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Swabbing the Urban Environment - A Pipeline for Sampling and Detection of SARS-CoV-2 From Environmental Reservoirs
Published on: April 9, 2021
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SARS-CoV-2 in soils.
1Dept. Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Engineering Polytechnic School, Campus Univ. Lugo, University Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Environmental Research
|August 18, 2020
Summary
Wastewater surveillance offers early COVID-19 warnings. This study highlights the need to investigate SARS-CoV-2 in sewage sludge, soils, and plants, which remain understudied environmental compartments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred research into environmental monitoring.
- Wastewater-based epidemiology is established for early warning of infectious diseases.
- Limited research exists on SARS-CoV-2 presence in sewage sludge and soils.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the potential of including soils and plants in environmental surveillance for SARS-CoV-2.
- To highlight the understudied areas of sewage sludge and soil contamination.
- To propose future research directions for environmental monitoring of SARS-CoV-2.
Main Methods:
- This work is a commentary and discussion piece.
- It reviews existing literature on environmental surveillance related to COVID-19.
- It proposes avenues for future research.
Main Results:
- Wastewater surveillance is a valuable tool for early detection of pathogens.
- Sewage sludge and soils receiving wastewater/sludge are potential reservoirs for SARS-CoV-2.
- Plants growing on contaminated soils may also be affected.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to understand SARS-CoV-2 fate in sewage sludge, soils, and plants.
- Integrating these compartments into surveillance strategies could enhance pandemic preparedness.
- Environmental monitoring for SARS-CoV-2 should expand beyond wastewater.
