Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 27, 2025

Quantification and Whole Genome Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Wastewater and Air Samples
Published on: June 30, 2023
Low risk of environmental contagion by SARS-CoV-2 in non-sanitary spaces
Sonia Ragull1, Alba Núñez-Gómez1, M Carmen Aretxalde2
1Aqualab Asesoría y Análisis de Aguas S.L., Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain.
Objective:
To study the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces (high, medium and low contact) and airs in non-sanitary spaces with high public influx to evaluate the risk of environmental contagion.
Methods:
Surfaces and airs were analysed by RT-qPCR to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2.
Results:
394 surfaces and air samples were obtained from spaces with high public influx such as offices, shopping centres and nursing homes. The virus was not detected in any of the samples analysed.
Conclusion:
Although we cannot emphatically conclude that there is no risk of environmental 27 infection by SARS-CoV-2 in non-sanitary spaces, we can affirm that the risk is almost non- existent.
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