Research Projects

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a valuable tool for implementing rapid response to pandemic events, but its calculations can be affected by errors due to inaccurate assumptions on pathogen fate and transport in sewer systems. To develop next-generation WBE-based epidemiological models, knowledge gaps must be addressed. This project plans to conduct sewer pilot and modeling studies in Canada and India, using a scaled-down sewer pilot system and machine-learning algorithms. Over 1,000 samples will be collected and enumerated under various sewer process conditions. The Indian team will develop next-generation epidemiological models using machine-learning algorithms, integrating pathogen-calibrated sewer simulations with classical compartmental epidemiological models. Pathogen-specific subroutines will be integrated in EPA-SWMM and Mega-WATS174 to predict pathogen dynamics and hotspots in city-wide sewer systems. Finally, AI-based epidemiological models will be derived for day-ahead predictions of future pandemic waves.