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What is the “secret weapon” hidden in Canada’s sewers?
Wastewater surveillance has emerged as a powerful public health tool in Canada, allowing researchers to track the spread of infectious diseases through sewage analysis.
By monitoring wastewater for biological markers, scientists can detect outbreaks earlier than traditional reporting methods, offering valuable insight into community-level health trends. While the approach has proven effective during recent public health crises, experts continue to examine how it can be expanded, standardized, and integrated into long-term public health systems.
How can wastewater treatment help fight “forever chemicals”?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” pose a growing challenge for wastewater treatment systems due to their persistence and resistance to conventional removal methods.
New treatment approaches are emerging that focus on capturing, concentrating, or breaking down PFAS before treated water is released back into the environment. While these solutions show promise in reducing environmental and health risks, experts note that scalability, cost, and regulatory alignment remain key considerations for widespread adoption.
How are emerging technologies changing wastewater treatment?
Wastewater treatment systems are evolving as utilities and industrial operators adopt new technologies to address aging infrastructure, stricter environmental regulations, and rising sustainability expectations.
Emerging approaches include advanced biological treatment processes, real-time monitoring and automation, energy-efficient systems, and data-driven optimization tools. While these innovations aim to improve treatment performance and reduce environmental impact, their adoption also raises questions around cost, scalability, and long-term operational effectiveness.
How much sewage is spilled into rivers, lakes and the sea near you?
Water companies spilled raw sewage for a record time of 3.61m hours into sea and rivers in England in 2024, according to data from the Environment Agency.
Rules allow a limited discharge of sewage in periods of excess rain, but environmental groups remain concerned that the levels post a threat to wildlife and a health risk to swimmers.
AI system warns of sewage fungus before it’s visible to human eye
Scientists have developed an early warning system that can detect one of the biggest menaces to Britain’s rivers.
Sewage fungus is triggered by pollution and takes the form of slimy filaments of bacteria and other micro-organisms. These masses can often be seen clinging to river beds and can choke river ecosystems.
AI for water: 10 ways AI is changing the water industry
Artificial intelligence (AI) is making its mark on the water industry, powering intelligent operations using machine learning to optimize resource use and operational budgets for organizations.