SARS-CoV-2 RNA (Covid-19) has been found in raw sewage and sludge samples which were collected from areas in and around Dhaka city, according to a new study.
However, there was no presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the samples of treated sewage, the study said, adding that SARS-CoV-2 RNA wasn't also found in water and sediment samples collected from the river and pond.
The findings of the study were revealed at an event organized by icddr,b and Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA) in Dhaka on Monday.
The event also shared the findings of a recent study which looked into the presence of Covid-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) in sewage and other contaminated surface water sources in and around Dhaka city.
Covid-19 may lead to environmental contamination if sewage is not treated and discharged properly.
During the period between September 2020 and January 2021, 22 sewage and 23 sludge samples were collected from DWASA's Narinda and Basabo sewage pumping stations and Pagla sewage treatment plant (PSTP).
A total of six samples (three water and three sediment samples) were also collected from Institute of Public Health (IPH) pond, Mirpur Mazar pond and Shahidullah Hall pond on the Dhaka University campus.
All the samples were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR assay and different physicochemical parameters.
Dr Sirajul Islam, Emeritus Scientist at icddr,b and principal investigator of the study, presented the findings.
The study showed that 57.1 per cent of raw sewage samples and 53.3 per cent of sludge samples were found to have SARS-CoV-2 RNA respectively. But the presence of SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in the samples collected after treatment by PSTP.
Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Md Tazul Islam addressed the event as the chief guest suggested that the authority concerned take measures to ensure pure drinking water.
Taqsem A Khan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Dhaka WASA said, "We have carried out the research with icddr,b to know if there is any Covid-19 virus in piped water." WASA water does not have any coronavirus, he added.
nsrafsanju@gmail.com
© 2025 - All Rights with The Financial Express
