A group of Canadian scientists is developing an algorithm that can analyze wastewater and determine in which areas the coronavirus outbreak is occurring, reports CTVNews.
Special sensors will be placed in sewer wells to detect residual SARS-CoV-2 genes in human excrement, the researchers said. If a virus is detected, the device will send an alarm to the laboratory, and then scientists can manually check the waste of a specific collector. According to scientists, this whole process will take no more than a day.
A similar system is already in use in many parts of Ottawa, but now the materials of all the wells have to be collected by hand. The new system will make it possible to more accurately predict in which areas the coronavirus outbreak begins and send local residents for testing or self-isolation.
Subsequently, scientists believe, this algorithm can be used to track other viruses, as well as to analyze chemicals in the sewer system. This will help locate explosives and drug laboratories.
