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Various advanced wastewater treatment methods to remove microplastics and prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to
S Zahmatkesh1,2, J J Klemeš3, A Bokhari3
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of Mazandaran, P.O. Box 48518-78195, Behshahr, Iran.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) and SARS-CoV-2 interact due to their widespread presence in our environment and affect the virus' behaviour indoors and outdoors. Therefore, it is necessary to study the interaction between MPs and SARS-CoV-2. The environmental damage caused by MPs is increasing globally. Emerging pollutants may adversely affect organisms, especially sewage, posing a threat to human health, animal health, and the ecological system. A significant concern with MPs in the air is that they are a vital component of MPs in the other environmental compartments, such as water and soil, which may affect human health through ingesting or inhaling. This work introduces the fundamental knowledge of various methods in advanced water treatment, including membrane bioreactors, advanced oxidation processes, adsorption, etc., are highly effective in removing MPs; they can still serve as an entrance route due to their constantly being discharged into aquatic environments. Following that, an analysis of each process for MPs' removal and mitigation or prevention of SARS-CoV-2 contamination is discussed. Next, an airborne microplastic has been reported in urban areas, raising health concerns since aerosols are considered a possible route of SARS-CoV-2 disease transmission and bind to airborne MP surfaces. The MPs can be removed from wastewater through conventional treatment processes with physical processes such as screening, grit chambers, and pre-sedimentation.
Insights
Microplastics (MPs) and SARS-CoV-2 interact, impacting environmental and health concerns. Advanced water treatments show promise for removing MPs and mitigating virus contamination, though continuous discharge remains a challenge.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are global pollutants with increasing environmental damage.
- Emerging pollutants like MPs pose threats to human, animal, and ecological health.
- MPs are found in air, water, and soil, with inhalation and ingestion risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between microplastics and SARS-CoV-2.
- To analyze advanced water treatment methods for MP removal and SARS-CoV-2 mitigation.
- To address health concerns associated with airborne MPs and virus transmission.
Main Methods:
- Review of advanced water treatment processes (membrane bioreactors, oxidation, adsorption).
- Analysis of MP removal efficiency in conventional wastewater treatment.
- Discussion of SARS-CoV-2 contamination mitigation strategies.
Main Results:
- Advanced water treatments are effective for MP removal.
- MPs can act as a pathway for SARS-CoV-2 transmission, especially airborne.
- Conventional wastewater treatment removes MPs through physical processes.
Conclusions:
- Understanding MP-SARS-CoV-2 interactions is crucial.
- Integrated water treatment strategies are needed to combat MP and virus pollution.
- Continued research is necessary to manage environmental and health risks.
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