We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Longitudinal study on the multifactorial public health risks associated with sewage reclamation
Summary
Researchers monitored six Spanish wastewater treatment plants over a full year and found that while the plants effectively removed respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2, microplastics and antibiotic-resistance genes persisted in both treated effluent and sewage sludge released into the environment. The findings underscore that current wastewater treatment is not designed to eliminate these emerging contaminants, raising concerns about their spread through recycled water and biosolids.
Abstract This year-long research analyzed emerging risks in influent, effluent wastewaters and biosolids from six wastewater treatment plants in Spain’s Valencian Region. Specifically, it focused on human enteric and respiratory viruses, bacterial and viral faecal contamination indicators, extended-spectrum beta-lactamases-producing Escherichia coli , and antibiotic-resistance genes. Additionally, particles and microplastics in biosolid and wastewater samples were assessed. Human enteric viruses were prevalent in influent wastewater, with limited post-treatment reduction. Wastewater treatment effectively eliminated respiratory viruses, except for low levels of SARS-CoV-2 in effluent and biosolid samples, suggesting minimal public health risk. Antibiotic resistance genes and microplastics were persistently found in effluent and biosolids, thus indicating treatment inefficiencies and potential environmental dissemination. This multifaced research sheds light on diverse contaminants present after water reclamation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in wastewater management. It underscores the need for a One Health approach to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.