Researchers test Mason wastewater to catch potential COVID-19 outbreaks early

Each week, samples of wastewater are taken from sewers across George Mason's campus. This wastewater is tested for COVID-19 RNA. Testing wastewater is an efficient way to catch COVID-19 outbreaks early. This research is led by Chemistry and Biochemistry Associate Professor Benoit Van Aken, Environmental Science and Policy Assistant Professor Jennifer Salerno, and Biology Professor and Associate Dean of Research Pat Gillevet. It is funded by GMU COVID surveillance program (Diann Stedman, Mason Biosafety Manager) Visit the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center​ for more details.