Monash University research uses ‘socks’ to assess contaminated soil

Researchers are using a new method to detect hidden pathogens in soil in Fiji’s informal settlements where untreated wastewater and faecal matter have seeped into the surrounding environment.

The Monash University Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE) program researchers used ‘boot sock sampling’, collecting dirt from outdoor areas with their footsteps, to create a sample that paints a picture of pathogen levels in soil.

This method is a twist on traditional gold standard methods, such as grab sampling, which gives a snapshot of soil quality.

Soil contamination is a major health risk in informal settlements, where untreated wastewater and faecal matter can seep into the surrounding environment, increasing the risk of exposure to faecal pathogens.

Led by a consortium of communities, researchers, governments, non-profit and industry partners, RISE is a transdisciplinary research program working at the intersections of health, environment, and water and sanitation.

Dr Lamiya Bata, Lead author and former PhD candidate at the Monash-led RISE program, said boot sock sampling was a composite method, with each step collecting a “mini set of samples”, and covers a larger surface area to reveal pathogens in soil.

“Think of it as giving your shoes a secret mission while you go about your day. The socks collect dirt from high-traffic outdoor areas, like playgrounds and walkways,” said Bata.

“The boot sock method provides a far more sensitive detection of E.coli, showing less variation between samples. This makes it a more efficient tool for assessing health risks and allows for more accurate, broad-scale assessments in real-world settings.”

The research found that fewer samples were needed to cover larger areas, improving both time and cost efficiency compared to traditional methods.

Bata said the boot sock technique can be used to study other pathogens and environments beyond informal settlements, offering valuable insights for public health risk assessments.

“We’re excited by the potential of this technique to be adapted for use in diverse settings, including indoor environments, and to guide interventions, especially in high-risk areas where people may have limited sanitation infrastructure,” said Bata.

For more information, visit: www.monash.edu/