Pioneering work to monitor wastewater flows for viruses and pollution could pave the way for transformative approaches to public and environmental health in coming years. Sally Watson and Judy Anderson set out the changes they’d like to see.
By 2040, wastewater treatment is regarded by many governments as the front line in tackling harm from contaminants to the environment, food chains, and public health. Legislation and regulations have been tightened to better control plastics, inorganic chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.