The Northern Territory now has the capacity to test its own wastewater for traces of COVID-19, thanks to a team of microbiologists at Charles Darwin University (CDU).
The Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods' (RIEL) Environmental Chemistry and Microbiology Unit (ECMU) Senior Microbiologists Dr Anna Padovan and Dr Susan Pizzutto have been testing wastewater using state-of-the-art lab equipment since January 2022.
"By bringing the testing right here to Darwin, NT Health no longer has to wait for samples to be flown interstate," Dr Padovan said.
Dr Padovan said that NT Health can now access test results within 24 hours.
"The capacity to test wastewater for COVID-19 demonstrates a small fraction of the research capability at CDU and is yet another demonstration of the benefits of universities and governments working together," she said.
Wastewater samples are delivered to CDU, then, after some extraction processes, the researchers use the same type of PCR test that millions of Australians have been receiving at testing sites right around the country to test the samples for traces of COVID-19.
Senior Microbiologist Dr Susan Pizzutto said results are reported to NT Health, who can use the data to track the trends of COVID-19.
"By mapping long term trends of COVID-19 in community wastewater, authorities can be informed as to how the pandemic is tracking," Dr Pizzutto said.
The ECMU's capacity to bring this testing online in a dedicated laboratory has been supported by the Northern Territory Government, with support from CDU.
