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Safe and Accurate
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18 Wastewater-Based
Epidemiology 26 COVID-19
46 PFAS
52 Odor Control
WE
E&T
VOLUME 33
WAT E R E N V I R O N M E N T & T E C H N O L O G Y
APRIL 2021
l
NUMBER 4
O P E R AT I O N S & E N G I N E E R I N G
WE&T
DETECT
MEASURING AND MAKING USE OF TRACE
SUBSTANCES IN WASTEWATER
APRIL 2021
WET_cover1_Apr21.indd 2 3/12/21 3:36 PM
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WET_TOC_Apr21.indd 1 3/12/21 3:46 PM
WET_TOC_Apr21.indd 2 3/12/21 3:46 PM
VOLUME 33, NUMBER 4
APRIL 2021
▼
FEATURES
26
Translating Wastewater
Surveillance Data
How to ensure your wastewater-based
epidemiology program provides insights that
can influence public health decisions
COVID-19 Rasha Maal-Bared, Mark Sobsey, Naoko
▼
ON THE COVER
You protect our water Munakata, Kari Brisolara, Lee Gary Jr., Jay
supplies, environment, Swift, Samendra Sherchan, Scott Schaefer,
and public health from
invisible invaders every
Albert Rubin, Charles Gerba, Kyle Bibby,
day. Through innovative Robert Bastian, Lola Olabode, Akin Babatola,
thinking — supported by Robert S. Reimers, and Leonard Casson
regimented testing —
you find ways to detect emerging contaminants public & health safety
emerging pathogens,
microconstituents, and
nuisance chemicals.
36
This issue focuses on
making use of these Heating Trends
tiny traces to inform
next steps. Coronavirus
Enhancing sustainability and neutralizing
RNA can support public potential threats in biosolids
health decisions (pp. Mike Weeks
18 and 26). PFAS costs
should be paid by the
biosolids sustainability reuse
people who made them
Biosolids
▼
(p. 46). Understanding
odor sources can control
hydrogen sulfide (p. 52).
40
And for a little challenge,
we have hidden each
The Right Lid for the Job
of those structures on Selecting a digester cover plays a key
the cover. Can you spot role in facility sustainability
them?
David Dubey
odors & emissions energy generation
Sustainability
▼
46
Who Pays for PFAS
Contamination?
Shifting drinking water treatment costs to
product manufacturers
Ken Sansone
Microconstituents
▼
microconstituents funding & financing
WET_TOC_Apr21.indd 3 3/12/21 3:46 PM
APRIL 2021
▼
NEWS
18
Supporting Nationwide WBE Efforts
WEF receives federal funding to develop, manage
wastewater-based epidemiology network and conduct
cross-sector training
Wastewater-Based
▼
Beth Conway
Epidemiology
public health innovation safety
20
Connecting the Biosolids Community
New talent and resources affirm WEF’s commitment to
sustainable biosolids management
Justin Jacques
Biosolids
▼
Communication public communication drinking water permitting & regulations
NOTABLE
8 From the Editors
10 Viewpoint
The pandemic has accelerated the water sector’s digital transformation
Al Cho
Digitalization
▼
innovation smart water
13 Research Notes
Desalination membranes; biological nutrient removal; less lake ice
22 Waterline
Chesapeake Bay cleaning; flushable wipes; water crisis follow up
52 Operator Essentials
What every operator should know about wastewater odor generation and
vapor phase odor control
Dirk Apgar and Richard Finger
56 Business
58 Projects
60 Products
WET_TOC_Apr21.indd 4 3/12/21 3:46 PM
WET_TOC_Apr21.indd 5 3/12/21 3:46 PM
Volume 33, No. 4 601 Wythe Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Water Environment & Technology [ISSN 1044-9493; IPM 0658294]
Customer Service Center 1-800-666-0206 or 1-571-830-1545
is published 12 times per year, monthly. ©2021, by the WATER
(international); csc@wef.org
ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION. The Water Environment Federation assumes
no responsibility for opinions or statements of facts expressed by Water Environment Federation
contributors or advertisers, and editorials do not necessarily represent The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and
the official policy of the organization. educational organization of 35,000 individual members and 75 affiliated
Member Associations representing water quality professionals around
SUBSCRIPTIONS AND CHANGE OF ADDRESS: the world. Since 1928, WEF and its members have protected public
csc@wef.org or (703) 684-2452 health and the environment.
Individual subscriptions are included with Federation membership for President Lynn Broaddus
those choosing Water Environment & Technology. (Dependent upon President-Elect Jamie Eichenberger
membership level, $55, $47, or $20 is allocated toward a subscription Vice President Ifetayo Venner
of WE&T.) Nonmember subscriptions: $202 in the U.S., $260 elsewhere. Treasurer Keith Hobson
Single issues (including shipping and handling): $14.85 members, $18.75 Past President Jacqueline A. Jarrell
nonmembers. Orders under $50 and orders outside the U.S. must be Executive Director Walter T. Marlowe
prepaid.
WEF’s Mission and Critical Objectives
Claims for missing issues must be made within 90 days of publication, Connect water professionals: WEF develops an engaged membership
and directed in writing to “Subscriptions” at the Federation address. No that is representative of the multiple practice areas of the water
claims are allowed for: insufficient notice of address change; issues lost environment industry.
in the mail and not claimed within 90 days of publication; reasons such Enrich the expertise of water professionals: WEF provides a broad
as “missing from file.” range of professional content and programming that is relevant and
widely valued by the water sector worldwide.
Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, VA, and at additional mailing
offices. Canada mailed under IPM Agreement Number 0658294. Increase the awareness of the impact and value of water: WEF
generates an increased public awareness of the value of water leading
to increased funding to protect water quality through appropriate levels
Postmaster: Send change of address forms to Water Environment & of infrastructure, management approaches, and services.
Technology, Water Environment Federation, 601 Wythe St., Alexandria, Provide a platform for water sector innovation: WEF establishes the
VA 22314-1994, USA. conditions that promote accelerated development and implementation
of innovative technologies and approaches in the water sector.
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6 WE&T l APRIL 2021 l WWW.WEF.ORG/MAGAZINE
WET_FTE_Impress_Apr21.indd 6 3/12/21 3:41 PM
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FROM THE EDITORS
Tiny Finds Yield Big Results
W
orking in the water sector (PFAS) requires broadly sharing any new find.
sometimes requires super A sector ally offers his perspective on financial
sleuthing — and there is no accountability to combat the cost of these
clue too small to detect. This contaminants that water and wastewater utilities
month WE&T is magnifying some of those tiny do not produce but must deal with. See p. 46.
finds and exploring their very big effects. WEF has recommitted to devoting specialized
One year ago, WE&T brought you “The time and attention to biosolids. Take a minute
Water Professional’s Guide To COVID-19” to get to know the organizations newly hired
from expert members of the Water Environment Director of Sustainable Biosolids Programs Maile
Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Virginia) to keep p. 26 Lono-Batura (p. 20), and tune into the February
you safe. Now, a similar group has focused on 16 Words on Water podcast to hear her talk
how to use wastewater-based epidemiology about the new position and interest in biosolids.
(WBE) to inform public health decisions. This
approach can help with coronavirus as well as — The Editors
other chemicals and pathogens. Examine their
findings on p. 26.
Likewise, WEF is getting involved nationally Errata
to support of WBE efforts. Partnering with The article, “Uniting Engineering and
the U.S. government, WEF will help stand up Epidemiology,” in the February 2021 issue,
the first nationwide WBE program. Get all the p. 18 omitted the full name and title of Dr. Amy
Mathers, Associate Professor of Medicine
details on p. 18.
and Pathology. We apologize for this error.
The sector’s attention to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
Editorial Advisory Board Advertising Director Nic Christy
Robert K. Bastian, U.S. EPA (nchristy@wef.org)
Samuel S. Jeyanayagam, CH2M Hill
Advertising Manager Kristen Martin
Christopher Komline, Komline-Sanderson
(703) 684-2438; kmartin@wef.org
Rajendra Kurup, Environmental Engineers
International Advertising Representatives
Robert Marino, Bridgeport University Northeast U.S. and Canada:
magazine@wef.org (703) 684-2400 Jim Newton, Kent County Dept. of Public Vickie Bobo
Works (470) 448-3987; vbobo@wef.org
Editor in Chief Steve Spicer Lanaya Voelz, CDM Smith
Managing Editor Mariah Walters Orose Steve Lane, Winterport Water and Sewer Southeast U.S. and Latin America:
Departments Editor Justin Jacques Districts Cari McBride
Bob Rutherford, James River Wastewater (703) 535-5266; cmcbride@wef.org
Associate Editors Will Fowler
Treatment Plant
Art Director/Designer Western U.S. and Canada:
Michael Kronenberg Bradley E. Fix, City of Shelbyville Water Suzanne Shutty
Resource Recovery Facility
Graphic Designer Carey Jones (703) 407-0289; sshutty@wef.org
Steve Krai, Joint Water Pollution Control
Contributing Photographers Plant International:
John Clarke (jgclarke1@yahoo.com)
Paul Dombrowski, Woodard & Curran Nic Christy
Paul Cockrell
+44 7899 927 926
(paulcockrellphoto@yahoo.com) The editorial advisory board does not nchristy@wef.org
Publisher Walter T. Marlowe necessarily approve, disapprove, or
endorse the contents of this magazine.
8 WE&T l APRIL 2021 l WWW.WEF.ORG/MAGAZINE
WET_FTE_Impress_Apr21.indd 8 3/12/21 3:42 PMWET_FTE_Impress_Apr21.indd 9 3/12/21 3:42 PM
VIEWPOINT
How the Pandemic Has Accelerated the
Water Sector’s Digital Transformation
Al Cho Real-Time and Remote
Monitoring Utility Operations
A
s the coronavirus spread As many operations were required to
across the globe last year, move to “remote” mode during stay-at-
frontline utility personnel home directives, the need for enterprise
worked heroically to deliver mobility strategies, remote monitoring, and
critical water and wastewater services data acquisition technologies became plain.
for their communities, navigating As in every other sector that has embraced
unprecedented difficulties. It was an eye- digital transformation, these technologies
opening moment for our industry. We will enable utilities to untether from the
saw just how fragile our current ways physical workplace with secure virtual
of working can be when confronted by private networks, digital workflows, and
major shocks. For the most part, water connected platforms — all of which help
utilities were able to maintain operations deliver continuity of service when networks
in the face of this “once in a generation” and operators are under stress.
challenge, but often at considerable risk Remote monitoring enables management
and cost. As field workforces strained of crucial functions and provides visualization
under the pressure, utilities that had sensors to real-time decision-support of assets in real time, allowing operators
already implemented transformative digital systems and automated operations. to preemptively identify issues and reduce
technologies, like remote sensing and Utilities that still rely on paper-based workloads and call-outs for crews. The
automated operations, were at an obvious systems and disconnected workflows deployment of digital tools, such as advanced
advantage. will continue to struggle, operationally metering infrastructure, distributed sensor
We will continue to see the effects of and financially, and will be particularly networks in linear assets, and cloud-based
this pandemic on the way we live and vulnerable to unanticipated events. Prior supervisory control and data acquisition
work for many years. But, in our sector, it to the pandemic, digital investments platforms gives operators more flexibility,
has already focused our attention on the were sometimes considered peripheral to even when worksites are safe.
need for greater operational and financial the core business of the utility. They are A data-driven digital strategy allows
resilience in the face of unexpected and now seen as essential to hardening water water managers to “turn on the lights”
sustained challenges. Making our water networks against the next shock. within their systems so they can maintain
systems more resilient is suddenly an
imperative, and it will only happen as we
embrace new ways of doing things. While
innovative water leaders have long called
for a digital transformation of utilities, the
pandemic has catalyzed action.
2020 May Have Catalyzed a
More Resilient Water Future
Conventionally, water management has
focused on how to maintain operational
stability in processes and outcomes.
Sometimes that has resulted in resistance to
change. But the pandemic showed us that the
real danger is in maintaining the status quo.
Increased investment in digital
technologies has now become central to Innovative water leaders have been calling for utilities' digital transformation, but the
utility resilience strategies — from remote coronavirus pandemic has catalyzed action.
10 WE&T l april 2021 l WWW.WEF.ORG/MAGAZINE
WET_Viewpoint_Apr21.indd 10 3/12/21 3:47 PMViewpoint
▼
▼
operations and manage costs in the face of utility serves as an example of the benefits 19’s challenges.
any challenge. of being ready to handle the demands Resilience planning will help
that COVID-19 forced on the world. The utilities stand strong in the face of
‘Decision Intelligence’ gains EMWD achieved compounded once the next unprecedented challenge —
Solutions Aid Operators the pandemic made putting operators whether economic, environmental, or
“Decision intelligence” solutions in the field even less attractive. EMWD epidemiological. And, as the pandemic has
provide the information operators need employee capacity required for meter shown, digital transformation is a critical
to speed up previously time-intensive management decreased by 75%, allowing component of any utility’s future resilience
processes. Digital twins use sensor data staff to be redeployed to projects that planning and response. 1
to mirror physical systems, coupled increase customer service. The flexibility
with algorithms and control logic that of remote meter monitoring, combined Al Cho is Senior Vice President, Chief
streamline operational choices, giving with the operational efficiencies of digital Strategy & Digital Officer at Xylem (Rye
operators all they need to make better technology, have made EMWD more Brook, New York). He can be reached at
decisions faster and focus their time where flexible and resilient in the face of COVID- Albert.Cho@Xylem.com.
it is most needed. Already, sensors in sewer
networks can detect problems in real time,
and artificial intelligence in pumps can
predict failure before it happens.
These solutions are deployable today.
HOW EFFICIENT IS YOUR
And the return on investment can be AERATION PROCESS?
transformational. They are revolutionizing
the industry because they enable utilities
to deliver similar or better service at a
fraction of the cost — and to be more
resilient in the face of unforeseen events.
Digitalization Is Imperative for
the Sector
The water sector is at a critical
juncture, a moment of extraordinary
opportunity for utilities and the
communities they serve. Digital solutions
hold the key to water systems delivering
bold water, energy, and cost savings while
achieving greater operational and financial
resilience. The utilities prioritizing them
now are making dramatic progress on their
biggest business challenges and increasing
their readiness for whatever comes next.
In Perris, California, the Eastern
LET’S TALK
Municipal Water District (EMWD) faced a
growing population that led to a daunting
task for field technicians. The technicians Tom McCurdy, Director of Environmental Sales
had to manually read 148,000 m across a +1 610 656 1683 tmccurdy@aerzenusa.com
1,440-km2 (555-mi2) service area, and the
number of customers grew every month, all
during California’s ongoing drought. With Real efficiency means operating the
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utility needed to conserve time and water.
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While EMWD implemented these
digital technologies pre-pandemic, the www.aerzen.com/en-us
WWW.WEF.ORG/MAGAZINE l APRIL 2021 l WE&T 11
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WET_Viewpoint_Apr21.indd 11 3/12/21 3:47 PMaccess water
Access Water organizes the information and
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WET_Research_Apr21.indd 12 3/12/21 3:44 PMRESEARCH NOTES
Increasing Desalination Membrane Efficiency
E
vidence suggests biological membranes for reverse-osmosis for desalination efficiency is maintaining uniform
water filtration perform more efficiently than existing density throughout the membrane. The study describes
synthetic membranes, demonstrating higher permeability that even slight fluctuations in density — as incidental
and selectivity. However, biological membranes are far less as billionths of a meter — cause significant differences
scalable, and are not well-suited for large-scale jobs such as municipal in the way water concentrates and flows through the
desalination. membrane. Unlike existing polymer-based membranes,
Researchers have used advanced 3-D modeling tools to highlight most biological membranes maintain consistent
fundamental structural differences between biological and synthetic density throughout, leading to easier water flow
membranes, gleaning new information that could lead to more without sacrificing selectiveness for sodium ions, the
efficient polymer-based desalination membranes. researchers write.
The research team began their investigation by creating 3-D Results of the simulations, the researchers write,
models of four common polymer-based desalination membranes using underscore the need for better synthesis methods for
a supercomputer at the Texas Advanced Computing Center (Austin). desalination membranes. 1
To create the models, the researchers performed transmission electron
microscopy to gather aggregate measurements for each membrane
WHO: Pennsylvania State University (University
variety, each of which possessed similar chemical compositions but
Park); Iowa State University (Ames); DuPont Water
varied in their production methods. Simulating water flow between
Solutions (Edina, Minnesota); Dow Chemical
the four membrane models enabled the researchers to pinpoint
Company (Freeport, Texas); and University of
specific areas within each membrane that led to better or worse
Texas (Austin)
reverse-osmosis performance.
The team’s inquiries revealed that the most important determinant WHAT: Structural analysis of polymer-based
desalination membranes underscores
importance of uniform density.
HIGHLIGHTS:
■ Researchers perform transmission electron
microscopy on four common polymer-based
desalination membranes.
■ Team inputs microscopy measurements into
advanced 3-D modeling program to create
precise structural models of each membrane.
■ Slight variations in membrane density lead to
significant differences in water concentration
and flow.
■ New synthesis methods are needed to create
desalination membranes with optimally
uniform densities.
RESEARCH: “Nanoscale control of internal
inhomogeneity enhances water transport in
desalination membranes,” Science, Vol. 371, Issue
6524, http://bit.ly/membrane-analysis.
A recent structural analysis of common synthetic desalination
membranes identifies specific parameters that make some
types of membranes more effective than others. Courtesy of
James Grellier/Wikimedia Commons
WWW.WEF.ORG/MAGAZINE l APRIL 2021 l WE&T 13
WET_Research_Apr21.indd 13 3/12/21 3:44 PMResearch Notes
▼
▼
▼
Bacteria’s 2-for-1 Biological Nutrient Removal
A
newly discovered strain of bacteria has proven capable of
removing both nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater WHO: National University of Singapore
at the same time. WHAT: Newly discovered bacteria strain performs
The strain, a previously undocumented member of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification while
the genus Thauera named SND5, demonstrates the potential to accumulating phosphates.
significantly reduce the space demands and energy costs associated
with separate biological nutrient removal processes. Although several HIGHLIGHTS:
water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) remove both nitrogen and ■ SND5 removes nutrients using a single strain of
phosphorus in a single reactor, many single-reactor systems contain bacteria, enabling single-reactor treatment
microbes that will compete with one another for resources, driving without microbial competition.
down their efficiency. ■ Demonstrates average removal rates for
In laboratory tests, SND5 simultaneously removed ammonium, ammonium, nitrite, and nitrate of 2.85, 1.98, and
nitrite, and nitrate from wastewater samples at average rates of 2.42 mg-N/L/h, respectively.
2.85, 1.98, and 2.42 mg-N/L/h, respectively. At the same time, ■ Saves 62% of electricity requirements compared
SND5 accumulates phosphates for simple removal. Compared to conventional nitrification/denitrification
to conventional WRRF processes that perform nitrification and processes.
denitrification in separate reactors, using SND5 saves about 62% of ■ Converts ammonia into harmless nitrogen gas.
electricity because of its lower oxygen demand, the researchers write. RESEARCH: “Complete nitrogen removal via
Additionally, whereas some ammonia-removal technologies produce simultaneous nitrification and denitrification by a
the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide, SND5 converts ammonia into novel phosphate accumulating Thauera sp. strain
harmless nitrogen gas. SND5,” Water Research, Vol. 185, Oct. 2020, http://bit.
“Population and economic growth have inevitably led to the ly/SND5-study.
production of more wastewater, so it is important to develop new
technologies that cost less to operate and produce less waste overall
— all while meeting treatment targets,” said He Jianzhong, study co-
author and National University of Singapore environmental engineer,
in a December 2020 release. 1
Researchers in Singapore have discovered a new strain of bacteria capable of simultaneous removal of nitrogen and phosphorus. The
strain, known as SND5, offers significant energy and space savings compared to traditional biological nutrient removal processes. Courtesy
of kkolosov/Pixabay
14 WE&T l APRIL 2021 l WWW.WEF.ORG/MAGAZINE
WET_Research_Apr21.indd 14 3/12/21 3:44 PMTRAINING THE
OPERATOR
OF THE FUTURE
Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals
manuals, online courses, study guides, and
trainer’s kits create a cutting-edge training
series designed to educate current and future
generations of water-quality professionals.
START LEARNING TODAY TO BECOME
THE OPERATOR OF THE FUTURE.
www.wef.org/WWTF
WET_Research_Apr21.indd 15 3/12/21 3:44 PMResearch Notes
▼
▼
▼
More Lake Ice to Disappear by 2100
A
ssuming current greenhouse-gas emission rates do not
WHO: York University (Toronto)
change, by the end of the 21st century nearly 5,700
lakes in the Northern Hemisphere will no longer ice WHAT: Forward-looking analysis of climate change’s
over each winter, according to new projections from potential effects on ice coverage in Northern
York University (Toronto) researchers. Loss of seasonal ice cover Hemisphere lakes.
would affect drinking water quantity and quality by increasing
HIGHLIGHTS:
winter evaporation rates and summer water temperatures, which can
■ Researchers consider hydrological data alongside
promote formation of toxic algal blooms, the researchers describe.
climate change predictions to estimate the
The research team interpreted topographical information from
susceptibility of 51,000 lakes to climate change.
the U.S. National Snow and Ice Data Center (Boulder, Colorado)
■ Results suggest a business-as-usual greenhouse
for 51,000 lakes alongside 12 international-standard climate change
gas emissions scenario would prevent ice
scenarios to identify the conditions that would cause lakes that
formation in nearly 5,700 lakes in the Northern
currently experience seasonal ice coverage to lose it. The analysis
Hemisphere by 2100.
also sought to predict when these lakes would become ice-free under
■ Approximately 179 lakes are projected to
different greenhouse gas emission scenarios, the team’s study states.
become ice-free by 2030.
On average, most lakes no longer froze when winter air
■ In general, lakes no longer freeze when winter air
temperatures remained above -0.9°C (30°F), with slight fluctuations
temperatures remain about -0.9°C (30°F).
based on the depth of the lake. Most at-risk, according to the study,
are lakes in southern and coastal regions of the Northern Hemisphere, RESEARCH: “Forecasting the Permanent Loss of Lake
which are often primary sources of drinking water for large Ice in the Northern Hemisphere Within the 21st Century,”
populations. Geophysical Research Letters, Vol. 48, Issue 1, http://bit.
Other findings by the researchers include that approximately 179 ly/lake-ice.
lakes in the Northern Hemisphere will lose seasonal ice coverage by
the end of this decade, and that major portions of the Great Lakes
could become permanently ice-free by 2055. 1
In lakes, winter ice coverage minimizes evaporation and moderates summer temperatures, protecting both water quality and quantity. According
to new projections, approximately 5,700 that currently ice over in the winter will become ice-free by 2100, assuming current greenhouse gas
emissions remain unmitigated. Courtesy of Matthias Groeneveld/Pixabay
16 WE&T l april 2021 l WWW.WEF.ORG/MAGAZINE
WET_Research_Apr21.indd 16 3/12/21 3:44 PMODORS AND AIR
POLLUTANTS 2021
A Virtual Event
Conference: APRIL 20–22
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
This is your year! Don’t miss out on the chance
to gain knowledge and explore the latest
approaches, technologies, and research in
all aspects of odor control and treatment.
For more information visit, wef.org/odorsair
Register Today!
#WEFOdors
WET_Research_Apr21.indd 17 3/12/21 3:44 PMNEWS
Wastewater-Based Epidemiology
▼
Biosolids Communication
Supporting
Nationwide WBE
Efforts
WEF receives federal funding to develop, manage
wastewater-based epidemiology network and conduct
cross-sector training
By Beth Conway
T
he U.S. Centers genes and enteric bacteria and sanitation, engineering, public About NWSS
for Disease viruses. health, and laboratories,” The NWSS will take a
Control and “WEF is uniquely said WEF President Lynn multidisciplinary approach
Prevention (CDC) positioned to partner Broaddus. “We are grateful involving three communities
has selected the Water with CDC on the national for the opportunity to be of practice: health
Environment Federation wastewater-based part of CDC’s efforts to departments, laboratories,
(WEF; Alexandria, Virginia) epidemiology system and advance science and protect and utilities. Different
to help put into action the network through our communities from infectious organizations will host
first nationwide wastewater- extensive membership diseases.” these traditionally separate
based epidemiology (WBE) presence in the areas of communities of practice with
program led by the U.S.
federal government. Through
a cooperative agreement,
What Is Wastewater-Based
WEF will develop and Epidemiology?
train a nationwide network
of wastewater utilities Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is the study of pathogens and/or chemicals
participating in WBE. in wastewater to gather public health data and inform public health action. It relies on
Two other networks — wastewater surveillance, which is the strategic sampling and testing of wastewater and analysis
public health agencies and and interpretation of the collected data (such as presence or concentration of pathogens or
laboratories — also will be chemicals) to better understand disease within a community.
part of the overall program. ■ Data gathered through wastewater surveillance is aggregated at the community level and
CDC has created this does not provide information about individuals.
program, the National ■ Data collected through WBE does not replace traditional data sources of infection or
Wastewater Surveillance substances, but it can add another resource.
System (NWSS), in For example, while COVID-19 infections do not spread through wastewater, community
collaboration with other spread of COVID-19 can be determined through analysis of wastewater. The presence of virus
federal agencies. CDC RNA in wastewater enables testing to be used as a leading indicator of COVID-19 infections
originated the NWSS in and re-infections at the community level.
response to the coronavirus College campuses have used this technique to closely monitor dormitory communities for
pandemic, but this program indications of the virus before symptoms begin to appear. See the February 2021 WE&T article,
will have other uses such as “Uniting Engineering and Epidemiology,” for one such case.
targeting antibiotic-resistant
18 WE&T l april 2021 l WWW.WEF.ORG/MAGAZINE
WET_News_Apr21.indd 18 3/12/21 3:43 PMWastewater-Based Epidemiology
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the goal of bringing them control, biosafety, and Awareness Training utilities interested in WBE to
together for collaboration, cross-community sharing. WEF is leading the find one another. It also will
information exchange, and While these efforts are being development of cross- assist information sharing,
standardization of WBE conceived and developed at the sector training that will be problem-solving, and sharing
practices. national level, they are intended delivered to wastewater of promising best practices
■ WEF will support the to be enacted and used in local utility personnel, public based on existing CDC
utility community and communities. health officials, healthcare guidance and rules.
take on sampling methods, “Water and wastewater workers, emergency services Network participation will
operational factors, sector personnel are on personnel, environmental benefit utilities’ communities
worker safety, and data the frontlines of ensuring regulators, public officials, by offering advanced insight
sharing. the protection of public and other stakeholders. This into trending direction
■ CDC will work with health and are able to play awareness training is aimed of COVID-19 infections
health departments to a central role in identifying at bringing interdependent that enable public health
refine sampling strategy, and evaluating the presence sectors together to improve officials to adjust responses
data coordination, of pathogens and other the overall understanding of more quickly. Additionally,
submission and public health concerns in how one each works and how participation now lays the
interpretation, and public water,” said WEF Chief they might work together groundwork for robust use of
health action. Medical Officer Dr. Andrew to advance wastewater WBE for future uses. 1
■ The Association of Public Sanderson. “WEF looks surveillance.
Health Laboratories forward to working with Beth Conway, MS, ENV
(Silver Spring, Maryland) CDC and the U.S. water Networking SP, is Technical Project
will represent laboratories sector on guidelines, best WEF also is building the Manager for the Water
and work on testing practices, and training Utility Network portion Environment Federation. She
methods, data that improve and expand of the NWSS. This utility- can be reached at econway@
comparability, quality utilization of wastewater- focused network will enable wef.org.
assurance/quality based epidemiology.” health departments, labs, and
WWW.WEF.ORG/MAGAZINE l april 2021 l WE&T 19
WET_News_Apr21.indd 19 3/12/21 3:43 PMNEWS
Wastewater-Based Epidemiology
Biosolids Communication
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Connecting the
Biosolids Community
New talent and resources affirm WEF’s commitment
to sustainable biosolids management
By Justin Jacques
W
ater resource often can represent a safer, has become more common in programs and is thrilled to
recovery cheaper, and more sustainable recent decades, its adoption add Maile’s expertise and
professionals soil amendment compared has been sluggish because experience to our team.”
have long to manure or chemical-based of inconsistent regulatory
understood that when fertilizers. However, while guidelines, gaps in research, A Unified Voice
processed correctly, biosolids biosolids reuse in the U.S. and the social stigma of With more than 20 years
recycling human waste. of experience leading a multi-
The Water Environment state biosolids association,
Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Lono-Batura is uniquely
Virginia) is taking several suited for her new role,
new steps to help overcome which will involve unifying
these obstacles. In February, biosolids recycling practices
WEF released a new and regulations that vary
communications toolkit to by region and state. In a
help utilities and biosolids February 16 Words on Water
managers build support for podcast interview, Lono-
biosolids recycling using Batura described her goal to
simple, science-backed create a “collective platform”
messaging. The organization for biosolids research,
also established a new advocacy, and knowledge-
position, hiring former sharing at the national level.
Northwest Biosolids (Seattle, Much of her work will center
Washington) Executive on sharing resources between
Director Maile Lono- biosolids management groups
Batura as its first Director to reduce redundancies and
of Sustainable Biosolids amplify messaging, she said.
Programs. “For those of us in the field
“Biosolids are a central of biosolids, we know how
product of the wastewater important it is to have a unified
treatment process, a vital voice around biosolids so that
part of resource recovery we’re all singing from the same
and circular economy, and sheet,” Lono-Batura said. “It’s
The Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Virginia) has beneficial for communities going to be a challenge, for sure.
hired Maile Lono-Batura, former executive director of Northwest in many ways,” said WEF But it is such a worthy challenge
Biosolids (Seattle, Washington), as its inaugural Director of Sustainable
President Lynn Broaddus. to me.”
Biosolids Programs. The new position, along with other recent
biosolids programs, signal WEF’s growing focus on promoting biosolids “WEF is increasing our WEF’s new Biosolids
recycling. Courtesy of Maile Lono-Batura investment in biosolids Communications Toolkit,
20 WE&T l april 2021 l WWW.WEF.ORG/MAGAZINE
WET_News_Apr21.indd 20 3/12/21 3:43 PMBiosolids Communication
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only federal regulation
governing land
#WEFBiosolids application of biosolids.
Despite advancements
in treatment technology
that result in cleaner,
RESIDUALS AND BIOSOLIDS 2021
safer, and more viable
biosolids, the Part
A Virtual Event
503 Rule has never
undergone a substantial
update. Read more
about the meeting’s
Conference: MAY 11–13 outcomes at bit.ly/WEF-
biosolids-report.
Pre-Conference Workshops: MAY 5–6 WEF also published
five new technical
resources last year
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! that deal exclusively
with biosolids
Plan to virtually experience a robust program highlighting contin-
management. Topics
ued advances in the wastewater residuals and biosolids sector. include the financial
costs of managing per-
For more information visit, www.wef.org/ResidualsBiosolids
and polyfluoroalkyl
substances (PFAS),
measuring and
accessible at bit.ly/WEF- biosolids has been technical in promise to advance national managing greenhouse-gas
biosolids, will help jumpstart nature, Lono-Batura’s new role coordination on biosolids emissions during the synthesis
Lono-Batura’s work by indicates a growing focus on recycling, but they are only process, bioenergy focused
providing customizable bill the social and logistical aspects the latest actions. public–private partnerships,
inserts, fact sheets, social of the biosolids challenge. In November 2019, and more. Access these
media infographics, and other Lono-Batura will not only for example, WEF invited technical resources at www.
materials that convey key work alongside biosolids leading biosolids experts from wef.org/biosolids.
messages about biosolids in professionals among WEF’s across North America to its From May 11 to 13, 2021,
simple, accessible terms. Each membership, but also with headquarters for a strategic WEF will host its annual
resource available in the free regulators, environmentalists, conversation that identified Residuals and Biosolids
toolkit works from cited, peer- the media, and others. ways to improve biosolids conference in a virtual format.
reviewed sources and aims to “There are a whole team programs and better promote Register for the event any time
reach different stakeholder of people not just within WEF their adoption. Among other before it takes place for access
groups, including those but within and beyond the recommendations, meeting to the latest research in biosolids
both inside and outside the biosolids community that we attendees described needs management, perspectives from
wastewater sector. can be aligning with — that for better risk assessment biosolids-sector changemakers,
For example, some resources part is what really excites methods for contaminants and one-of-a-kind networking
cover strategies for managing me,” Lono-Batura said. of emerging concern, new opportunities. More details
media coverage of biosolids “That we can speak beyond training and certification and registration information
programs, while others tout our sector and connect with programs, and more robust are available at www.wef.org/
the benefits of biosolids-based people beyond the people communication between ResidualsBiosolids. 1
fertilizers for farmers. we normally connect with producers, farmers, and
“We ‘geek out,’ and that’s to see what common ground researchers. Justin Jacques is the
not a bad thing within our we have and how we can Experts also called for an Departments Editor at Water
circle,” Lono-Batura said. join forces on soil building, update to federal government Environment & Technology.
“But we lose people pretty climate change, and producer guidance on biosolids use, Reach him at jjacques@wef.org.
quickly if we cannot relay responsibility.” as most U.S. states currently
the importance of what the implement their own biosolids
research has found, whether it Regulation, Research regulations. The U.S.
be favorable or unfavorable.” WEF’s new Director of Environmental Protection
Although much of WEF’s Sustainable Biosolids position Agency Part 503 Rule,
existing activity in sustainable and communications toolkit established in 1993, remains the
WWW.WEF.ORG/MAGAZINE l APRIL 2021 l WE&T 21
WET_News_Apr21.indd 21 3/12/21 3:43 PMWATERLINE
Oyster Barge to Clean Chesapeake Bay
A
new, solar-powered barge promises to automate promote water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and other coastal
many of the traditionally labor-intensive aspects waters. The Maritime Applied Physics Corporation (Baltimore)
of oyster farming. By facilitating the production collaborated with environmental consulting firm EcoLogix
of nutrient-absorbing oysters, the barge aims to (Parkton, Maryland) to develop the technology.
“By automating through solar power the production of
oysters, we can grow 45 times more oysters than traditional
aquaculture using cages,” said Elizabeth Hines, Maritime Applied
Physics Corporation vice president.
That is due to the automated rotation of the oysters through
an 8-m (25-ft) water column, allowing the oysters to get enough
salt, oxygen, and nutrients to flourish, Hines added.
In the Chesapeake Bay, where the solar-powered barges are
expected to roll out first, pollution is a major challenge. However,
according to calculations by Ecologix, a single barge could
remove more than 300 kg (650 lb) of nitrogen and 23 kg (50 lb)
of phosphorus from the bay annually. Less pollution does not
only have ecological benefits, it would also reduce the costs of
both farmed and wild-caught oysters for consumers by restoring
oyster populations. And while in many industries automation
results in job loss, Hines said that the solar-powered barges will
only change the type of labor necessary for oyster farming.
“When we did our financing model, we found it’s the
same amount of labor,” she said. “But the work there isn’t as
backbreaking, and the output is greater. People will still be needed
to change the baskets and maintain the machinery.”
Ultimately, though, there is one goal that stands above
Billions of oysters like these were once harvested from the
technological innovation and all others.
Chesapeake Bay. Now that number has dwindled to a few million, with “We’re hoping to grow a really good oyster,” Hines said. 1
more than 98% of the natural oyster reefs depleted. Library of Congress
A rendering of a solar-powered oyster-growing barge that would help clean the Chesapeake Bay. EcoLogix
22 WE&T l APRIL 2021 l WWW.WEF.ORG/MAGAZINE
Waterline_Apr21.indd 22 3/12/21 3:45 PMWaterline
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Toward Truly Flushable Wipes
T
he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
is funding a project to develop woven wipes that
rapidly dissolve into dispersible toilet paper when
flushed. The project was put forward by a team of
students from the University of Toledo (Ohio) — one of 32
student teams funded by EPA as part of its annual People,
Prosperity, and Planet (P3) Awards program.
The project, “Wet Wipes That Turn Into Toilet Paper When
Flushed,” aims to solve the serious issue of consumer wipes
improperly labeled as “flushable,” which can cause severe
clogging for both home plumbing systems as well as public
wastewater infrastructure. When flushed, wipes can contribute
to the formation of large fat, oil, and grease blobs that block
collection systems. Preventing fatbergs is one of the goals that A University of Toledo (Ohio) research team including (left to right)
project leader Yakov Lapitsky said inspired the project. professor of chemical engineering Dr. Yakov Lapitsky, chemical
“Wet wipes — even those marketed as ‘flushable’ — clog engineering Ph.D. student Kunal Choudhuri, undergraduate chemical
engineering student Reece Kendall, and Dr. Youngwoo Seo, professor of
pipes and pumps in sewer and wastewater treatment systems
civil, environmental, and chemical engineering, is developing woven wipes
when flushed down the toilet and, thus, damage or interfere with that become dispersible when flushed. University of Toledo
the operation of wastewater collection and treatment facilities,”
Lapitsky said in a release. “Many of these wipes also contain would support real-world implementation.
synthetic polymers, which, even when these wipes disperse, pollute The team will demonstrate their technology at the EPA’s National
the water with microplastic fibers.” Student Design Expo in spring 2021, and if awarded the second grant,
The EPA’s P3 program consists of two stages: the first, which they hope that their work could improve sanitation, reduce pipe
the team has been awarded, supported a proof-of-concept version maintenance costs, save taxpayers money from municipal infrastructure
of the project. The second, which has not yet been announced, damage, and decrease pollution, Lapitsky described. 1
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WWW.WEF.ORG/MAGAZINE l april 2021 l WE&T 23
Waterline_Apr21.indd 23 3/12/21 3:45 PMWaterline
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Criminal Charges in Flint Water Crisis
T
he state of Michigan indicted the state’s former Gov.
Rick Snyder, along with eight other former state
officials. The charge against Snyder is willful neglect of
duty. It follows a new investigation of the 2014 Flint
water crisis by state Attorney General Dana Nessel. The offense
is punishable by up to 1 year in prison and a $1,000 fine.
The 2014 crisis was caused by a money-saving decision to
switch the source of the city’s water supply to the Flint River.
However, the corrosive river water was treated improperly,
causing lead to leach into drinking water. The discolored water
was quickly noticed by residents, who begged local and state
officials to fix the problem, but the new charges allege that
Snyder’s administration did little until a doctor discovered high
lead levels in children nearly 2 years later.
Nick Lyon, former state health director under
Synder’s administration, was charged with involuntary
manslaughter. A January statement from Lyon’s lawyer A former Michigan governor and several other top state officials face
charges in connection with the 2014 Flint water crisis.
alleged that the attorney general was “ignoring facts”
and that Lyon had nothing to do with the decision to admitted that the problem “wasn’t one that was easily solved.”
switch the water supply. While he was state health director, This is the second time Lyon has been charged in connection
Lyon was personally briefed in January of 2015 on the outbreak with the outbreak. The first case was dismissed by prosecutors
but took no action to alert the public nor alert senior Synder in 2019 after an internal scandal revealed investigators had not
administration officials, the Detroit Free Press reported. Lyon pursued “all available evidence.” Lawyers representing Synder
told state lawmakers during a 2017 hearing that he wanted and Lyon have filed motions to have this round of charges
to “solve the problem” before raising it with higher-ups, but dismissed as well. 1
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24 WE&T l APRIL 2021 l WWW.WEF.ORG/MAGAZINE
Waterline_Apr21.indd 24 3/12/21 3:45 PMRESIDUALS AND
BIOSOLIDS 2021
A Virtual Event
Conference: MAY 11–13
Pre-Conference Workshops: MAY 5–6
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Plan to virtually experience a robust
program highlighting continued
advances in the wastewater residuals
and biosolids sector.
For more information visit,
www.wef.org/ResidualsBiosolids
#WEFBiosolids
Waterline_Apr21.indd 25 3/12/21 3:45 PMFEATURE COVID-19
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TRANSLATING WASTEWATER S
W
astewater contains a tremendous These elements can help create a successful
number of resources, such as WBE campaign that uses information extracted
water, energy, and nutrients. The from wastewater to aid and improve public health
coronavirus pandemic has helped actions.
highlight one more, often-overlooked
resource flowing through our sewers: information. What Is Wastewater-Based
Faced with the need for non-invasive and Epidemiology?
scalable tools to supplement individual clinical Monitoring wastewater through the regular
testing and contact tracing efforts, public health collection and analysis of wastewater samples
officials and wastewater experts have begun turning for pathogens and chemicals has been used for
to wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE), which decades to support public health decisions around
is also known as wastewater surveillance. This the globe. In the 1940s, environmental virologists
practice can monitor substances of concern in at Yale University used WBE by culturing cell
communities by detecting and quantifying their assays to monitor for the presence of poliovirus in
concentrations in community wastewater. communities. This approach enabled public health
Making the most of this potentially powerful professionals to detect when a polio outbreak
tool requires three core tasks. First, it is essential was about to occur, as well as estimate the level
to understand what WBE is, how it works, and its of infection in the community. Later, when polio
limitations. Second, the WBE team must include vaccine became available in the 1950s and 1960s,
the right people to collect, analyze, and use the WBE also aided evidence-based decisions about
data. This includes adding a new role to the initiation and targeting of polio vaccination
process to translate knowledge from wastewater campaigns in communities where the virus was
analysis to public health decisions. And, finally, all detected in wastewater. In 2013, WBE was able to
sample collection and analysis activities need to be prevent a polio outbreak in Israel, which had been
standardized to ensure the resulting decisions are polio free since 1988.
based on comparable data. More recently, the approach has been
26 WE&T l APRIL 2021 l WWW.WEF.ORG/MAGAZINE
WET_WBE_Apr21.indd 26 3/12/21 3:38 PM▼
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R SURVEILLANCE DATA
How to ensure your wastewater-based
epidemiology program provides insights
that can influence public health decisions
Rasha Maal-Bared, Mark Sobsey, Naoko Munakata,
Kari Brisolara, Lee Gary Jr., Jay Swift, Samendra
Sherchan, Scott Schaefer, Albert Rubin, Charles
Gerba, Kyle Bibby, Robert Bastian, Lola Olabode, Akin
Babatola, Robert S. Reimers, and Leonard Casson
expanded to include norovirus, hepatitis A virus,
antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and the rubeola virus
(which causes the measles) in countries such as
Australia and the Netherlands. In 2009, WBE was
implemented to trace the use of antiviral drug,
oseltamivir, during the 2009 influenza pandemic in
Japan. WBE also was successfully used globally for
the surveillance of opioid and illicit drug use by the
European Monitoring Centre for Drugs & Drug
Addiction and Statistics Canada. The approach
relies on the assumption that any substance that is
excreted by humans and is stable in wastewater can
be used to back-calculate the original concentration
excreted by the serviced population, provided
that excretion (or shedding), substance fate and
transport and wastewater flow patterns are well
understood.
How WBE Works with COVID
For the virus that causes COVID-19, RNA This high reliability indicates that WBE can
is shed from symptomatic and asymptomatic help overcome challenges faced by traditional
COVID-19 cases in saliva, sputum, urine, and feces. public health tools. Scaling the conventional testing
These multiple shedding routes and evidence from systems for mass surveillance of populations proved
other coronaviruses suggested early on that the challenging in 2020 due to high cost of repeatedly
likelihood of COVID-19 virus RNA detection in testing large portions of the population, limitations
wastewater and collection systems is high. in human, clinical and testing resources, insufficient
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sensitivity and inadequate throughput. In addition, water resource recovery facility (WRRF). Since
research has shown that 20% to 45% of infected then, COVID-19 virus RNA has been found
individuals exhibit delayed onset of symptoms or do in untreated wastewater and untreated sludge
not show symptoms at all. Even if the infection is worldwide. These findings have shown some
symptomatic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control correlation with number of infections in the
and Prevention (CDC) reported that only 1 in 7 community. In some cases, such as Italy and Brazil,
COVID-19 symptomatic illnesses in the U.S. were retrospective analyses of wastewater confirmed
reported between February and September of 2020. the presence of the virus in wastewater before
Finally, contact tracing has proven to be challenging community transmission had been identified.
due to training requirements for staffing call centers Many studies successfully reported the use of
and the lack of consistency across states and regions. qualitative approaches that report the presence or
The first successful report of COVID-19 absence of virus RNA in wastewater. Other work
monitoring by WBE came from the KWR Institute takes on a more semi-quantitative approach based
in the Netherlands. This was a proof-of-concept on concentrations of the virus or its nucleic acid
study to determine if current molecular biology to reveal trends of infection in the population, but
tools are sensitive enough to detect the RNA of mainly within individual communities.
COVID-19 virus in untreated wastewater at the
Figure 1. Building a Successful Wastewater Surveillance Campaign
28 WE&T l APRIL 2021 l WWW.WEF.ORG/MAGAZINE
WET_WBE_Apr21.indd 28 3/12/21 3:38 PMYou can also read
