To expedite protocol validation and increase access to wastewater sludge samples within the research community, the NSF Research Coordination Network on Wastewater Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 is offering primary wastewater sludge samples to interested research groups. This program is being coordinated by the NSF RCN labs at University of Notre Dame, Stanford University, Howard University, and Arizona State University, and samples are housed at the Human Health Observatory in Arizona State University’s Biodesign Institute. Details on the program and instructions to request samples are provided below.
Sample Description
Interested labs will be provided with a ~40mL sludge sample that was generated as follows: A single sludge sample from a primary clarifier at an anonymous wastewater treatment plant was collected and shipped overnight on ice to Arizona State University. The sample was then homogenized, aliquoted into ~40mL volumes, and stored at -20 °C. SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations were measured in the original solids sample and frozen stored aliquots. You will be provided with this data in order to benchmark your sample processing.
How to Request Samples
Any investigators may request samples given that they have funds and resources available to process the samples in their laboratories. Please use this form to request samples. Requests will be reviewed by the RCN Steering Committee and approved on a rolling basis as sample resources remain available.
Questions? Contact Melanie Newell at mengstro@asu.edu
