Project #5029

Environmental Persistence and Disinfection of the Lassa Virus and SARS-CoV-2 to Protect Worker and Public Safety

$295,031
In Progress
Principal Investigator
Kyle
Bibby
Research Manager
Ms. Lola Olabode
Contractor
University of Notre Dame
Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs)
Microbes & Pathogens
Emergency Response & Preparedness
Monitoring
Treatment

Abstract

The Ebola virus epidemic of 2014-15 revealed significant shortcomings in the wastewater sector in response to highly infectious disease outbreaks. The goal of this research is to help prepare the wastewater industry for the next epidemic or pandemic outbreaks of highly infectious viruses. Specifically, it will assess the persistence and disinfection of the Lassa virus, which is on the World Health Organization’s watch list, and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The researchers will construct a user-friendly model to estimate worker viral exposure and environmental release from wastewater operations in an effort to prepare the wastewater sector for the next epidemic or pandemic outbreak of highly infectious virus by providing a qualitative basis to respond to worker and public concerns regarding persistence, disinfection, and potential exposure.