Critical Evaluation of Different Passive Sampler Materials and Approaches for the Recovery of SARS-CoV-2, Faecal-Indicator Viruses and Bacteria from Wastewater

During the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has proven to be an effective tool for monitoring prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in urban communities. However, low-cost, simple, and reliable wastewater sampling techniques are still needed promote widespread adoption WBE many countries. Since their first use public health surveillance 1950s, types passive samplers have been proposed, however, there few systematic studies comparing ability co-capture enveloped viruses bacteria. Here, we evaluated laboratory field performance 8 sampler materials (NanoCeram, ZetaPlus, nylon ion exchange membranes, cellulose acetate filters, glass wool, cotton-based Moore swabs tampons) capture bacteria from wastewater. Viral focused on SARS-CoV-2, bacteriophage Phi6 faecal marker virus, crAssphage. We showed that best performing terms cost, ease deployment viral were electronegative tampons. speculate is a combination trapping particulate matter which attached, as well electrostatic attraction particles solution. When deployed at treatment plants, worked up 6 h, after they became saturated or exhibited loss probably due night-time wash-out. The patterns across different similar providing evidence can used monitor multiple targets. trapped by material-specific, but possessed 16S rRNA gene profile wastewater, suggesting preferential retention specific conclude choice time greatly influences pattern amount bacterial capture.