ERWAT Research and Development

ERWAT is committed to partake in results-driven research that is not only aligned with the strategic objectives of the company, but also with national and international goals and objectives for the water and sanitation sectors. Recognising the value that lies in forming strong research partnerships, ERWAT currently collaborates with various universities (e.g. the University of Johannesburg, the University of Pretoria, Stellenbosch University and WITS University), as well as research institutes such as the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

Our research focusses on a variety of topics ranging from improving effluent quality and treatment efficiencies while reducing operational costs, improving laboratory test methods, preparing for the impacts of climate change, promoting urban resilience, studying the role of wastewater in public health and disease epidemiology, and understanding the impact of pollutants of emerging concern.

As a water care company, ERWAT actively seeks participation in local forums and reference groups, providing technical inputs and guidance on projects related to water and sanitation. ERWAT is an active member of various national and international institutes and participates in the National Water Services Scientific Forum (NWSSF) coordinated by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

REPORTS

Metagenomics analysis of sewage for surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in South Africa

Webmaster2024-09-17T23:58:48+02:00August 26th, 2024|

Ammonium oxidizing bacterial populations in South African activated sludge wastewater treatment plants

Webmaster2024-07-16T15:57:04+02:00October 18th, 2023|

Influence of seasonality, wastewater treatment plant process, geographical location and environmental parameters on bacterial community selection in activated sludge wastewater treatment plants treating municipal sewage in South Africa

Webmaster2024-07-16T15:52:42+02:00January 30th, 2023|

WRC Proof of Concept Study: Wastewater-basedepidemiology for surveillance of the spread of Covid-19 in South African communities

Webmaster2020-10-13T12:41:11+02:00October 13th, 2020|

This report was prepared by the Research Team – J. Mans, M.B. Taylor, B. Genthe, L. Coetzee and G. Pocock on WRC Project number: C2020-2021-00353. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 98% of wastewater samples collected. [...]

Fouche et al (2018): Detection, Identification and Quantitation of Intestinal Parasites in Water and Sewage Sludge Samples Using Real-Time PCR Coupled With High Resolution Melt (HRM™) Curve Analysis

Webmaster2019-10-09T07:46:15+02:00December 31st, 2018|

Chapman et al (2016): Investigating the potential physical, chemical and microbiological impacts of treated wastewater effl uent on a receiving river – a case study

Webmaster2019-10-09T07:47:45+02:00December 31st, 2016|

PROOF OF CONCEPT STUDY: Application of wastewater-based surveillance to monitor SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in South African communities

Webmaster2020-10-13T12:41:31+02:00October 13th, 2020|

The overall aim of this proof of concept study is preliminary testing, optimisation and validation of sampling and virus analysis methods, as well as results interpretation and reporting in the South African context. The study […]