach for better outcomes. This study assessed uncertainties in sewer transport, sampling campaigns and laboratory analyses. We first simulated the in-sample stability of isotopically labelled biomarkers to understand the integrity of sampling between collection and analysis. Then, the in-sewer stability of biomarkers has been assessed using anaerobic sewer reactors under chemical dosing activities. Furthermore, the impacts of sewer biofilms and solid phases on biomarker degradation have been systematically investigated. Combining the mechanistic hydraulic model, potential biomarker loss, and data reliability on wastewater surveillance has been investigated. It is expected that the modelling outcome will help provide best-practice recommendations for WBE monitoring studies.

Please note this is a PhD student progress review by Jianan Ren.