The detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in wastewater has rapidly become a significant tool to address the ongoing pandemic. Wastewater detection of SARS-CoV-2 is particularly useful where significant numbers of asymptomatic infections occur. A balanced nutrient ratio is essential if the microorganisms are to function at maximum efficiency. The most important of these nutrients are nitrogen and phosphorus. It is helpful to know how many people are contributing to the wastewater so that detected amounts of RNA can be compared or ‘normalized’ to faecal load. Several options exist that may allow estimation of relative human faecal load including biomarkers such as ammoniacal nitrogen, urea and creatinine.
