Water Bugs Lunchtime Learning

Free Webinar Series

Wastewater Based Epidemiology for Tracking the Prevalence of COVID-19 in Communities

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT

(No Credits Offered)

Presenter:

Bradley Schmitz is an Environmental Scientist at Loudoun Water in Northern Virginia. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Arizona and previously held two postdoc positions at the National University of Singapore and Johns Hopkins University. During his time in academia, Bradley’s research focused on the intersection between water and public health. His research background focuses on viruses in non-potable and potable reuse schemes. In his current role at Loudoun Water, Bradley is working to increase the organizations involvement in research and exploring potential water reuse opportunities.

Abstract:

Wastewater based epidemiology (WBE) is a powerful and promising tool for community surveillance of COVID-19 infection. Combining wastewater and clinical databases can help understand the prevalence of current and future outbreaks of disease. Research teams around the world have been working to optimize methods for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. This presentation will highlight the current state of WBE for COVID-19 including sample collection, data analysis, and caveats, as well as examples of how utilities are currently implementing WBE, interpreting results and communicating with stakeholders.

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Water Bugs is a free monthly webinar on water quality! The topics are for water professionals in utilities, consulting, research or agencies. Past webinar recordings are here [r20.rs6.net]. If you have a topic or a speaker you would like to hear, please contact Rae Hafer [email protected]