A bilateral US-UK airplane wastewater monitoring pilot demonstrates the feasibility of an international wastewater surveillance network

M Matthew J. Wade I Ian Ruskey E Elizabeth Perry V Valerie Meehan A Andrew P. Rothstein D Dawn Gratalo S Sarah Rush B Birgitte Simen K Karly-Rai Rogers-Broadway S Suam Gonzalez C Catherine Ryan C Christopher Burton R Raju Misra D Darren Chooneea E Elona Hutchins T Toby Lock K Kiera Baker A Amy Hughes C Cindy R. Friedman

Abstract

Abstract We present findings from the first known pilot study of transatlantic airplane wastewater monitoring, conducted over six months at two connected international airports in the United States and the United Kingdom. This study demonstrates the feasibility of implementing bilateral wastewater-based pathogen surveillance at international travel hubs. We outline the operational and analytical methodologies employed, highlight key challenges encountered in transnational coordination, and provide recommendations for the design and implementation of future surveillance programs at points of entry.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 1, Issue 1
Published August 01, 2026
ISSN 2045-2322
Publisher Nature Portfolio

Journal Info

Scientific Reports

Nature Portfolio

ISSN: 2045-2322 Open Access Life Sciences

Authors (19)

M

Matthew J. Wade

I

Ian Ruskey

E

Elizabeth Perry

V

Valerie Meehan

A

Andrew P. Rothstein

D

Dawn Gratalo

S

Sarah Rush

B

Birgitte Simen

K

Karly-Rai Rogers-Broadway

S

Suam Gonzalez

C

Catherine Ryan

C

Christopher Burton

R

Raju Misra

D

Darren Chooneea

E

Elona Hutchins

T

Toby Lock

K

Kiera Baker

A

Amy Hughes

C

Cindy R. Friedman