Implementation of Epidemiological Wastewater Monitoring
vermicon AG, HPC AG and HTS Frankfurt GmbH support wastewater treatment plants, municipalities and industrial companies in the implementation of comprehensive monitoring of viruses and other pathogens. We accompany you from sampling and analysis to the precise evaluation and presentation of the course of infection.
Detection is carried out using the RT-qPCR method (recommended by the EU Commission and ESI-CorA and currently used within the AMELAG project of the RKI and UBA). The virus concentration in the wastewater is determined via the Ct value. The results are then normalized using the faecal indicator PMMoV and the dominant virus variant (alpha, beta, delta, omicron etc., influenza A/B) is identified. The results are displayed in our dashboard within a very short time as a chronological progression. Complete sequencing of the virus variants present is also available on request.
Worth Knowing
Specialists On Site
vermicon AG is the pioneer in wastewater microbiology. Together with our partner HTS Labs Frankfurt GmbH, we stand for the highest quality and reliability of results and customer-oriented support.
Wastewater-based Epidemiology
Wastewater-based epidemiology is an effective tool to support public health management. The monitoring of health-relevant viruses and bacteria (e.g. SARS-CoV-2, influenza and RSV) in wastewater is not only a fast and cost-effective method, but also a…
Webinar: Epidemiological Wastewater Monitoring
In the webinar "Epidemiological Wastewater Monitoring" vermicon AG shows the advantages of wastewater-based epidemiology, how such a system works in practice and why the sewer system should ideally be included. Participation in the webinar is free of…
Partner in the AMELAG Project
The AMELAG project is particularly relevant in the context of the new EU wastewater regulation, which prescribes comprehensive monitoring of pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza and polioviruses in order to be able to react proactively to health crises. As a partner in the project, together with our partner HTS Labs Frankfurt, we are providing crucial technological and analytical support.
vermicon, with almost 30 years of experience in wastewater microbiology, develops specialized test methods for the reliable identification and quantification of viruses in wastewater samples. HTS Labs complements this with high-throughput analytics and provides the necessary infrastructure to efficiently process large sample volumes, which is crucial for scaling up monitoring.
The project funded by the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG), the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) AMELAG (wastewater monitoring for epidemiological situation assessment) aims to establish a nationwide monitoring system for viruses in municipal wastewater.
Why Analyze Wastewater?
SARS-CoV-2 is just one representative of the health-relevant viruses. Experience from data collection on viruses has shown that wastewater-based epidemiology is an effective monitoring tool to support public health management. It is a fast, cost-effective and reliable measure for recording the incidence of infection in entire communities and enables a comprehensive evaluation of public health.
The following parameters can be integrated into wastewater-based epidemiology:
Chemical parameters: |
| Population markers: exogenous markers (e.g. contrast agents, sweeteners) |
| Permitted and unauthorized stimulants: e.g. heroin, cocaine, alcohol, tobacco |
| Pharmaceuticals: Psychotropic drugs and their abuse |
Biological parameters: |
| Population markers: endogenous markers (e.g. precursor sex hormones, stress hormones); DNA |
| Antibiotic resistance: Genes that code for resistance |
| Microorganisms: Bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, Legionella, etc.); yeasts (Candida); parasites (Giardia, Cryptosporidium, etc.) |
| Viruses: SARS-CoV-2, influenza, noroviruses, hepatitis A, etc. |
Where Can Epidemiological Wastewater Monitoring Provide Support?
In addition to collecting data from municipal wastewater treatment plants, wastewater monitoring also enables the early detection of the dynamics of infection in public facilities (retirement and nursing homes, schools, hospitals), manufacturing companies and office buildings.
Municipalities
Municipalities benefit from the corona early warning system by establishing wastewater monitoring in the associated wastewater treatment plant. This allows behaviors to be changed, measures to be taken and resources to be better planned. The aim is to relievethe population and not to burden them.
Industrial Companies
With a lead time of 1-2 weeks, it is possible to predict whether infections and thus cases of illness will increase in the company. This allows preparations to be made and the use of resources and capacities to be optimally planned. Hotspots are narrowed down and occupational health is optimized.
Office Buildings
The establishment of epidemiological wastewater monitoring promotes a healthy working environment and therefore has a positive impact on the well-being and performance of employees. Monitoring allows preventive measures to be taken in good time to avoid staff shortages.
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