Global occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in environmental aquatic matrices and its implications for sanitation and vulnerabilities in Brazil and developing countries

ABSTRACT

This paper includes a systematic review of the SARS-CoV-2 occurrence in environmental aquatic matrices and a critical sanitation analysis. We discussed the interconnection of sanitation services (wastewater, water supply, solid waste, and stormwater drainage) functioning as an important network for controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in waters. We collected 98 studies containing data of the SARS-CoV-2 occurrence in aquatic matrices around the world, of which 40% were from developing countries. Alongside a significant number of people infected by the virus, developing countries face socioeconomic deficiencies and insufficient public investment in infrastructure. Therefore, our study focused on highlighting solutions to provide sanitation in developing countries, considering the virus control in waters by disinfection techniques and sanitary measures, including alternatives for the vulnerable communities. The need for multilateral efforts to improve the universal coverage of sanitation services demands urgent attention in a pandemic scenario.

KEYWORDS:

• Wastewater
• vulnerable communities
• public health
• COVID-19

Authors’ contribution

Gleyson B. Castro: Conceptualization, Investigation, Formal analysis, Writing - Original Draft, Reviewing and Editing Aline C. Bernegossi: Conceptualization, Investigation, Formal analysis, Writing - Original Draft, Reviewing and Editing Bruno José de O. Sousa: Investigation, Formal analysis, Writing - Original Draft, Reviewing and Editing Mara R. de Lima e Silva: Investigation, Formal analysis, Writing - Original Draft, Reviewing and Editing Fernando R. da Silva: Investigation, Formal analysis, Writing - Original Draft, Reviewing and Editing Bárbara Luíza S. Freitas: Investigation, Formal analysis, Writing - Original Draft, Reviewing and Editing Allan P. Ogura: Investigation, Formal analysis, Writing - Original Draft, Reviewing and Editing Juliano J. Corbi: Supervision and Reviewing

Disclosure Statement

No potential competing interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.