Pan-Alberta Wastewater Surveillance Program

As a part of the Pan-Alberta Wastewater Surveillance Program, our group at the University of Alberta had an opportunity to use the autosampler developed by C.E.C. Analytics in Calgary during this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. The autosampler provided a great way to monitor the daily levels of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater from specific wards at the University Alberta Hospital. The SARS-CoV-2 signal results matched the number of symptomatic COVID-19 patients from the sampled wards. Virus levels from pre-symptomatic patients could also be detected.

Read more about the program here.

The sampler was installed inline of the pipe system with assistance from the facility management team engineers. 24 hour composite wastewater samples can be collected on a programmable weekly schedule, and sampling frequency is easily adjustable. The sampler has a small footprint and can be easily installed in various locations, such as inline of piping systems, manholes, rivers, septic tanks, etc. As it is a battery powered unit, it can be used in areas without electrical access. We primarily used the sampler indoors as extreme cold weather poses a challenge for using this device outdoors during Alberta winters. We anticipate that the next generation of the device will be adapted to the weather conditions here. 

Beyond the device and installation, Dr. Westlund and his technical team have provided excellent service and consultation to us. Their efforts have contributed greatly to one of the most successful projects on SARS-CoV-2 wastewater-based surveillance in Canada. Our team thanks CEC Analytics for working with and supporting us all the way. You have contributed to surveillance and control of the COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta through your innovation and collaboration. Thank you, Paul and your team!

Lilly Pang
Professor at the University of Alberta
The on-site team leader of Pan-Alberta wastewater surveillance program