How one Spanish city is using wastewater to fight COVID-19

In the ongoing battle against COVID-19, authorities in Spain are going to extreme levels in an effort to find out more about the virus.

In Valencia, the study of fecal matter in wastewater samples has resulted in the development of an early detection system that is helping to control outbreaks of the virus.

Valencia has registered one of the lowest COVID-19 infection rates of Spain's major cities and this system of testing is intended to make sure that continues.

In Valencia, the study of fecal matter in wastewater samples has helped to create an early detection system to control outbreaks of COVID-19. /CGTN

Quicker detection

Identifying the virus in waste or sewage water means health authorities can isolate and control any potential outbreak far earlier.

It's a much quicker method of detecting COVID-19 than waiting for people to develop symptoms, which can take up to 20 days after a person has been infected.

Guillermo Garcia is an analyst with Valencia-based water company Global Omnium and explained to CGTN Europe the process behind gathering and analyzing wastewater samples.

"The process takes eight to 10 hours, the samples are collected in the city, where they are sent to a lab where it takes eight to 10 hours to be analyzed, and then the numbers are shared with the client, health authority or a company in real time."

Samples are collected in the city before being sent to a lab, where it takes eight to 10 hours for them to be analyzed. /CGTN

Preventing a second wave

Wastewater samples are taken from 24 locations around the city.

The aim is to monitor any infections that could then allow the authorities to take pre-emptive measures in the event of a new outbreak.

The system was developed in conjunction with the University of Valencia and Global Omnium, the CEO of which, Dionisio Garcia Comin, told CGTN Europe that the company was hoping to work with other cities to help them fight the pandemic.

"We have proposed several parts," he said. "We had some interviews with New York City and we are also going to do it in Spain and other important towns. We are already collaborating with Sevilla and maybe in the future with Madrid, so we have good collaborations so far."

With COVID-19 infections now increasing across the developing world, wastewater testing similar to that being trialed in Valencia, could provide a better economic alternative to widespread screening.