Localized node-based collection of wastewater samples for molecular monitoring of public health markers

Wastewater testing can measure levels of COVID-19 in a population that is contributing to the sewer system being monitored. This testing provides an early warning signal of the burden of COVID-19 in municipalities, independent of clinical testing. Calgary based start-up company C.E.C. Analytics (CEC) has developed a compact wastewater autosampler that enables this kind of testing to be conducted from city-wide to neighbourhood to individual buildings. CEC’s expertise in sewershed engineering is combined in this application with Mitacs interns and university researchers with the necessary expertise in microbiology and molecular biology. As a start-up company with new technology, CEC’s involvement in this project provides connection to a multidisciplinary team that can collect, test and report results using WW collected with the autosamplers. The data coming from the project will be used to improve the design and programming of the autosampler technology to improve the utility and robustness of the devices for CEC’s diverse clients.

Faculty Supervisor:

Casey Hubert;Xiao-Li (Lilly) Pang

Student:

Partner:

CEC Analytics

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Alberta; University of Calgary

Program: