Entitled Viral Pathogens in water: occurrence, fate and environmental circulation, the thesis of Inés Girón has been carried out at IATA and directed by Gloria Sánchez Moragas, Alba Pérez Cataluña and Irene Falcó Ferrando.
Water is an essential resource but also a vehicle for contaminants, including viruses that can affect public health and the food chain. In this context, Inés Girón’s thesis evaluates the presence, stability and behavior of pathogenic viruses in different types of water.
During the work, the pre-doctoral researcher conducted epidemiological studies, viral stability tests and methodological comparisons in different human enteric viruses, SARS-CoV-2 or Influenza A virus in waste water for a period of one year. The results showed high levels of viral circulation and confirmed the effectiveness of detection techniques such as RT-qPCR and mass sequencing.
During the work, the pre-doctoral researcher conducted epidemiological studies, viral stability tests and methodological comparisons in different human enteric viruses, SARS-CoV-2 or Influenza A virus in waste water for a period of one year. The results showed high levels of viral circulation and confirmed the effectiveness of detection techniques such as RT-qPCR and mass sequencing
The results of the work point to the need to optimize water detection, treatment and management technologies to reduce the risks associated with its re-use in order to protect public health.
Inés Girón Guzmán holds a degree in Food Science and Technology from the University of Valencia and has a Master’s Degree in Quality and Food Safety from the same institution (2021), studies in which she obtained the Extraordinary Prize of Degree and Master by the UV. She has a PhD from the University of Valencia.
She has focused his career on the study of emerging risks in the food chain and the detection of viruses in waste water. She has participated in research projects related to the detection, surveillance and epidemiology of viruses in water, including the monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-pandemic19, as well as studies on the presence and behaviour of microplastics and viruses in the aquatic environment.
Currently postdoctoral researcher at IATA’s VISAFELAB, her laboratory focuses its research on the epidemiological surveillance of pathogens of increasing concern through wastewater, environmental virology, food safety associated with the virus and metagenomics of viruses, through the analysis of waste water. Its objectives are to improve food security, develop diagnostic strategies, Wastewater Epidemiology for disease surveillance, the effectiveness of conservation technologies and transfer to companies and society.
Source: IATA