Survival and Fate of Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in Water and Wastewater: Possible Health Concerns

Abstract

The deadly Covid-19 virus is contagious in nature and spreads through human respiratory droplets. Knowing about the characteristics of coronavirus in the water cycle is critical to save human lives. Recently miniscule traces of novel coronavirus found in non-potable water samples. COVID-19 virus is also found to exist in fecal matter indicating that the disease might spread through fecal- oral transmission. It is reported that Coronaviruses can remain infectious for days or even longer periods in sewage water as well as in the potable water. Coronavirus-infested water is a possible agency for human exposure and further transmission of disease. Essentially, the persons working at the wastewater/ sewage treatment plants must use standard hygiene practices, and sports personnel protective equipment to avoid viral infection. Though most water treatment practices are believed to kill or remove coronaviruses effectively in drinking and wastewater, but their effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 needs extensive research. By maintaining the hygienic conditions and providing the amenities of clean drinking water, one can deal with any contagious disease including COVID-19. Keeping above in view, in this paper highlights the survival and fate of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in water and wastewater and discuss the possible health concerns, besides the importance of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE).