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Bidirectional association between COVID-19 and the environment: A systematic review
Nayereh Rezaie Rahimi1, Reza Fouladi-Fard2, Rahim Aali2
1Research Center for Environmental Pollutants, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran; Student Research Committee, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
Environmental Research
|January 1, 2021
Summary
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) impacts and is impacted by the environment. Environmental factors like air, wastewater, and solid waste influence SARS-CoV-2 transmission and viability.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Virology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has had profound global impacts on economics, society, and public health.
- SARS-CoV-2 shares significant genomic similarity with the virus causing severe acute respiratory syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the environmental impact of SARS-CoV-2.
- To investigate how environmental factors influence the transmission and viability of SARS-CoV-2.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of studies published from December 2019 to July 2020.
- Searches conducted in Scopus, Science Direct, and PubMed databases.
- Keywords included SARS-CoV-2 transmission, COVID-19 transmission, environmental factors (waterborne, wastewater, airborne, solid waste, fomites, fecal-oral), and meteorological factors.
Main Results:
- Environmental conditions, including ambient air temperature and relative humidity, may affect SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility and viability.
- Wastewater samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, raising concerns about urban sewer system transmission and wastewater treatment efficacy.
- Solid waste, such as used masks, poses a potential transmission risk.
- A significant portion of reviewed studies focused on the indoor/outdoor environment (36%), meteorological factors (16%), wastewater (11%), and fomites (14%).
- Airborne transmission and indoor air quality are critical, especially during lockdowns.
Conclusions:
- Environmental factors play a significant role in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 across geographical boundaries.
- Countries must prioritize sustainable development goals in light of environmental influences on pandemics.
- Further attention to environmental surveillance and management is crucial for pandemic preparedness and control.
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