Omicron and other variants detectable in wastewater Dec. 16, 2021 With dPCR instruments and expertise in analyzing wastewater for SARS-CoV-2, WEST Center is capable of presumptive detection of variants of concern, including Delta and Omicron. Read more Image
WEST Center researchers share expertise at relaunched conferences Nov. 30, 2021 WEST researchers present to national and international audiences as organizations reconvene for annual meetings in the COVID era. Read more Image
WEST publication selected for JMS Editor’s Choice Nov. 17, 2021 Research published by Dr. Bianca Souza-Chaves and WEST colleagues in the Journal of Membrane Science (JMS) describes the use of chlorination to extend the life of reverse osmosis membranes used in water reuse. The article was selected as a JMS Editor’s Choice in September 2021. Read more Image
Study targets dust's overlooked role in potential cross-contamination Oct. 30, 2021 In an article by the Center for Produce Safety, WEST researcher, Dr. Kelly Bright, explains how a new study aims to provide insight into the role of dust in pathogen transfer onto produce. Along with UArizona Co-PIs Drs. Walter Betancourt and Charles Gerba, Bright will lead a combination of laboratory experiments and field studies in Arizona’s arid farming region and develop best management practices (BMPs) to help guide growers. Read more Image
PBS NewsHour: Return to Campus Oct. 5, 2021 In an episode of PBS NewsHour, reporters cover issues and approaches to a return to campus during continued COVID-19 concerns. The piece highlights two universities, including the University of Arizona, and discusses strategies being used to keep campus communities safe across the country - including vaccination, masks, testing, and wastewater monitoring. Read more Image
WEST Center Researcher Spotlight: Erika Stark Sept. 22, 2021 A Research Technician at WEST Center, Erika Stark analyzes samples for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19, studies microplastics in soils, and recently completed a master’s degree in Public Health. Read more Image
Help Save Land Application of Biosolids Sept. 20, 2021 With growing concern that land application of biosolids could be banned due to possible PFAS contamination of groundwater and/or crop uptake, WEST Center and others are developing a collaborative study to evaluate the incidence and mobility of PFAS following land application of biosolids. WEST invites partners to join this study! Read more Image
WEST Center awarded grants from EPA and CDC Sept. 14, 2021 In early September 2021, WEST Center researchers were awarded grants from federal agencies to 1) evaluate water quality for direct potable reuse and 2) assess viability and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater across the U.S. Read more Image
Reclaimed water, a major focus of WEST research, provides river habitat in Tucson Sept. 8, 2021 In a September 2021 article, Arizona Republic writer Ian James describes how reclaimed water in action is supporting river life in the Southwest. Technologies to improve water quality and purification efficiencies are a major focus of WEST Center research. Read more Image
New dPCR instruments boost WEST’s analytical capabilities Aug. 26, 2021 Installed in WEST in August 2021, two new digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) instruments will provide rapid and sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 and variants in wastewater, essential to monitoring community health. Read more Image