EMU planning on testing wastewater treatment for signs of COVID-19

YPSILANTI, Mich. - Eastern Michigan University will test campus wastewater for the COVID-19 virus and other signs of infectious diseases.

The testing, part of the school’s return-to-campus plan, is intended to track the presence of the coronavirus in wastewater flowing from residence halls and apartment complexes.

The monitoring might provide early detection of asymptomatic cases of the virus, according to the school.

“The results of the tests will help us pinpoint any concerning trends and expand individual testing among specific populations as necessary,” EMU President James Smith said.

Researchers and health officials have said they can track the course of a community outbreak of the coronavirus by studying the waste flushed from its bathrooms.

Tests have shown that wastewater contains infectious biomarkers that can signal the growth or reduction of the virus in a community or around a university campus.

Earlier in July, several European governments announced monitoring plans of wastewater treatment plants to track potential outbreaks in local communities.

A microbiologist referred to sewage as a "mirror of society" and serves as more than just a wastewater carrier, but an "information carrier" as well.

EMU in Ypsilanti is working with Michigan-based Aquasight on the testing.