The main objective of the “nationwide SARS-CoV-2 surveillance study in the wastewaters of Turkey” is to identify the regional distribution of the COVID-19 outbreak throughout the country by monitoring wastewater as a tool. Continual monitoring of wastewaters for SARS-CoV-2 aims to provide an early warning sign in case of an infection resurge.

The study is commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Turkey under the coordination of Turkish Water Institute (SUEN) and with the support of State Hydraulic Works, GD of Food and Control and GD of Water Management under the same ministry. Marmara University and University of Health Sciences support the project as scientific advisors.

 

Scanning for SARS-CoV-2 is accomplished in the influent and effluent samples as well as primary and waste activated sludge samples collected from 189 points (WWTPs and manholes) in the 81 cities. Viral activity and inactivity tests are also performed.