Sewage as an indicator of public health

Sewage research is now being used to detect the coronavirus (SARS severe acute respiratory syndrome (severe acute respiratory syndrome)-CoV coronavirus (coronavirus)-2). This type of monitoring has been used for some time to detect poliovirus and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. RIVM is investigating options for expanding sewage research to include other data that could provide information about public health.

• Use of muscle-building supplements Anabolic steroids, sequestering agents*, weight-loss supplements*
• Drug use Heroin, cocaine, new party drugs
• Forensic research Drug production
• Smoking and drinking Nicotine, alcohol consumption
• Dangerous substances PFAS Per- en polyfluoralkylstoffen (Per- en polyfluoralkylstoffen), substances of very high concern (SVHC substances of very high concern (substances of very high concern) / ZZS Zeer Zorgwekkende Stoffen (Zeer Zorgwekkende Stoffen)), pesticides, ame retardants*, new substances*
• Pathogens SARS-CoV-2, poliovirus, norovirus, antibiotic-resistant bacteria
• Non-communicable diseases Diabetes*, cancer*, allergies*
• Medication use Regimen compliance*, insight into over-the-counter medicines*
• Nutrition Mycotoxins, vitamins*, isoflavones*
• Obesity Biomarkers correlated to BMI Body Mass Index (Body Mass Index)
• Personal hygiene and care products Microplastics, parabens*, UV ultraviolet (ultraviolet) filters*
• A healthy lifestyle Oxidative stress*

*These parameters are not yet used in sewage research. Further research is needed to determine whether this is possible.