News

As the University of Arizona opens for classes and research this fall, a team from WEST Center will monitor wastewater for early detection of COVID-19 on campus.

Scientists are searching for evidence of the coronavirus everywhere, including sewage treatment plants. In an interview for NPR's Arizona Science, WEST Center director Ian Pepper says looking for COVID-19 in this unlikely location could help predict when and where to expect the next outbreak.

The complete advanced water purification system - formerly part of the Pima County Water Innovation Challenge "beer truck" - was moved into WEST Center in late July 2020.  The technology will be available for a variety of experiments at the University of Arizona facility.

In an article published in World Water in July/Aug 2020, WEST researchers explain how coronavirus form contributes to function, and confirm that coronaviruses are eliminated more easily by wastewater treatment processes than viruses traditionally associated with waterborne disease.

In a recent study at WEST Center, researchers Aidan Foster and Dr. Ian Pepper examined the potential for magnetic fields to reduce chlorine demand in water disinfection.  Findings are especially significant as they can reduce costs for homeowners and commercial pools.

By Tony Davis, Arizona Daily Star

Researchers at University of Arizona WEST Center are developing an early warning system for the coronavirus - testing wastewater.

By UArizona Institute for Energy Solutions

HOT water-energy technology for inland desalination by UArizona researchers, including two WEST faculty, wins DOE RAPID award.

With advanced laboratory capabilities and expertise in Coronavirus research, WEST initiated an monitoring program in March 2020 to allow Coronavirus sewage surveillance. Sewage monitoring allows communities to evaluate the presence of the virus and ensure safety of wastewater treatment workers.

By Rosemary Brandt, UA News
As the novel coronavirus pandemic continues, UArizona researchers at WEST Center are evaluating the potential of antiviral surface coatings in continued defense against the environmental spread of viruses.

UA WEST and researchers from other institutions, along with national water sector organizations, state agencies, and businesses, are working together to help the water sector stay informed and safe, and combat the spread of coronavirus.  One important resource is the document, “Implications of COVID-19 for Water, Wastewater, and Water Reuse.”