Implementation of epidemiological wastewater monitoring
We support wastewater treatment plants, municipalities and industrial companies in implementing a corona early warning system. Throughout the entire process, from sampling and analysis to the precise evaluation and visualisation of the course of infection.
Detection is carried out using the RT-qPCR method (recommended by the EU Commission and ESI-CorA). The virus concentration in the wastewater is determined via the Ct value. The results are then normalised using the faecal indicator PMMoV and the dominant virus variant (alpha, beta, delta, omicron etc.) is identified. The results are displayed in our dashboard within a very short time as a time curve. Complete sequencing of the existing SARS-CoV-2 variants is also available on request.
NEW! qPCR VIT® Corona and qPCR Prep Wastewater test kits for reliable and robust monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples Learn more
NEW! The following test kits are available for the reliable and robust monitoring of viruses in wastewater samples:
On-site specialists
vermicon AG is the pioneer of wastewater microbiology. Together with our partners HTS Labs Frankfurt GmbH and HPC AG, we ensure the highest quality and reliability of results and provide customer-oriented support.
Wastewater-based epidemiology
Wastewater-based epidemiology is an effective tool for supporting public health management. The monitoring of health-relevant viruses and bacteria in wastewater is not only a quick and inexpensive procedure, but also a reliable measure for recording the incidence of infection in entire communities.
How are viruses analyzed in wastewater?
In the webinar "Wastewater-based epidemiology: The early warning system", we show the advantages of wastewater-based epidemiology, how such a system works in practice and why the sewer system should be included. Participation in the webinar is free of charge. New dates are coming up soon!
Wastewater Based Epidemiology Dashboard
The Dashboard of the VIT® Vision Software for the analysis of wastewater-based epidemiological measurements clearly presents all essential information. It is continuously developed and adapted to new parameters and evaluation potentials.
Partner in the AMELAG project
The project AMELAG (Wastewater Monitoring for Epidemiological Situation Assessment), funded by the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG), the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), and the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), aims to establish a nationwide surveillance system for viruses in municipal wastewater. This is particularly relevant in the context of the new EU Wastewater Directive, which mandates comprehensive monitoring of pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and polioviruses to proactively respond to health crises. The project collaborates with institutions, wastewater treatment plant operators, universities, and companies, where we at vermicon AG, together with our partner HTS Labs Frankfurt GmbH, provide crucial technological and analytical support.
The partnership between vermicon and HTS in the AMELAG project offers significant advantages through their complementary expertise. With over 25 years of experience in wastewater microbiology, vermicon develops specialized testing methods for the reliable identification and quantification of viruses in wastewater samples. HTS complements this with high-throughput analytics and provides the necessary infrastructure for the efficient processing of large sample volumes, which is essential for scaling up the monitoring efforts.
Why analyse wastewater?
SARS-CoV-2 is just one of the health-relevant viruses. Experience from virus data collection has shown that wastewater-based epidemiology is an effective monitoring method to support public health management. It is a quick, cost-effective, and reliable measure for capturing the infection dynamics of entire communities and allows for a comprehensive assessment of public health.
The following parameters can be integrated into wastewater-based epidemiology:
Chemical Parameters:
- Population markers: exogenous markers (e.g., contrast agents, sweeteners)
- Legal and illegal substances: 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 resistances: genes that code for resistances
- Microorganisms: bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, Legionella spp., etc.); yeasts (Candida); parasites (Giardia, Cryptosporidium, etc.)
- Viruses: SARS-CoV-2, influenza, noroviruses, hepatitis A, etc.
Where can wastewater surveillance provide support?
In addition to collecting data from municipal wastewater treatment plants, wastewater monitoring also enables the early detection of the dynamics of the infection process in public facilities (retirement and nursing homes, schools, hospitals), manufacturing companies and office buildings. Wastewater-based epidemiology is guaranteed to bring the following benefits for all parties involved:
- Lead time of up to 2 weeks
- Realistic incidence values (no unreported cases)
- Efficient planning of measures and resources
- Protection for health and the environment
Municipalities
Municipalities benefit from the corona early warning system by establishing wastewater monitoring in the associated wastewater treatment plant. This allows behaviour patterns to be changed, measures to be taken and resources to be better planned. The aim is to reduce the burden on the population and not to burden them.
Industrial facilities
With a lead time of 1-2 weeks, it is possible to predict whether infections and therefore cases of illness will increase in the company. This allows preparations to be made and the deployment of resources and capacities to be optimised. Hotspots are narrowed down and workplace health is optimised.
Office building
Establishing a wastewater-based epidemiology as an early warning system promotes a healthy working environment and therefore has a positive impact on the well-being of employees and their performance. Preventive measures can be taken in good time to avoid staff shortages.
Virus laboratory analysis
Are you looking for laboratory analysis? Order the analysis of your samples now. The detection is carried out using our qPCR test kits. Sample collection is conducted by our certified partner HPC AG or independently using our sample collection kits. This process is suitable for wastewater treatment plants as well as public and private facilities.
qPCR VIT® test kits
The qPCR VIT® Corona, qPCR VIT® Influenza, qPCR VIT® RSV, and qPCR Prep Wastewater Test Kits enable continuous monitoring of health-relevant viral loads in wastewater samples. The test kits are optimized for the specific requirements of the wastewater sector and allow for precise evaluation of RNA virus particles.
How are viruses analyzed in wastewater?
In the webinar "Wastewater-based epidemiology: The early warning system", we show the advantages of wastewater-based epidemiology, how such a system works in practice and why the sewer system should be included. Participation in the webinar is free of charge. New dates are coming up soon!
