SARS-CoV-2 in environmental perspective: Occurrence, persistence, surveillance, inactivation and challenges

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science and Engineering
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• The global spread of SARS-CoV-2 has highlighted its impact on human health, economies, and ecosystems.
• Coronaviruses (CoVs), including SARS-CoV-2, are enveloped viruses with positive-sense single-stranded RNA.
• While proximity transmission is known, the fecal-oral route is an emerging environmental concern for SARS-CoV-2.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential influx routes of enteric enveloped viruses into environmental settings.
• To examine the occurrence, persistence, detection, and inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in the environment.
• To discuss the role of wastewater epidemiology (WBE) in surveillance and early warning.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of published studies on SARS-CoV-2 occurrence, persistence, and inactivation in environmental matrices.
• Analysis of potential transmission routes, including airborne spread via aerosols and environmental factors.
• Review of conventional and emerging disinfection methods for enveloped viruses.

Main Results:

• Coronaviruses replicate in the gastrointestinal tract and are shed in stools, indicating a potential environmental transmission route.
• Evidence suggests SARS-CoV-2 can persist in wastewater, though community transmission via this route requires further establishment.
• Airborne transmission via virus-laden aerosols and environmental factors may influence viral spread.

Conclusions:

• Understanding enteric enveloped virus transmission is critical for environmental engineering strategies.
• Wastewater epidemiology offers a valuable tool for surveillance and early warning of viral outbreaks.
• Effective strategies are needed to counter enteric virus transmission in environmental settings.