Using wastewater to track health in Tribal communities.

ASU Faculty Enhancement: Wastewater-based epidemiology: relevant health metrics in Tribal communities.

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · INTER TRIBAL COUNCIL OF ARIZONA, INC. · NIH-10922711

This study is looking at how testing wastewater can help us understand health issues like COVID-19 and substance abuse in Tribal communities, while also making sure to respect their needs and opinions.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorINTER TRIBAL COUNCIL OF ARIZONA, INC. (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHOENIX, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10922711 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) can be utilized to measure health metrics in Tribal communities, focusing on issues like COVID-19 and substance abuse. By analyzing chemical metabolites, bacteria, and viruses found in wastewater, the project aims to develop a framework for responsible WBE research that respects Tribal sovereignty and infrastructure. The study will also gather insights from Tribal leaders and community members to understand their perceptions of WBE and identify relevant health indicators that can be monitored through this method.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include members of Tribal communities who are interested in health monitoring and improving health outcomes in their populations.

Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in Tribal communities or those without access to centralized sewer treatment systems may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide Tribal communities with valuable insights into public health trends and disparities, enabling targeted interventions.

How similar studies have performed: While wastewater-based epidemiology has been successful in other communities, its application in Tribal settings is novel and has not been extensively documented.

Where this research is happening

PHOENIX, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Communicable Diseases

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.