Beneath the Surface: Ethical Perspectives in Wastewater Monitoring

The field of wastewater surveillance has witnessed remarkable growth since 2020, with the potential of this invaluable methodology only beginning to unfold. As the field expands its focus beyond respiratory diseases and substance abuse surveillance capabilities, it becomes crucial to attend to the ethical responsibilities inherent in these advancements. Often, scientific progress outpaces regulatory frameworks, underscoring the need for professionals involved in wastewater surveillance to uphold ethical principles.

This webinar serves as a forum for experts from diverse professional disciplines engaged in wastewater surveillance programs to dissect the nuanced ethical challenges associated with monitoring. Issues encompass privacy, data ownership, community engagement, and the discerning application of the methodology. Leveraging their collective decades of experience, the panel will examine how ethical considerations have influenced past projects and underscore the increasing significance of ethics in this evolving field.

We extend an invitation to our audience to capitalize on the wealth of expertise offered in this webinar, encouraging the submission of your most pertinent questions about wastewater surveillance. Join us as we navigate the ethical terrain of wastewater monitoring and illuminate the path forward for responsible and principled practices in this dynamic domain.

Original Airdate:  Tuesday, January 23, 2024
 
Length:  60 minutes 

Presenters: Adam Gushgari - Eurofins Environment Testing, Wydale Holmes - City of Tempe, Dr. Anna Mehrotra - Water Environment Federation, Dr. Andrew Engeli - Ginkgo Bioworks, & Dr. Rochelle Holm - University of Louisville