Detection of the novel coronavirus in wastewater
Fragments of the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes the infectious disease Covid-19, are found in the excretions of infected people. These viral fragments can be detected in sewage samples at very low concentrations, even before first symptoms have occurred. Viral traces are also detectable in infected individuals with mild or asymptomatic courses of infection.
Nationwide SARS-CoV-2 wastewater monitoring has already been established in Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain and the Netherlands. In the near future, wastewater monitoring will also be systematically integrated into Germany's national testing strategy for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.
Testing request
Request the analysis of your samples now or request further information material. The detection is done by RT-qPCR (recommended by the EU Commission). Sampling is performed by our certified partner HPC AG or independently. Results are available from 24 hours after sample receipt. The procedure is suitable for wastewater treatment plants as well as for public and private institutions.
On-site specialists
vermicon AG is a pioneer in wastewater microbiology and HPC AG is a specialist in wastewater management, infrastructure planning and environmental consulting. Together we stand for highest quality and safety of results as well as for customer-oriented support. With more than 400 employees and 30 locations in Germany, HPC AG is represented in many regions. Reliable, personal, accessible - these are the guiding principles that drive us in this partnership.
Wastewater-based epidemiology
Wastewater-based epidemiology represents an effective tool in supporting the public health management. Not only is it a quick and inexpensive method, but it is also a reliable tool for mapping the course of infection of entire communities and municipalities.
Benefits and advantages of the SARS-CoV-2 wastewater monitoring
The wastewater analysis of SARS-CoV-2 represents a comprehensive anonymous testing of populations and is much faster, cheaper and more efficient than medical individual testing. The regular analysis of composite samples, originating from inlets of wastewater treatment plants or the discharge of public and private facilities, provides reliable and early results. In addition to data collection at municipal wastewater treatment plants, wastewater monitoring enables timely detection of the dynamics of infection events in residential facilities, such as retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospitals, and other public or private facilities.
Individual testing
Poor systematic approach and fluctuations in data collection
Burden and restrictions for individuals
No comprehensive overview of the actual course of infection
Social resentment
Wastewater testing
Systematic approach and standardized data collection
Safe, realistic results
Comprehensive monitoring
Early detection of infection waves
Less resources (costs and staff) required to determine the scope of infection
Contribution to a safe, reliable health management system
Unstressed population
Act now!
Wastewater monitoring has a head start of up to two weeks over diagnostic tests according to current data. All residents of a catchment area are recorded and not only those who have been tested. Thus, wastewater monitoring can be successfully implemented as an early warning system. The data collected can be used both for the early identification of a potential need for action on the part of municipal or industrial decision-makers and for the preparation of an adapted catalog of measures.
Wastewater Biology
Biological wastewater treatment would not be possible without microorganisms. With our expertise, quality-assuring operational analysis is possible which directly examines and tracks all living microorganisms and their interaction in wastewater.
Disruption prevention
Learn how the monitoring of (micro)biological processes can be successfully integrated into the plant's operational analytics. Our annual monitoring is structured modularly and thus allows a flexible adaptation to the individual needs of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants.
VIT® Vision Software
With VIT® Vision, the entire biology of the wastewater treatment plant can finally be recorded, analyzed, visualized and quantified. The results can then be implemented in the operational control system to optimize operational reliability.
