Environmental survival of SARS-CoV-2 - A solid waste perspective

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, including masks and gloves.
• Improper disposal of this PPE poses significant environmental risks and potential for disease transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the environmental impact of widespread personal protective equipment (PPE) waste generated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To investigate innovative and safe biological disposal methods for contaminated PPE.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on the environmental consequences of PPE disposal.
• Exploration of emerging technologies for effective decontamination and waste management.
• Analysis of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Ultraviolet (UV) light applications in virus inactivation.

Main Results:

• Significant increase in non-biodegradable waste from single-use PPE.
• Potential for pathogen transmission through improperly discarded PPE.
• AI and UV technologies show promise for efficient and safe viral inactivation on PPE.

Conclusions:

• Urgent need for sustainable waste management strategies for PPE.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Ultraviolet (UV) light offer innovative solutions for decontaminating infectious waste.
• Developing secure and eco-friendly disposal methods is crucial to mitigate environmental and health risks.