This illustration is based on an article assessing the sensitivity and cost of wastewater metagenomic sequencing (W-MGS) for viral surveillance. W-MGS hosts benefits such as maintaining high sensitivity while simultaneously detecting multiple pathogens, with additional opportunities to obtain more complete pathogen genomes.

The gloved hand of a wastewater operator cranks a mechanical model representing W-MGS, based off celestial orreys. A universe of viruses spin around a chain with sample collection bottles, hanging from a sewer grate. Elements creating the model foundation represent solute-hybrid selection. Forms represent biotinylated probes responsible for DNA hybridization, which are then captured and isolated using streptavidin-coated magnetic beads.

Art direction by Maria Garcia.