Skip to main content
SLU publication database (SLUpub)

Research article2019Peer reviewedOpen access

A National Wastewater Monitoring Program for a better understanding of public health: A case study using the Australian Census

O'Brien, Jake W.; Grant, Sharon; Banks, Andrew P. W.; Bruno, Raimondo; Carter, Stephen; Choi, Phil M.; Covaci, Adrian; Crosbie, Nicholas D.; Gartner, Coral; Hall, Wayne; Jiang, Guangming; Kaserzon, Sarit; Kirkbride, K. Paul; Lai, Foon Yin; Mackie, Rachel; Marshall, Judi; Ort, Christoph; Paxman, Christopher; Prichard, Jeremy; Phong Thai;
Show more authors

Abstract

Wastewater contains a large range of biological and chemical markers of human activity and exposures. Through systematic collection and analysis of these markers within wastewater samples it is possible to measure the public health of whole populations. The analysis of effluent and biosolids can also be used to understand the release of chemicals from wastewater treatment plants into the environment. Wastewater analysis and comparison with catchment specific data (e.g. demographics) however remains largely unexplored. This manuscript describes a national wastewater monitoring study that combines influent, effluent and biosolids sampling with the Australian Census. An archiving program allows estimation of per capita exposure to and consumption of chemicals, public health information, as well as per capita release of chemicals into the environment. The paper discusses the study concept, critical steps in setting up a coordinated national approach and key logistical and other considerations with a focus on lessons learnt and future applications. The unique combination of archived samples, analytical data and associated census-derived population data will provide a baseline dataset that has wide and potentially increasing applications across many disciplines that include public health, epidemiology, criminology, toxicology and sociology.

Keywords

Census; Wastewater; Influent; Effluent; Biosolids; Australia

Published in

Environment International
2019, Volume: 122, pages: 400-411
Publisher: PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

    Sustainable Development Goals

    Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
    Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

    UKÄ Subject classification

    Water Treatment

    Publication identifier

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2018.12.003

    Permanent link to this page (URI)

    https://res.slu.se/id/publ/97780