Department Environmental Microbiology

The SLeW project monitors Legionella spp. and Legionella pneumophila in Swiss wastewater treatment plants. We analyze their abundance and growth in activated sludge to understand their behavior in wastewater environments. To achieve this, we conduct two major sampling campaigns per year in 20 wastewater treatment plants across Switzerland. Additionally, we perform biweekly sampling in a subset of plants to assess seasonal variations, with a focus on temperature effects.

The collected data will help identify key factors influencing Legionella dynamics, improve risk assessments, and contribute to public health protection. By understanding Legionella's presence in wastewater, we aim to enhance monitoring strategies and inform future water safety measures.