Wastewater-Based Epidemiology
The Center for Healthy Air, Water and Soil employs wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) as a powerful tool to monitor public health and environmental risks in our communities through sewer monitoring.
Sidebar
What Is Wastewater-Based Epidemiology?
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is an innovative research method that examines wastewater to gather information about public health trends and environmental conditions. By analyzing samples from sewer systems, scientists can detect the presence of pathogens, chemicals, and other indicators that reflect the health of a community. This approach allows researchers to monitor the spread of diseases, track outbreaks, measure markers of health, and assess environmental pollutants in real-time. WBE provides a cost-effective and efficient way to understand the relationship between environmental factors and community health, helping to inform public health interventions and policy decisions.
By analyzing wastewater samples, we can detect the presence of pathogens, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other pollutants providing crucial insights into community health trends and environmental safety. Our research not only tracks disease outbreaks but also identifies hazardous pollutants that can impact health, enabling us to inform public health strategies and policy decisions. Through innovative methodologies and collaborative efforts, we aim to safeguard our communities and promote healthier environments for all.
Sewer Monitoring Research Ethics
Issues of privacy or stigmatization pose potential concerns for research, data collection, and analysis of wastewater. However, by assuring anonymous results, protecting identifiable information, and diversifying selected sampling sites, we have incorporated ethical approaches to our wastewater research. We are committed to adjusting our approaches and adopting new guidelines for our studies to promote equity and inclusivity in the realms of medicine and public health.
Read Our Publication About Wastewater Research and Public Opinion
How Does Wastewater Monitoring Work?
Collect
In partnership with Louisville’s Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) we collect wastewater from sites across Louisville including water quality treatment plants, pumping stations, and manholes.
Sample
The composite sampler is a battery-powered pump that collects a small sample every 15 minutes for 24-hours.
Transport
A sample is taken from the collection jug in the sampler and is transported to the lab for analysis.
Analyze
By looking at how much material (genetic material for viruses, chemical signatures for pollution, and metabolites for exposure) is in each sample over time, we can identify patterns and make recommendations.
The Wastewater Team
Dr. Rochelle Holm leads the sewer monitoring team. Dr. Holm (PhD, PMP) received her doctoral degree in Environmental Science from Washington State University in the United States. She works primarily on issues of waste, sanitation systems, hygiene and rural water supply. Her nearly 20 years of experience has focused on bridging the gap across boundaries of research and innovative practice by working together globally with communities, officials, academics and analysts.
CHAWS Wastewater Projects
Sewer sample analysis offers a snapshot of illness, heavy metal contamination and VOC pollution exposure in specific areas, enabling public health officials to identify hotspots and intervene.