In the article "New Method Detects Clusters of Viruses in Wastewater," GW Today details a new study led by Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Yun Shen on detecting and isolating small fluid-filled sacs called vesicles that carry viruses in wastewater. The study, published in Nature Water, revealed that many human noroviruses are cloaked by vesicles in wastewater, advancing understanding of how these pathogens persist in the environment and impact public health.
Here is an excerpt from the article: “Most wastewater treatment strategies are designed around the idea that viruses exist as free particles,” said Yun Shen. “Our findings show that many viruses are protected inside vesicles, which can increase their survival and infectious potential and raise questions for wastewater treatment, water reuse and public health protection, as current approaches may allow viruses hidden in vesicles to escape wastewater treatment.”
Read the full article on GW Today.