SARS-CoV-2 in water services: Presence and impacts

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Virology

Background:

• Human pathogenic viruses in aquatic ecosystems, including wastewater, raise significant environmental and public health concerns.
• The presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in water bodies necessitates understanding its transmission routes and health implications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 presence and persistence in various water matrices and excreta.
• To assess the implications for water services, public health, and occupational risks.
• To discuss the role of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) as an early warning tool for infectious disease outbreaks.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications on SARS-CoV-2 in water and wastewater.
• Analysis of potential transmission pathways and public health risks.
• Evaluation of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) applications.

Main Results:

• SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in human excreta, wastewater, sewage sludge, and natural water bodies.
• Water services face challenges related to fecal transmission, public health, and worker safety.
• Containment measures impact household water consumption patterns.

Conclusions:

• Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) offers a valuable tool for monitoring infectious diseases and providing early warnings.
• Effective water and wastewater management strategies are crucial for mitigating health risks.
• Further research is needed to support sustainable water management during viral re-emergence and future pandemics.