Researchers at University of Akron testing wastewater to track COVID-19 surges

Dr. John Senko of the University of Akron is heading up a project that collects samples of wastewater from five residence halls on campus and tests them for the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Similar testing is being conducted in the region and across the country as officials search for effective ways to track the spread of COVID-19. At AU, changes in the level of the virus present in wastewater is alerting administrators to possible surges and helping them to focus efforts at improving sanitation and education in targeted ways. In addition to the public health benefits of the research, the project is giving students an opportunity to gain experience in conducting field research and analysis. 

A release from UA provides details about the research which began in January. Dr. Senko, associate professor of geosciences and biology at UA, is coordinating with plumbers at the university to safely obtain the samples twice each week. The work coincides with a larger wastewater project, begun in August 2020, that Dr. Senko is also working on, collecting and analyzing samples from wastewater treatment facilities in Akron, Medina, Lorain, Warren and Youngstown. Dr. Senko explained more about the importance of the research, "Our goal for both projects is to look for fragments of genes of the virus that people have shed in the wastewater and use the abundances of that to see how prevalent it is in that area. If we see spikes in certain residence halls, for example, we can enhance our preventative action, such as increasing our testing and education."

Students and research assistants involved with the project at UA are grateful for the real world experience they are gaining. Many of the students noted that the lessons learned on this project will help them on their career paths. Clayton Hubler, for example, plans to pursue an advanced degree after graduation from UA. Hubler said, "You learn so much in class but doing research in the lab makes it real and helps to strengthen your resume."

Hubler works with fellow student, Blake Bilinovich, collecting samples and extracting the genetic materials. Bilinovic values the analytical and problem-solving skills he is developing through the research, and looks forward to putting those skills to use when he attends medical school after graduation. He also noted the significance of the work being done, "It is also exciting to be part of a public health project that is really historic."

Dr. Senko expressed similar sentiments, "It makes you feel good that you might be contributing something to limit the severity of this pandemic."

Funding for both projects comes from federally funded CARES Act grants distributed by the state of Ohio and will be available through June. Similar research is happening in municipalities across Ohio and the United States.