All articles tagged with #wastewater
The World Health Organization is closely monitoring Cicada, a new COVID-19 variant identified in at least 23 countries and detected in wastewater in more than 20 U.S. states; first identified in South Africa in 2024, it has not yet caused major U.S. case surges, and vaccines or prior infections may confer immunity, with WHO classifying it as a variant under monitoring in 2025.
A Bahamas study of 85 sharks around Eleuthera found drugs in 28 individuals: caffeine was most common, with two sharks testing positive for cocaine and others for acetaminophen and diclofenac, suggesting pollution from wastewater and tourism; researchers warn of potential increased stress and detoxification energy use, and call for better wastewater management and more research on ecological impacts.
A new Covid variant, BA.3.2—descended from Omicron—has begun circulating in the United States, detected in travelers, patients, and wastewater samples across more than 20 states and in wastewater from dozens more, with reports spanning at least 25 states and 23 countries. Early lab data suggest BA.3.2 carries spike mutations that may help it evade antibodies generated by current vaccines, prompting monitoring of vaccine effectiveness and potential updates. While not yet the dominant U.S. variant and there’s no clear evidence it causes more severe disease, experts urge vigilance as the virus continues to mutate.
Texas A&M researchers show treated wastewater can release essential nutrients from Moon- and Mars-like dust, turning barren regolith into a potential soil for crops in future space habitats. The approach supports closed-loop space farming by using wastewater not only for plant feeding but also to unlock nutrients in extraterrestrial dust, though challenges remain with mineral-driven nutrient binding, salinity, and long-term stability. Future work will test real crops and robust monitoring to ensure safe, reliable off-world agriculture.
A Johns Hopkins study shows crops irrigated with treated wastewater accumulate psychoactive drug residues mainly in leaves rather than edible parts, with leaf concentrations in tomatoes far higher than in fruit and carrot leaves higher than roots; drug behavior varies by compound, informing risk assessment and future monitoring/regulation.
A January pipe collapse led to a sewage spill into the Potomac River, spotlighting aging wastewater infrastructure in the DC region and sparking renewed worries about the resilience and environmental/public-health implications of U.S. water systems.
A measles case in Milwaukee County is linked to an out-of-state case, with Wisconsin reporting its first measles signal in wastewater from Walworth County. Investigators say the exposure may have occurred at public locations tied to Flight WN 266 from Phoenix to Milwaukee on Jan. 29, 2026, 10:31 p.m.–12:31 a.m.; no other Walworth County exposures are known at this time. Health officials are notifying close contacts and will post updates. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine can prevent measles; individuals should check their vaccination status and contact a provider if unvaccinated or if symptoms develop, typically 10–21 days after exposure.
Lawrence’s wastewater tests show high levels of six viruses—COVID-19, influenza A and B, RSV, human metapneumovirus, and norovirus—over the past three weeks, signaling community circulation during peak flu season; wastewater data reflects viral spread rather than exact case counts, with an earlier influenza B peak and a rising COVID Stratus/XFG variant (82.5% of positives, up 25%), and Salina reporting medium concentrations for these illnesses as well; health officials urge vaccination, masking at some clinics, and staying home when sick to curb spread.
Pouring inappropriate items like fats, oils, dairy, and chemicals down the sink can cause blockages, damage infrastructure, and pollute waterways. Proper disposal methods, such as composting, rubbish bins, or chemical collection events, are essential to protect public health and the environment. Collective individual actions are crucial in maintaining city plumbing and water quality.
NASA's satellite imaging spectrometer on the International Space Station has detected a large sewage spill from the Tijuana River into the Pacific Ocean, using a specific spectral feature at 620 nanometers to track the pollution's extent and movement, aiding in environmental monitoring and public health efforts.
Measles virus was detected in Marion County wastewater, indicating at least one case in the area, prompting health officials to monitor and encourage vaccination, especially as measles remains highly contagious and dangerous, with recent outbreaks increasing nationwide.
Trace amounts of measles virus have been detected in wastewater near SUNY Oswego, indicating potential presence of the virus in the area, but no cases have been diagnosed yet. The detection serves as a reminder to ensure vaccination and vigilance for symptoms, especially given the high contagiousness of measles.
Hawaii detected the measles virus in wastewater in West Hawaii, marking the first such detection in the state, though no clinical cases have been reported. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination to prevent potential outbreaks, especially as measles cases rise across the U.S. with over 1,400 confirmed cases this year.
COVID-19 levels in Massachusetts wastewater have increased to their highest since March, indicating a potential rise in infections, consistent with trends in other states, though still low compared to winter peaks.
Covid cases are increasing again this summer across most states, with rising emergency visits and high concentrations in wastewater in states like Texas, Utah, and Nevada, despite low national levels.