PONE-D-24-06901Wastewater-based epidemiology surveillance as an early warning system for SARS-CoV-2 in IndonesiaPLOS ONE

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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5. Review Comments to the Author

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Reviewer #1: Revision manuscript “Wastewater-based epidemiology surveillance as an early warning system for SARS-COV-2 in Indonesia”

In this manuscript, the authors claim that wastewater-based epidemiology could be used as an early warning system for SARS-CoV-2 spread among the population. Although the study is well conducted and sound, I do not think that this approach would be realistically applicable in a near future and able to provide data in real-time so that health authorities can immediately act to prevent the spread of infection among the population. Furthermore, data need to be validated as well as the methods used.

Anyway, this type of investigation is suitable for collection of epidemiological data.

Minor point:

-Abstract, material and methods:

Line 38, the period of observation is longer than 9 months as stated in the text.

Reviewer #2: This is a study on the monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in municipal wastewater samples in a specific region of Indonesia. The study was well-conducted, and the results provide important information to support epidemiological surveillance in the region, especially where the capacity for clinical testing is limited. The WBE tool has proven to be efficient and an important aid for epidemiological surveillance, particularly in developing countries. Regarding the manuscript, although it is methodologically correct and presents important results, it does not bring any novelty or significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge in this area. Many studies in the literature address the use of WBE for this purpose. I believe the authors can significantly improve the article by detailing the sampling of wastewater in the region, discussing the challenges encountered and the solutions adopted to overcome them. Additionally, they could discuss how the results were utilized by local or governmental agencies; if they were not used, they should highlight these needs and how they could be addressed. To further enhance the text, the authors could provide some examples of WBE applications in situations similar to that of Indonesia, particularly relating to issues of basic sanitation infrastructure and vulnerability indices of the monitored population.

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Reviewer #1: No

Reviewer #2: Yes: Rodrigo de Freitas Bueno

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Wastewater-based epidemiology surveillance as an early warning system for SARS-CoV-2 in Indonesia

PONE-D-24-06901R1

Dear Dr. Vicka Oktaria,

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

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Kind regards,

Eleonora Nicolai, PhD

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

Additional Editor Comments (optional):

Dear authors,

I appreciate your work in addressing all reviewers , in my opinion it gives more strength to your paper.

Reviewers' comments: